To truly appreciate the Grand Canyon’s magnificence, you have to venture below its rim and experience it from within! Starting in Flagstaff, AZ, this 4-day, 3-night backpacking adventure will take us along the remote, rugged, and spectacularly beautiful South Rim in-canyon loop trails near the meandering Colorado River. The best part? You don’t have to worry about a thing! Camp logistics are all sorted, and we’ll even sleep and swim on secluded beaches of the Colorado River! Permits? Taken care of. Backpacking experience? Not necessary. All you need is a love for outdoor adventure and a desire to truly experience the Grand Canyon—beyond the tourist vantage points. Don’t miss this one!
Experience the Grand Canyon like never before with a 4-day, 3-night backpacking adventure starting in Flagstaff, AZ. Hike through remote and rugged South Rim inner-canyon loops near the Colorado River. Enjoy scenic campsites, including secluded river beaches, without worrying about logistics—permits, meals, roundtrip transportation from Flagstaff, and gear are all included. Perfect for all experience levels, this guided tour offers breathtaking views, challenging trails, and a chance to truly immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon’s natural beauty.
This Grand Canyon backpacking adventure always takes place in the remote and rugged South Rim inner-canyon loops, regardless of the date. Trails may include variations of the Hermit-Bright Angel loop, Hermit-Boucher loop, and New Hance-Grandview loop, ranging from 22 to 30 miles (35 to 48 km) in total. While the exact distance, camp locations, and direction of each trek may vary depending on the chosen date, here is a representative itinerary to give you a good idea of what your Grand Canyon experience will look like!
On the evening before your trek start date, we’ll meet at 6pm for a one-hour group orientation and pack check in the main lobby of Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ. Backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags will be provided to those who requested them. We’ll also get to know each other and our team, preview the trail, and discuss safety before getting a good night’s sleep.
We’ll meet in the lobby of Little America Hotel, Flagstaff, at 5am, then head out to the trailhead. Our hike begins with a steep 3,000 ft (914 m) descent toward the Tonto Platform, an inner plateau within the Canyon roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) above the Colorado River. Travel on day one will be slow and methodical as we manage the rugged trail, steep descents, limited access to water, and changing temperatures. Expect 8 to 10 hours of trail time (including breaks) for the 7 to 9 mile (11 to 14 km) day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
On the second day, the trail typically undulates until we drop below the Tonto’s ledge, above the gorge floor, and into one of the many side canyons and washes that lead to the Colorado River. A quick descent will bring us to a creek bed floor which we will follow out to the Colorado River and camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After a leisurely evening or morning by the river, we’ll retrace our steps and then continue up and onto the Tonto trail. This day typically offers some of the most impressive views of the Grand Canyon. While hiking the Tonto, you can see a thousand feet (305 m) down into the inner gorge, thousands of feet (hundreds of meters) up to the Canyon’s rim, and miles (kilometers) across the Canyon divide within the same breathtaking glance.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
An early, pre-sunrise start will move us up and into the multi-layered, multi-colored walls of the Grand Canyon as we climb almost 4,000 ft (1,219 m) to exit the trail and return to civilization. After celebrating as a team, we’ll return to Flagstaff, then head home with amazing stories to share.
Meals: Breakfast
The exact guides featured on the listing are not guaranteed to lead the tour. If unavailable at the time, they will be replaced by a guide that’s available.
Any of the TSX Grand Canyon Challenges are going to be absolutely amazing. The routes that TSX will guide you along will leave you speechless as you soak in the magnificent beauty of Grand Canyon National Park. I have had the pleasure of being on two different routes with TSX in the last two years and as an Arizona native, the canyon never fails to impress me. The guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and helpful. You would think that with all the hiking in the canyon that you’re going to lose a few pounds along the way, but you can rest assured that the guides will prepare you meals fit for royalty. I can’t say enough good things about about the TSX Team and their amazing trips into one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Grand Canyon trip of a lifetime. My wife and I did the Route with some friends and other team members we met as part of the group. (Go Scorpions) Chris was our guide and made us feel super at ease from the time we met on video preps when he asked us if we wanted our trek to be “spicy” all the way to the final meal on the trip home! The TSX experience started right away with plenty of prep and communication in the months leading up to the trip. My wife and I were prepared for the “hiking” but not gravity of the experience. The route was challenging, beautiful and spiritual. We saw things we would have never seen on our own and learned things about ourselves we would have never learned on our own. The only bad thing is finding the time and choosing what our next TSX adventure will be!
When I first saw the Grand Canyon as a tourist, I was so amazed. But I’ve also wondered how it looks like below the rim. The Colorado river also piqued my interest. I did a trek with TSX before, so when I saw that they have a Grand Canyon trek, I knew I have to sign up. I know how well planned and organized TSX’s treks are, and this trek was no different. The hike down was a bit challenging and our guide, Dave, keeps saying that it would be easier going back up on last day. I was a bit skeptical but he was right! The trek was better than I expected, the views, the Colorado river, the meals, everything! One advantage of doing a backpacking trip with TSX is meeting new people who are up for adventure. I felt more inspired after getting to know the people on our team, they’re a group of friends/family, and I was just really amazed with their wit, humor and endurance. It was definitely an experience I would never forget and one that I can really say, was worth every step.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
While a basic level of physical fitness and some hiking experience are required, participants range from grade-schoolers to grandparents, and mothers to marines. The key is your commitment to succeed. You should be able to handle daily hikes ranging from 5-10 miles (8-16 km) with elevation changes between 1,000-4,000 feet (300-1,200 m). A fully-loaded pack will weigh between 30-40 lbs (14-18 kg), or 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg) for youth. If that seems fine with you, you’re good to go. If, on the other hand, you think you’re not up to the challenge, you can always prepare in the months leading up to the trip.
Absolutely! Beginners with a solid level of fitness are welcome on this Grand Canyon backpacking trip. All major gear is provided at no extra cost, and all logistics, permits, and group gear are handled. If you have the will, the way will be shown to you, ensuring a positive and supportive experience.
Preparation is key to enjoying the Grand Canyon adventure. Start by building a basic level of physical fitness, focusing on endurance and strength to handle a fully-loaded pack weighing 30-40 lbs (14-18 kg). Practice hiking, preferably in hilly terrain, with a pack, gradually increasing the weight and distance. Join with confidence, knowing full support, scheduled breaks, and guidance are provided to ensure a successful and memorable trek.
Personal backcountry equipment will be provided by your guide upon request. If you want to bring your own, you’ll need:
Here’s a list of the clothing items you need to bring:
Here’s a list of footwear items you need to bring:
Here’s a list of personal items you need to bring:
Group backpacking equipment (as indicated under What’s included?) will be provided by the guide. Make sure to bring clothing appropriate for the season/forecast and for unexpected weather conditions. Your list may be different for different seasons. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list with the guide prior to departure.
Campsites during this Grand Canyon backpacking trip are best described as scenic, offering you the unique opportunity to sleep on the beaches of the Colorado River! That said, you won’t have to worry about camping logistics. If you request a backpack, sleeping bag, or tent, it will be provided and waiting for you at the trailhead — you just have to bring clothing and personal items in a duffel bag. If you’re bringing your own gear, please bring it to the gear check on Day 0 for final arrangements. All group gear, including cooking utensils, first aid kits, stoves, water filters, and more, is covered.
For main meals, your guides will prepare delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Cooking is a social activity, and your participation and curiosity are always welcome. Dietary preferences/restrictions can usually be accommodated, so please note any specific concerns during booking. There will be hot water and Starbucks Via coffee available each morning, along with a selection of caffeinated and herbal teas, hot chocolate, and spiced cider. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker (more than 2 cups a day), consider bringing extra packets from home.
Regarding snacks, each hiker will receive a personalized snack bag at the trailhead with energy bars, trail mix, and dried fruit. Feel free to bring a few of your favorite snacks from home, but don’t go overboard.
For the safety of your pet, visitors, and wildlife, pets are not allowed on trails below the rim. For more details on regulations and pet-friendly areas, visit the National Park Service website.
Group sizes and pricing
Backpacking in the Grand Canyon can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Flagstaff, the starting point of the adventure, most people fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and take a shuttle to Flagstaff.
Participants are expected to meet their guide at 6pm at the lobby of the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, followed by group orientation and a gear check. We suggest securing a lodging reservation in Flagstaff, AZ as soon as your trek dates are confirmed.
Since your guide will be hosting a pre-trek orientation at the Little America Hotel and will depart from there on the morning of our hike, staying there may be a good option (prices range from $125 to $175). The nearby hotels on Lucky Lane are also a popular option and within walking distance (prices typically $75-$105). If you plan on staying somewhere else, just let your guide know where you end up and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.
With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Any of the TSX Grand Canyon Challenges are going to be absolutely amazing. The routes that TSX will guide you along will leave you speechless as you soak in the magnificent beauty of Grand Canyon National Park. I have had the pleasure of being on two different routes with TSX in the last two years and as an Arizona native, the canyon never fails to impress me. The guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and helpful. You would think that with all the hiking in the canyon that you’re going to lose a few pounds along the way, but you can rest assured that the guides will prepare you meals fit for royalty. I can’t say enough good things about about the TSX Team and their amazing trips into one of the world’s most beautiful places.