Included: Experienced, medically-trained, Wilderness First Responder hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area 5 days of Rim-to-Rim backpacking through the Grand Canyon* Hotel accommodation in Kanab pre and post trip (double occupancy—inquire about single occupancy) Breakfast and dinner while in Kanab Trailhead transport from and to Kanab Team cooking, camping, and first-aid equipment, water purification and/or water resupply Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trail (possible to accommodate dietary restrictions) Human waste bags (where required) Campsite fees and overnight permits Not included: Transportation to Kanab, Utah Lunches in Kanab Personal gear (tent, sleeping bag) Personal snacks Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional *Due to a North Kaibab Trail closure for repairs, our October 2026 departures run as Rim-to-River-to-Rim itineraries —same trip length and price, starting and finishing on the South Rim. Based out of Kanab, we drive you to the South Rim, descend to Bright Angel at the river, and climb back out—the same rim you started on. No cross-canyon shuttle needed. This itinerary is slightly less difficult than the classic Rim-to-Rim one.

How fit do I need to be?

This Rim-to-Rim traversal might pose a challenge even to avid adventurers. In general, good physical fitness is required, previous hiking experience is required . Previous backpacking experience is helpful. As you’ll be hiking for 8-12 miles (13 to 19 km) per day for several days in a row , you must be in great shape. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying a +35 lbs (+15 kg) backpack, doing up to 5,000 ft (1,524 m) of vertical ascent per day . The terrain can be rough and very steep at times, so good physical fitness is paramount. Due to the significant elevation changes, you should also prepare for extreme temperature swings and wildly varying conditions on the trail.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 55-60L bag) Sleeping bag (rated to 20 degrees or warmer) Sleeping pad Personal snacks Personal bowl, cup, and spoon Water bottle or hydration bladder (4L capacity) Hiking attire Hiking boots Spare clothes for layering Down jacket Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) 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 age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this backpacking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 9 guests (with 2 guides). Overnight permits for Grand Canyon backpacking adventures become available three months prior to departure and are competitive in nature. Your guides take care of all permitting requirements on your behalf and will reconfirm the details of your departure as soon as they have permits in hand. In the event that they are unsuccessful in obtaining permits for your scheduled dates and itinerary, they will work with you to establish an alternative and/or provide a refund for any fees already paid. This Grand Canyon backpacking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Can I book a private tour or a day-long Rim-to-Rim hike?

Private trips are possible to arrange! Even if the displayed dates don’t work for you, please contact us—we’ll work with you to arrange a trip for you and your group (even co-ed is possible in this case). As for day-long hikes, please note that commercial guides are not permitted to organize one-day rim-to-rim hikes in the Grand Canyon due to safety concerns. There is a minimum of two days/one night to cross the Canyon, and we would be happy to organize a private trip that meets these regulations, just reach out to us !

Are pets allowed in the Grand Canyon?

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 .

Getting there and meeting location

There are multiple options to reach Kanab , the city where you’ll stay a day prior to and after the backpacking trip. Most people fly into one of these three major airports: Harry Read International Airport (LAS) near Las Vegas, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) , and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) . From there, the best option would be renting a car—depending on the chosen airport, it will take you anywhere between 3 and 5.5 hours to get to Kanab. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be at your hotel at 5 pm.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.

Grand Canyon | Arizona

All-Women Rim-to-Rim Backpacking Adventure in the Grand Canyon

5 days | Moderate to Challenging | 4.75

From $2,450 ()

Book a call

The park’s grandiose steep-walled canyons rising above the carving Colorado river truly are a sight to behold. But do you have what it takes to join the 1% of the bold ones that actually set out on a 23-mile journey below the rim? Embark on a 5-day Rim to Rim backpacking tour with a group of likeminded women looking for a new challenge in the great outdoors and discover the remoteness of trails meandering through the deep canyon. With the guidance of experienced guides and the camaraderie of your fellow hikers, you will push the limits of your comfort zone, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Sunny

Adventure Highlights

Journey through the heart of the canyon: 1.8 billion years old display of geological marvel and colorful landscapes
Trek across the canyon’s vast expanse: Treat yourself to profound solitude an otherworldly sights with support of other women
Excellent foray into remote backcountry travel: Set up your camp in one of the 7 natural wonders and sleep under the twinkling stars

Duration

5 days

Season

May through October

Group size

Up to 9 people

Accommodation

Standard, Comfort: Hotel pre and post-trip, camping in tents during the hike

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Rim-to-Rim trek is a 23-mile journey through the heart of Grand Canyon—and who better to accompany you on this adventure than a team of like-minded women. This backpacking trail makes you work hard for its endless riches, such as ombre-hued rock formations and colorful walls, so be prepared to push the limits of your comfort zone. Over the course of several days, you’ll trek from North to South Rim, and with the guidance of experienced guides and the camaraderie of your fellow hikers, you’ll create memories for a lifetime.

Day 1: Pre-trip prep

Check into your hotel in Kanab after 5 pm. You’ll then have a trip briefing and a gear check with your guide. Meet your trip buddies over a welcome dinner at 7 pm.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kanab

Day 2: Get on the trail

Meet your guide and your group at 9 am at the Dreamland Safari Tours office at 406 East 300 South, Kanab, Utah 84741. You can leave cars or extra bags there. Get transferred to the North Rim and start the backpacking trip! After lunch on the trailhead, continue the descent into the canyon. Establish camp for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camp

Day 3: Inner canyon explorations

Today you’re doing inner canyon explorations. This includes The Box, Bright Angel Creek, and Phantom Ranch. Campsite selection and precise itinerary are dependent on permit allocations.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camp

Day 4: To the South Rim

A hiker on a cliffside trail in the Grand Canyon

On the last day in the Canyon, you’ll be ascending to the South Rim. Expect up to 4,400 ft (1,341 m) of vertical gain. You’ll get picked up at the trailhead and returned to Kanab. Check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Meet with your team and your guide one last time for a celebratory dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kanab

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast, it’s time to leave. If you’d like to spend more time in the area, just ask your guides for recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast

October 2026 departures disclaimer

Due to a North Kaibab Trail closure for repairs, our October 2026 departures run as Rim-to-River-to-Rim itineraries—same trip length and price, starting and finishing on the South Rim.

Based out of Kanab, we drive you to the South Rim, descend to Bright Angel at the river, and climb back out—the same rim you started on. No cross-canyon shuttle needed. This itinerary is slightly less difficult than the classic Rim-to-Rim one.

Important note

The itinerary might change slightly based on weather conditions. The guides will monitor the weather forecast and communicate any changes well in advance.

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Adventure, packed to go

All-Women Rim-to-Rim Backpacking Adventure in the Grand Canyon

Adventure Brochure

Brochure and video trailer

Download the trip brochure and cinematic trailer—everything you need to plan, share, or start dreaming.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Sunny

Sunny led a career-oriented life as an international strategy consultant with a Harvard MBA until a formative adventure on Aconcagua made her drop everything and take on the outdoors full-time. Before long, her exploits on high-altitude hiking and climbing routes saw her breaking speed records worldwide. When she’s not traveling and setting FKTs left and right, Sunny organizes guided adventures, celebrates the sporting life and promotes female empowerment through her writing and photography.

What others say about this adventure

4.75 (4 reviews)

Pam J.

|September 2024

The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim did not disappoint. It was challenging, yet amazing, the canyon's breathtaking images unforgettable, and I feel privileged to have been able to go on this journey with such an amazing group of women. My only criticism is to cut down on pack weight, I would have preferred to carry all of my own food rather than the team's meals. AWE is the best, and I look forward to traveling with them again in the future.

Tina Q

Wow! Just wow! Everything I was hoping for and more. The geology was jaw dropping, the trip organization was stellar, and Sunny’s intimate knowledge of the canyon allowed us to see the little secrets that other will miss. But the best part was Sunny’s competency in not only leading the trip, but invoking a camaraderie and chemistry amongst a group of strangers that will inevitably lead to long term friendships. That is is a gift to all of us!

Andrea L

First class organization that cares about getting women into the wilderness with other women. From communication leading up to the trip to the actual in the mountains personal experience, AWExpeditions over the top delivers. I will work with this phenomenal expedition company again and gain.

Show all reviews

Pam J.

|September 2024

Tina Q

Andrea L

janet b.

|May 2025

Good. Several small problems. Someone that could barely do this hike slowed the group up. She needed her own guide. Not sure how you would screen for this.

Things to know

Included:
- - Experienced, medically-trained, Wilderness First Responder hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5 days of Rim-to-Rim backpacking through the Grand Canyon*
  - Hotel accommodation in Kanab pre and post trip (double occupancy—inquire about single occupancy)
  - Breakfast and dinner while in Kanab
  - Trailhead transport from and to Kanab
  - Team cooking, camping, and first-aid equipment, water purification and/or water resupply
  - Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trail (possible to accommodate dietary restrictions)
  - Human waste bags (where required)
  - Campsite fees and overnight permits
Not included:
- - Transportation to Kanab, Utah
  - Lunches in Kanab
  - Personal gear (tent, sleeping bag)
  - Personal snacks
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
*Due to a North Kaibab Trail closure for repairs, our October 2026 departures run as Rim-to-River-to-Rim itineraries—same trip length and price, starting and finishing on the South Rim.

Based out of Kanab, we drive you to the South Rim, descend to Bright Angel at the river, and climb back out—the same rim you started on. No cross-canyon shuttle needed. This itinerary is slightly less difficult than the classic Rim-to-Rim one.
This Rim-to-Rim traversal might pose a challenge even to avid adventurers. In general, good physical fitness is required, previous hiking experience is required. Previous backpacking experience is helpful.

As you’ll be hiking for 8-12 miles (13 to 19 km) per day for several days in a row, you must be in great shape. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying a +35 lbs (+15 kg) backpack, doing up to 5,000 ft (1,524 m) of vertical ascent per day. The terrain can be rough and very steep at times, so good physical fitness is paramount. Due to the significant elevation changes, you should also prepare for extreme temperature swings and wildly varying conditions on the trail.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 55-60L bag)
  - Sleeping bag (rated to 20 degrees or warmer)
  - Sleeping pad
  - Personal snacks
  - Personal bowl, cup, and spoon
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (4L capacity)
  - Hiking attire
  - Hiking boots
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Down jacket
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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.

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Group sizes and prices:
- - For this backpacking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 9 guests (with 2 guides).
  - Overnight permits for Grand Canyon backpacking adventures become available three months prior to departure and are competitive in nature. Your guides take care of all permitting requirements on your behalf and will reconfirm the details of your departure as soon as they have permits in hand. In the event that they are unsuccessful in obtaining permits for your scheduled dates and itinerary, they will work with you to establish an alternative and/or provide a refund for any fees already paid. ‌
This Grand Canyon backpacking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Private trips are possible to arrange! Even if the displayed dates don’t work for you, please contact us—we’ll work with you to arrange a trip for you and your group (even co-ed is possible in this case).

As for day-long hikes, please note that commercial guides are not permitted to organize one-day rim-to-rim hikes in the Grand Canyon due to safety concerns. There is a minimum of two days/one night to cross the Canyon, and we would be happy to organize a private trip that meets these regulations, just reach out to us!
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.
There are multiple options to reach Kanab, the city where you’ll stay a day prior to and after the backpacking trip. Most people fly into one of these three major airports: Harry Read International Airport (LAS) near Las Vegas, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). From there, the best option would be renting a car—depending on the chosen airport, it will take you anywhere between 3 and 5.5 hours to get to Kanab.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be at your hotel at 5 pm.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.
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.
- If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
- If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
- If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
- Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

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