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Hiking and Camping in Grand Canyon - South Rim


Visit the Grand Canyon in USA’s Arizona with this slow-paced trekking adventure. By hiking the south rim of the canyon, you’ll have the opportunity to really take in the sweeping panoramic views and rich cultural and geological history of the area. Spend each night in an official ‘dark sky’ region (yes – that means the stars will be on show in a dazzling nightly display) in a campsite with all the comfortable amenities you could need. Spend four days exploring pine forests, prehistoric rock faces, deep natural canyons and old mining trails while you enjoy views of the red and orange landscape and the Colorado River. End your trip with a visit to the Desert View Watch Tower, followed by a hike through the ancient stone house ruins of Flagstaff and the youngest cinder cone volcano of the southwest.

4 days, from

$1,850

per person

GROUP SIZE

9 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

4
Trip code: SKXR
Style: Basix
Theme: Walking & Trekking

Details

Countries Visited: 
Accommodation: Camping (3 nights)
Transportation: Private vehicle
Included Meals:

  • 4 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 3 dinners

Group size: Minimum 2, Max 9
Minimum Age: 12

  • Explore the expanse of Arizona’s Grand Canyon on foot and get the opportunity to really take in the sweeping views of this incredible and diverse landscape.

  • Take a walking and trekking trip without forgoing comfort – you’ll stay at the same campsite every night, with comfortable facilities, toilets, showers and delicious meals prepared by your leader.

  • Gain insight into the rich geological and cultural history of the land that surrounds you, with local guides who are passionate about the area.

  • Hike through the south rim, full of canyon views, fossils, desert oases, mining ruins, Native American history and geologic phenomena.

  • Fall asleep under a star-studded sky every night – this area of Northern Arizona is officially a ‘dark sky’ region!

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Grand Canyon

Welcome to Arizona – home to the Grand Canyon, the star of your 4-day trekking trip. This morning, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Flagstaff and driven to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Drive through ancient ponderosa pine forests and high plateau grasslands and eventually reach the rim, where the initial views are sure to blow you away! The first leg of your hike today is on the South Kaibab Trail. Descend Cedar Ridge and make way for panoramic views of the canyon, as the ridge drops off on both sides. These views and the surrounding natural landscapes make the South Kaibab Trail one of the most photographed trails in the country. Look out for California condors as your trip leader gives you an insight into the geologic history of this famed spot. After your hike, head to camp, where a much-needed outdoor dinner will be prepared by your leader.

Day 2: Grand Canyon

Today’s hike takes you down one of the most scenic and breathtaking trails in Grand Canyon National Park. As you hike, your leader will continue to provide a deeper understanding of the geological marvels that surround you. The youngest (and highest) layer of rock is estimated to be roughly 250 million years old, and the rock at the bottom of the canyon is estimated to be over 2 billion years old. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the trail, then make your way back to the rim and to camp. Here, you’ll have some downtime before dinner to shower, relax in your tent, read a book in the shade of the pines, or go on a walk. Cap off the day with another outdoor dinner with the group.

Day 3: Grand Canyon

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head on the Grandview Trail, taking you down a series of exciting switchbacks with seemingly endless views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. The trail was built by one of Grand Canyon’s most famous miners, Pete Berry, in the late 1800s to extract some of the richest copper ore in the world. When his mine failed, he turned to tourism for a living, taking guests down his amazing, hand-cobbled trail. Descend through geologic and cultural history as you gaze into the depths of the canyon and take in the immense beauty of the landscape. After your hike, soak in a final evening under the dramatic night skies of Northern Arizona (officially a ‘dark sky’ region) and celebrate your Grand Canyon adventure with a final group dinner.

Day 4: Grand Canyon

Say goodbye to the canyon on a scenic drive out of the East Entrance. You’ll stop at the historic Desert View Watch Tower before returning to Flagstaff. On the way you’ll explore two very special Northern Arizona gems that are intimately connected with the Grand Canyon. Explore the remains of an ancient civilization from 900 years ago on a few short hikes into the ruins of stone houses. Then, take in the views of the youngest cinder cone volcano in the Southwest. Both places highlight the diversity of the peoples and landscapes in the Grand Canyon region and within Northern Arizona. Tonight, your trip will come to an end.