If walls could talk, the Grand Canyon would have stories to fill libraries. This 5-day Rim-to-Rim hiking tour is your backstage pass to nature’s greatest show. From camaraderie in starlit camps to jaw-dropping views that make your social feed jealous, every step will leave you speechless. We’ll hike the iconic corridors, chase waterfalls, and enjoy guide-prepared gourmet meals worthy of their own fan club. By the time we hit the other rim, you’ll be looking back with sore legs, but with a heart full of awe, and with memories worth their weight in gold. Let’s rewrite what you think “grand” really means!
Discover the Grand Canyon like never before on this Rim-to-Rim hiking adventure with expert guiding. Over five days, traverse legendary trails through steep corridors and lush oases, with stops at secret waterfalls and sweeping vantage points. Camp under the dazzling night sky, feast on freshly made gourmet meals that revive both body and spirit, and soak in the serenity of nature far from the crowds. Once the tour finishes, you’ll have earned every breathtaking view and every precious memory made. Let’s do this!
After the transport from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, you’ll meet with the tour guide at the Grand Canyon Visitors Center for a pack check. After that, the group will make their way into the canyon for the first night in a backcountry camp under the stars.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Backcountry campsite
Over the next two days, dive deep into the heart of the Grand Canyon along its iconic main corridor trails. You’ll navigate switchbacks, cross rugged terrain, and take in breathtaking views that stretch endlessly into the horizon. Stops along the way include cascading waterfalls, hidden oases, and picture-perfect lookouts. Your guide will prepare fresh, satisfying meals to keep your energy high for the day’s adventures. Nights will be spent in cozy backcountry camps, where you can swap stories, stargaze, and revel in the canyon’s serene beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Backcountry campsite
The journey to the other rim begins, with trails that challenge and inspire as we ascend toward the canyon’s edge. Along the way, the sun-drenched views and ever-changing colors of the rock formations will remind us why this landscape is a global treasure. After hours of rewarding hiking, the day concludes with a stunning sunset view from the rim, painting the canyon in shades of gold, orange, and purple. We’ll share a hearty meal and reflect on the incredible path covered so far.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Backcountry campsite
After a breakfast feast, we’ll shuttle back to the other side of the canyon, say our goodbyes, and depart back home filled with memories of this amazing 5-day hiking tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Our class went fantastic! James was super patient and friendly. I would highly recommend this course and James to all my friends. Thanks.
Thank you so much for the experience! I had so much fun! I am definitely doing this again!
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
This Rim-to-Rim hiking adventure of the Grand Canyon is rated moderate, meaning that previous backpacking experience and overnight camping is encouraged. Some routes can be a bit challenging, so they may not be enjoyable for beginners. Although the classic hiking route is beginner-friendly, everyone will carry a backpack on this tour, and that fact alone can make the tour somewhat harder.
For more hiking adventures in the Grand Canyon, click here!
All group trips are decided by a lottery system set by the parks. When a person signs up, the guide takes care of all the permits so you don’t have to. The exact date and route depend on the lottery results required by the NPS for Grand Canyon trips.
The rim-to-rim hike is one of the most popular trips in the Grand Canyon and is thus subject to an extremely competitive permit lottery system. Even if you book the trip, securing a permit is not guaranteed.
The Grand Canyon’s permit process is complicated, but your guides will take care of everything so you don’t have to worry about it! The park issues backpacking permits through a lottery system 4+ months in advance. As permits for popular trips sell out immediately during the initial lottery, it’s important to sign up for wanted dates before the process begins.
Early bird booking doesn’t guarantee a spot but you will be the first one to know once the permits are secured.
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.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Rim-to-Rim hikes can be arranged for larger 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.
The starting point of your rim-to-rim hike is Flagstaff, AR. To get there, most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). From there, you can use public transport or rent a car to reach Flagstaff.
Once you’re there, a shuttle will transfer you to meet your guide at a predetermined time in the Grand Canyon Visitors Center, Lot #4. Your guide will provide more details before the trip starts.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Early Bird booking
Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.
As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.
More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
We had a great time. Our guide James Gallant was awesome. He was patient, knowledgeable, and gave us all individual attention. It was like having a private lesson, He was willing to continue as much as we wanted to keep going and made sure we had the basic skills down.