6 Days | Hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim in winter and sleep under the stars
Hike the Grand Canyon’s most famous trails, see both rims in winter and experience diverse micro-climates on an epic six-day hiking adventure. This trip takes you down the South Kaibab Trail, which has arguably the best views in the Grand Canyon, up the North Kaibab Trail to the North Rim and back to the South Rim via the spectacular Bright Angel Trail. Starting and finishing on the South Rim, you’ll see waterfalls, Native American ruins, box canyons and more – it’s an incredible adventure. Sleep under the stars, see all the best sights and take in spectacular Grand Canyon views without the crowds on this very special small group hiking trip.
Trip overview
- Start
- Flagstaff, United States
- Finish
- Flagstaff, United States
- Theme
- Walking & trekking, Winter Active
- Destinations
- United States
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 12
- Group size
- Min 2 - Max 9
- Trip code
- SKXWG
- During winter at the Grand Canyon, there are less tourists and snow regularly dusts the ground and the dramatic canyon valleys and peaks, creating a spectacular sight.
- See both the South Rim and the less-visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon and cross the Colorado River near Phantom Ranch.
- Soak up the pristine natural surroundings in camping spots that put you right in the heart of stunning wilderness areas with top-of-the-line tents and all your camping gear provided.
- Enjoy freshly prepared, delicious backcountry dinners prepared by your leader and admire sparkling stars overhead if the weather is clear.
- This is a hiking and backpacking trip so a good fitness level is essential to participate in all the included hikes and activities.
- This trip involves hiking from 4.8 to 13.6 miles (8 to 22 km) per day with a total trip distance of 44 miles (71 km). The maximum daily elevation gain/loss is 4800 feet (1463 m). Please check the trip itinerary for more details.
- On this trip, you’ll be required to carry a backpack weighing approximately 35-45 lb (16- 20 kg).
- The Grand Canyon is prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. On winter trips, there can be snow and the temperature often drops to minus 7 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) in the evening. It is important to be fully prepared and follow the recommended clothing list closely.
- Winter weather can be unpredictable in the Grand Canyon so we may need to make itinerary changes to keep the group safe and well at all times. If this occurs, we will do our best to find comparable activities and experiences.
- Please Note: Due to a temporary trail closure of the Bright Angel Trail, this trip will be modified between December 1, 2023 and February 28, 2024. We will spend a layover day at Bright Angel Campground on Day 5, and then hike out the South Kaibab Trail on Day 6. You can still expect the same breathtaking views, time at the Colorado River, fascinating geology and amazing camping!
Itinerary
Inclusions
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Private vehicle
Camping (5 nights)
- South Rim - South Kaibab Trail Hike
- Grand Canyon - South Kaibab Trail via Angel Box Canyon to Cottonwood Campground Hike
- Grand Canyon - Cottonwood Campground to North Rim Hike
- Grand Canyon - North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground Hike
- Grand Canyon -Bright Angel Trail via Pipe Creek to Havasupai Garden Campground Hike
- Grand Canyon - Bright Angel Trail Hike
Dates and availability
Important notes
It is strongly recommended to book your Grand Canyon backpacking trip 5 months in advance due to the Park’s permit system. Backpacking permits are issued on the first of the month 4+ months in advance. Permits for the most popular trips sell out very quickly during the initial lottery, so registering prior to the deadline of the month you’re interested in is highly beneficial.
1. Please note this trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 30 days out from departure. We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided of monies paid.
2. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
5.This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking, an Intrepid company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Intrepid customers.
6. Please note, a pre-trip orientation meeting will take place at 5:00 PM day before trip starts at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. Early on the morning of day 1, between 4am and 7am, you will be picked up from that hotel and we also recommend you book a pre tour night there. This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.
7. A single tent is provided to all solo travellers at no extra cost.
8. Please Note: Due to a temporary trail closure of the Bright Angel Trail, this trip will be modified between December 1, 2023 and February 28, 2024. We will spend a layover day at Bright Angel Campground on Day 5, and then hike out the South Kaibab Trail on Day 6. You can still expect the same breathtaking views, time at the Colorado River, fascinating geology and amazing camping!
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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