Hiking in the Grand Canyon: North & South Rims

This morning you will be picked up from Little America Hotel in Flagstaff to begin your journey to the North Rim of the magnificent Grand Canyon – this may be one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but the North Rim of the canyon receives just 10% of the visitors as the South Rim, meaning you’ll often feel like you have the place to yourself. With an altitude of 8000 ft, the North Rim also enjoys a cooler climate that’s ideal for hiking. On arrival, check into your lodge then head into the Grand Canyon National Park. Fuel up over lunch, then hit the spectacular North Kaibab Trail. This challenging but rewarding hike will lead you through a diverse range of ecosystems – your leaders will point out fascinating plant life along the way. The trail leads to the Coconino Overlook, where you’ll come upon a truly remarkable view of the canyon. Return to your lodge post-hike to freshen up and enjoy the evening as you please.

Are you ready for a wild day? Today’s hike weaves through forests of pine and aspen high up on the North Rim, and you may be sharing the trail with deer, coyotes, foxes, elk, mountain lions and half-breed wild buffalo. Pass ancient fossil beds as you venture towards the edge of the canyon – the plant life you walk through today is green and lush, in stark comparison to the desert ecosystems you’ll be exploring on the rest of your journey. Reach the edge of the canyon and make your way to an awe-inspiring viewpoint where the group will stop for lunch and take it all in. Make the most of this epic location and continue further along the rim before returning on the same trail. You’re in for a real treat for dinner this evening – your leaders will cook up a tasty meal which you’ll enjoy at an incredible viewpoint so you can chow down while you look around.

There’s still so much of the Grand Canyon to explore, so say goodbye to the North Rim and drive on to the South Rim (approximately 4 hours). This beautiful drive crosses the Little Colorado River and the Colorado River near Lee’s ferry, where you can see the Old Navajo Bridge hanging 467 ft above the water. You’ll have the chance to cross the bridge on foot and take some pictures of this scenic spot which marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon. If you’re lucky, you may spot some California Condors hanging out on the rafters beneath the bridge. Jump back in the vehicle and enter Grand Canyon National Park on the east side, stopping off at the famous Desert View Watchtower, built to resemble the Native American tower that once stood in its place centuries ago. The Desert View Drive then provides some jaw-dropping scenes as you make your way to the jumping off point for today’s hike along the Grandview Trail. The trail didn’t get its name by accident – on a clear day you can see for more than 100 miles from the top. First carved out by the native peoples of the Grand Canyon, the trail was expanded upon by miners in the 1890s, and relics of the mining days can still be seen today. Once today’s walk is done and dusted, take some time to put your feet up at your hotel, then head out to dinner at a historic restaurant perched along the canyon’s South Rim.

Begin the day by tackling the Hermit Trail, built by the Santa Fe Railroad to access Hermit Camp. Your leaders will point out prehistoric fossil beds within limestone and sandstone formations as you make your way to the striking Waldron Basin. Continue from this high desert valley to the top of the Red Wall, taking in unfathomable views of the canyon which seems to stretch down for miles below. What makes this trail particularly special is the 260-million-year-old reptile prints embossed in sandstone beside the path, complete with a swish of the creature’s tail. Reach your turnaround point at Dripping Springs, a water source that serves as a refuge among the arid landscape. Finish up with a short walk along the rim, then enjoy a downtime in your hotel this evening.

Rise bright and early for your final day exploring the Grand Canyon, checking out of your accommodation before travelling to the beginning of the South Kaibab Trail. Descend along the spine of the spectacular Cedar Ridge and come upon sweeping panoramic views of the Grand Canyon – perhaps the best in the whole park. Be sure to look up as well as down as California Condors are often spotted around these parts. After your hike, it’s time to return to where it all began, Flagstaff. You can expect to arrive at around 5pm, at which point your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay here, just get in touch ahead of time and we can arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).