Grand Canyon Backpacking – South Rim
4 days from Doubletree Grand Key Resort to Doubletree Grand Key Resort
From $ 899
Duration4 days
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A challenging 4-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon’s South Rim brings extraordinary views and exceptional feelings of personal accomplishment. The Grand Canyon—with its rugged trails and unforgettable scenery—is truly one of America's greatest natural wonders. Avid backpackers around the world seek out its mystic depths in search of a true personal challenge. This strenuous trip is designed for experienced and fit backpackers. We hike on steep, rocky trails with dramatic elevation gains and losses. Our reward is the time spent below the rim—an experience unlike any other, and a milestone accomplishment for avid backpackers. Along our way from the South rim to the Colorado River at the Canyon's floor, we see astounding rock formations, springs and waterfalls, and fossils and relics revealing the immense history of the region. During rest stops, we take in awe-inspiring views and cool off in the canyon’s waters. Camp beneath starry skies, enjoying delicious meals and good stories with new friends. An early start means cooler temperatures we make our ascent to the canyon rim. Enjoy dramatic views of the wide chasm as we revel in our accomplishments. Also check out our North Rim backpacking itinerary for more options to explore this national treasure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 4 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Doubletree Grand Key Resort
    Physical Grading: Challenging
  • Ends in: Doubletree Grand Key Resort
    Ages: 18+
Grand Canyon Women’s Backpacking - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to the Grand Canyon! We begin our descent into the canyon.

Start place: Doubletree Grand Key Resort

Meet your guides and the other group members inside Grand Canyon National Park at South Rim Market Plaza in front of the General Store at 8am sharp. We'll use this time for a brief orientation, group gear distribution, and a pack check. Shortly thereafter we caravan to the trailhead where stunning views await. Our legs warm up quickly as we begin our descent along the steep and rocky trail into the canyon. At camp, guides prepare our meal. A canopy of stars rewards us after a long day. Dinner included.
Backpacking: 8-10 miles; Elevation loss: 4,400'
Meals: D
Day 2-3: Continuing our exploration, we move on to our next camp.
After a hearty breakfast each morning, we pack up and hike to our next camp. Depending on our route, we'll see spectacular sites like Hance Rapids, the Grand Canyon Supergroup Layers, Redwall Cliffs, Vishnu Temple, and the Colorado River—amazing examples from 1.7 billion years of Earth's geological history. Scenery includes beautiful river views, other-worldly rock formations, and ample stargazing. We end our days at a comfortable camp and recharge with a freshly-prepared dinner. Breakfast and Dinner included
Backpacking: 5-11 miles; elevation gain/loss varies depending on route.
Meals: D
Day 4: We make our exit hike up to the rim, taking in final views of the Grand Canyon.
Today we make our exit ascent to the canyon rim. An early start takes advantage of the coolest part of the day as we climb up the rocky trail. Depending on time, we may make a brief side trip for more views of the canyon. At the rim, we take in a final view of this dramatic chasm and say our goodbyes. Finishing time is generally in the late afternoon but can vary greatly based on trail and weather conditions, hiking speed of the entire group and other circumstances beyond our control. As a result, we recommend postponing travel plans until the following day. Breakfast included.
Backpacking: 8-9 miles; Elevation gain: 3,500-4,000'
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.

End place: Doubletree Grand Key Resort

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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