Grand Canyon Hiking Tour for Women: 4-Day Backpacking Trip

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 4-day Grand Canyon backpacking adventure for women only
    • Transportation between Flagstaff, AZ area meeting point and trailhead
    • Camping equipment for the 3 nights in the backcountry — backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad available free of charge if needed
    • All meals and snacks while in the backcountry
    • Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, etc.)
    • Coffee, herbal tea, caffeinated tea, hot chocolate, spiced cider
    • Personalized pack-check prior to departure
    • Group gear and equipment
    • Permits

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to the meeting point
    • Accommodation in the front-country pre and post-trek
    • Travel and medical insurance  — optional
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to join this Grand Canyon hiking tour for women, 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:

  • • Hiking for 5 to 9 hours (not including breaks)
    • Uneven and varied terrain
    • Hiking uphill and downhill
    • Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m) of elevation gain, or loss, in a day
    • Stream crossings
    • Hiking sandy terrain, or snowfields
    • Talus, scree and boulders
    • Hiking at high altitude
    • Hiking in extreme temperatures
    • Early morning starts
    • Hiking with a heavy pack

  Note that this is a backpacking trip, and participants carry backpacks, sleeping bags, pads and tents plus some group food. If the packing checklist is followed, the total pack weight at the start comes to about 25–30 lbs.

  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.

  • • Cardio — backpacking demands stamina, so aim for 2–4 cardio sessions weekly—walking, running, biking, whatever gets your heart going. Add elevation when possible, and try weekend hikes with a weighted pack to prep your legs for climbs.
    • Core strength — strengthen legs and core with bodyweight squats, lunges, planks, or yoga. Focus on full-body movements to build endurance and stability.
    • Balance — train your balance by walking on uneven ground or practicing single-leg stands. Bosu balls or curbs can be great city alternatives.

  For more hiking adventures in the Grand Canyon, click here!

• What do I need to bring?

  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

  • • short sleeve shirts (pack 1, wear 1)
    • long sleeve shirt
    • warm jacket (fleece or puffy)
    • underwear (pack 2, wear 1 suggested)
    • hiking pants/leggings (not jeans)

  Weather-dependent clothing

  • • (bring to Canyon, guide will advise if required)
    • long underwear / thermal top
    • long underwear bottoms
    • beanie/tuque/knit cap
    • gloves or mittens

  Accessories

  • • bandanna
    • cap or hat with brim
    • headlamp (preferred) or small flashlight
    • hiking poles
    • poncho or rain gear (jacket)
    • sunglasses (100% UV protection)
    • sunscreen (rated at least 30 SPF)
    • toothbrush, toothpaste
    • toilet paper and small hand sanitizer
    • water bottles (2) or bladder (all participants should have at least 3 liters capacity)
    • ziplock bag (for used TP)

  Footwear

  • • mid or lightweight socks (pack 1, wear 1)
    • hiking shoes (comfortable and broken in)
    • light weight camp shoes
    • moleskin (1 package, wrapper removed)
    • instep crampons (as conditions warrant)

  Kitchen

  • • plastic bowl (≥ 6 inches)
    • plastic cup (≥ 8 oz)
    • spoon or spork (soup size)

  Optional

  • • hair brush
    • chapstick (recommended)
    • camera or smartphone (for pictures)
    • hiking shorts
    • money (for souvenirs or guide gratuity)
    • menstrual products
    • pajamas top/bottoms (sleep wear)
    • pen and paper
    • personal 1st aid items
    • pocket knife
    • reading material
    • sports bra
    • swimsuit

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• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this Grand Canyon hiking tour for women, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1. With more participants, there will be 2 guides.
    • All of the offered dates are women-only departures.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 11 participants.
    • Please note that trek dates may shift by a day or two until permits are finalized, typically four months before departure.

  Grand Canyon hiking tour for women 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 above the age of 16 may be permitted to join the ​​Grand Canyon hiking tour for women on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  The starting point of your Grand Canyon hiking tour for women 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 in the front-country pre-trek is not included.

• 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.

• Deposit and cancellation policy

  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

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Super Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.