Grand Canyon Backpacking – North Rim
4 days
From $ 899
Duration4 days
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  • Etepia
  • Grand Canyon Backpacking – North Rim

Four days spent on a challenging backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon gives us time to absorb the sheer magnitude of this vast expanse. Far below the rim, beyond the tourist crowds, our small-group journey from the North Rim to the Colorado River begins. Our first day takes us by the dramatic contours of the canyon wall to our amazing campsite overlooking the inner canyon. Venture past billions of years of geological history. Move beyond ancient fossils and flowing waterfalls and over steep and rocky trails. Experienced backpackers will revel in the physical demands of this journey, returning to camp each night exhausted but exhilarated. On day two, take an opportunity to cool off and explore the magical Thunder River area, one of the most remote and pristine parts of the region. An early call time on day three sets us on the trail for the hike to Deer Creek, considered by many to be the most beautiful spot in the canyon. An experience unlike any other, this journey is a rewarding milestone accomplishment for avid backpackers. Looking for alternate dates or itineraries? Check out our South Rim itinerary for another fantastic Grand Canyon backpacking experience.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 4 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Challenging
  • Ages: 18+
Grand Canyon Backpacking – North Rim - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hike down "50 Switchbacks" and over the Esplanade to our inner canyon camp.
Rise early and be sure to eat a hearty breakfast before meeting with your group at Honey's Marketplace in Kanab, Utah, at either 7AM or 8AM (depending on route). There will be an orientation and backpack check before we caravan in our personal vehicles to the trailhead. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours along paved and gravel roads that pass through beautiful forests. With a few final adjustments, we leave the trailhead to begin our descent into the canyon. Marine fossils can be found in the Kaibab and Toroweap Limestones as the trail drops through the Coconino layer. The notorious "50 Switchbacks" deposits us onto the Esplanade, where a long flat traverse takes us to our amazing campsite overlooking the inner canyon. Dinner included.
Backpacking: 6-11 miles; Elevation loss: 2,000-5,000'
Meals: D
Day 2: Hike along the Thunder and Colorado Rivers to our camp.
We will continue our journey today by following a break in the Redwall and making a steep descent further into the canyon. The stunning Tapeats Amphitheater comes into view to the east, and we quickly find one of the most amazing sights in the canyon: Thunder River, one of the steepest and shortest rivers in the world. The trail continues to follow the river to its confluence with Tapeats Creek and we soon have the opportunity to study the rare Grand Canyon Super Group layers as we hike to the Colorado River and our campsite for the night. We'll take many opportunities to cool off in the falls and creeks along the way with a final great plunge in the Colorado at the day's end. Breakfast and dinner included.
Backpacking: 7 miles; Elevation loss: 3,200'
Meals: D
Day 3: Hike to Deer Creek past rock formations and traces of past civilizations.
An early rise sets us on the trail for the hike to Deer Creek, considered by many to be the most beautiful spot in the canyon. The trail travels above the ancient basement schist and granite of the inner canyon with expansive views of the river and soaring rock formations. See remnants of the canyon's previous inhabitants, ancient Cambrian fossils, and lush springs and waterfalls. Breakfast and dinner included.
Backpacking: 8 miles; Elevation gain: 1,800'
Meals: D
Day 4: Make the challenging climb out for a last, scenic view from the rim.
We rise early and are rewarded with a beautiful, early morning hike in the coolest part of the day as we tackle the day's first difficult uphill climb. We retrace our steps across the Esplanade, back up the Switchbacks, with a final push through the Kaibab to the rim. Our finishing time varies due to many factors, so we recommend making return travel plans for the following day. Breakfast included.
Backpacking: 9 miles; Elevation gain: 3,200'
Note: Trip members will need to bring a variety of quick foods for snacks and lunch each day. Granola bars, drink mixes, trail mix, bagels, hard cheeses, salami, jerky, tuna packets (not cans), crackers, packets of nut butter (not jars), apples, etc. are all good choices.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Professional instruction and guiding
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • 2-person tents
  • group cooking gear
  • group first aid kit, water filter
  • campsite and backcountry permit fees

  • Accommodation

    Backcountry camping, 3 nights

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