Forget the basic viewpoints with throngs of people—this all-women Grand Canyon backpacking trip drops you straight into the heart of the South Rim! We’ll trade observation decks for the wildest parts of the Canyon, camping under the stars, swimming in the Colorado, and hiking through rock layers older than dinosaurs. This all-inclusive Grand Canyon hiking tour for women is more than just a trek—it’s a chance to challenge yourself, connect with inspiring women, and share stories under starry skies in one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.
Set off on a four-day backpacking adventure along the South Rim’s hidden trails, covering more than 25 miles of rugged, untouched terrain. Dive into crystal-clear river spots, soak up vibrant desert sunsets, and sleep under some of the darkest, most spectacular night skies. This Grand Canyon hiking tour for women invites you to experience the Grand Canyon’s quiet, raw beauty away from the crowds—perfect for those ready to push their limits and make memories that last a lifetime.
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 for the night is at your arrangement. It is not included in the price of the tour.
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.
While the exact mileage, direction, and camp locations may vary, all treks follow remote, rugged South Rim inner-canyon loops between the Rim and River. Routes may include variations of the Hermit–Bright Angel loop, New Hance–Grandview, or South Bass Trail, ranging from 22–30 miles. Just a heads up—mileage isn’t the best measure of difficulty!
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 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:
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.
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 hiking tour for women 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 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.
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.
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!