Even Teddy Roosevelt claimed that every American should witness Grand Canyon’s unparalleled beauty. Take Teddy’s counsel and ditch the crowds—drop into the Canyon’s wild side on a guided 4-day, 25-mile adventure! This backpacking trip is not just gorgeous, it’s like a time machine: 250-million-year-old cliffs, billion-year-old bedrock, and the Colorado River carving right through it all. Visitors say pictures don’t do justice to its red-rock chasms, so see for yourself why Teddy’s right—after all, it is one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders!
Embark on a Grand Canyon guided backpacking trip that takes you far below the rim, exploring over 25 miles of remote, less-traveled trails! This adventure spans four days, with stunning desert landscapes, secluded Colorado River beaches perfect for swimming, vibrant sunsets, and breathtaking starry skies. Experience the rugged beauty and quiet magic of the canyon on a journey that blends challenge with unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Make your way to Flagstaff, AZ, where you’ll kick things off with a team meet-up, gear check, and orientation. Tomorrow you’ll start early, so get a good night’s sleep!
Accommodation: Little America Hotel or similar
We’ll hit the trail and descend—step by step—nearly 3,000 feet (900 m) to the Tonto Platform, where the canyon truly starts to show off.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Tent
We’ll continue below the Tonto ledge all the way to the canyon floor, where we’ll set up camp and cool off in the Colorado River.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tent
We make our way back up, with jaw-dropping Rim-to-Rim views and the chance to wander into hidden side canyons along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tent
We’ll start well before sunrise to beat the heat, climbing steadily up through the canyon’s vibrant layers to reach the rim. Back in Flagstaff by mid-afternoon, we’ll celebrate our adventure together!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Please note that trek dates may shift by a day or two until permits are finalized, typically four months before departure.
The Grand Canyon Challenge has been truly an amazing experience that I’ll remember for life! This is my first backpacking trip, and I’ve never carried a 30+lbs pack ever before. Looking back, I cannot believe I completed this challenge and can’t help but feeling so proud of myself. There so many things to remember for this trip – spectacular views, remote and rugged trails, awesome Team 4 Fab 5 members who supported me all the way through, and our guide who ensured my safety all along, cheered me up when I was pushing hard, and cooked awesome meals for all of us. I can’t wait to go out with TSX Challenge again for the next adventure!
The trip was first rate from beginning to end. I hiked the Grand Canyon with a group of women from Over50Outside who were all participating in #52hikechallenge. Several had never camped or backpacked before, a couple were veteran backpackers and there was everything in between. To a person, we all had an awesome time. Great views, challenging terrain and awesome food. Hiking with a backpack that was about 32 lbs did present its challenges-especially on the downhill. The heat also provided some challenges-bring plenty of electrolytes. You really couldn’t find a better organization for a backcountry challenge!
Included:
Not included:
In order to join this Grand Canyon guided backpacking trip, great fitness is required as you’ll be walking for four days in a row, covering over 25 miles (40 km) on some of the most remote, least-traveled routes in the canyon.
No matter your experience level, you have what it takes to train for a backpacking trip that will inspire for a lifetime. At typical day might look like this:
To prepare your body for backpacking you need to focus on cardio, core strength and balance. If you’re an active individual who runs, plays sports, hikes, exercises regularly, or is physically active at work, you’re on your way to success! For others, it takes time and planning to develop strength and endurance.
It’s recommended that you start training at least two to four months out from your departure date. Break out your calendar, set some goals and start planning.
For more hiking adventures in the Grand Canyon, click here!
A backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent are all included at no extra cost—but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Packs should be 60L or larger, and sleeping bags rated to 20°F or warmer.
Clothing
Weather-dependent clothing
Accessories
Footwear
Kitchen
Optional
Group sizes and pricing
Grand Canyon guided backpacking trips can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Grand Canyon guided backpacking trips is Flagstaff, AZ. To get there, most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Flagstaff—it takes between 2 and 3 hours.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide for an orientation, you’ll prep your gear, and review the trail ahead. Hotel stay for the night is included.
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
The Grand Canyon Challenge has been truly an amazing experience that I’ll remember for life! This is my first backpacking trip, and I’ve never carried a 30+lbs pack ever before. Looking back, I cannot believe I completed this challenge and can’t help but feeling so proud of myself. There so many things to remember for this trip – spectacular views, remote and rugged trails, awesome Team 4 Fab 5 members who supported me all the way through, and our guide who ensured my safety all along, cheered me up when I was pushing hard, and cooked awesome meals for all of us. I can’t wait to go out with TSX Challenge again for the next adventure!