If you like your adventures big, remote, and earned, this one’s for you. While most people snap a photo at the Grand Canyon and head home, we spend four days stepping far beyond the lookout points and into the wild heart of the North Rim! It’s a rugged side of the canyon few ever experience, and even fewer get to explore as deeply as we do on this trip. We move through quiet backcountry, past hidden waterfalls and endless layers of stone, sleeping under unreal night skies. With over 800 combined days guiding this exact route, we know the canyon intimately—and we’re here to show you its raw, unforgettable side.
This four-day backpacking journey explores the quieter, wilder side of the Grand Canyon, far from roads and crowds. We travel deep into the North Rim backcountry, following demanding trails that reveal towering walls, hidden water sources, and vast, open silence. Days are physical and rewarding, nights are spent under dark, star-filled skies, and every mile feels purposeful. With seasoned guides managing the route and logistics, the focus stays on the landscape, the challenge, and the rare privilege of truly being inside the canyon.
We all meet together at 8:00 am in Kanab, Utah, for a full orientation and gear check before driving about 90 minutes to the trailhead (with your own vehicle). From here, we begin our descent into the Grand Canyon, hiking deep into the backcountry toward Surprise Valley. The dramatic change in elevation quickly reveals the scale and solitude of the canyon. We set up camp in Surprise Valley and settle in for our first night under the stars.
Hiking: 8 mi (12.9 km)
Elevation start & end: 7,200 ft down to 3,800 ft (2,195 m → 1,160 m)
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Today we explore the Deer Creek area and follow the Colorado River corridor, one of the most iconic sections of the canyon. The terrain shifts as we move closer to the river, with striking canyon walls and lush riparian sections along the way. We finish the day camping beside the river near Tapeats Rapids, falling asleep to the sound of rushing water.
Hiking: 8 mi (12.9 km)
Elevation start & end: 3,800 ft down to 2,000 ft (1,160 m → 610 m)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
We continue our exploration with a hike along Tapeats Creek and up toward Thunder River, one of the Grand Canyon’s most powerful natural springs. The route climbs steadily back toward the Esplanade, offering sweeping views and a dramatic contrast to the river corridor below. We camp on the Esplanade, enjoying expansive vistas and a sense of remoteness.
Hiking: 8.5 mi (13.7 km)
Elevation start & end: 2,000 ft up to 5,200 ft (610 m → 1,585 m)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
We hike up and out of the canyon, retracing our way toward the trailhead. The final climb is demanding but rewarding, with ever-expanding views as we gain elevation. We reach the trailhead around 2:00 p.m. and then drive back to Kanab, bringing our canyon journey to a close.
Hiking: 5.5 mi (8.9 km)
Elevation start & end: 5,200 ft up to 7,200 ft (1,585 m → 2,195 m)
Meals: Breakfast
We had a fantastic time and loved the support and attitude of our guides. It was difficult but worthwhile and the scenery was beyond what we could’ve imagined!!
THIS WAS A CHALLENGING HIKE INTO THE GRAND CANYON FROM THE NORTH RIM DOWN TO THE COLORADO RIVER, AND THROUGH DEER AND TAPEATS CREEKS AND THUNDER RIVER DRAINAGES. FANTASTIC VIEWS, LUSH RIPARIAN OASES, WATERFALLS, EXCITING NARROWS, LOTS OF GOING UP AND DOWN, SCRAMBLING, COOL PLACES, JUMPING IN RIVER, LOTS OF SUN, FLOWERING CACTI, LIZARDS AND GREAT GUIDES. THIS IS A REAL ADVENTURE! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRIP – BUT BE IN SHAPE! VERY PROFESSIONAL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDES.
Included:
Not included:
To join this Grand Canyon North Rim tour, excellent fitness is a must. This is a strenuous backpacking experience that requires advance training. You will be…
Proper training is required and not optional. You must prepare with backpacking-specific training, including hiking with a weighted pack in the footwear you’ll use on the trip. Inadequate preparation puts yourself, fellow travelers, and guides at risk, and evacuations from the Grand Canyon backcountry are complex and never guaranteed—even with satellite communication.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Grand Canyon hiking tours here!
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
Grand Canyon North Rim tours 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.
Yes, it is! Your guides offer a range of tent options, and you’re welcome to note your preference at checkout. After booking, the team will arrange the tent that best suits your needs and preferences.
The starting point of your Grand Canyon North Rim tour is Kanab, UT. To get there, most people fly into St. George Regional Airport (SGU) or Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Kanab.
You will meet your guide at 8 am on Day 1 in Kanab. From Kanab, you will drive to the trailhead with your own vehicle, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. The first 30 minutes are on paved road, followed by dirt and gravel roads. While 2WD vehicles are generally sufficient, higher-clearance vehicles are preferred when available.
This approach is intentional and important for safety and flexibility. In the event that a guest needs to leave the trip early due to injury or severe fatigue, one of the guides will hike out with them to the trailhead. Having their own vehicle on-site allows the guest to return to Kanab independently, without requiring a guide to leave the group. This scenario does occur a few times each year, and this system ensures a smoother and safer experience for everyone.
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
We had a fantastic time and loved the support and attitude of our guides. It was difficult but worthwhile and the scenery was beyond what we could’ve imagined!!