Rim-to-Rim Backpacking Adventure in the Grand Canyon

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • Experienced, medically-trained, Wilderness First Responder hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 3 days of backpacking through the Grand Canyon
    • Hotel accommodation in Kanab and Tusayan pre and post trip (double occupancy—inquire about single occupancy)
    • Trailhead transport from and to Kanab and Tusayan
    • Lightweight backpacking tent (unless you prefer to bring your own)
    • Team cooking, water purification and first-aid equipment
    • Breakfasts and dinners on the trail (possible to accommodate dietary restrictions)
    • Satellite messenger communication in case of emergency
    • Human waste bags
    • Pre-trip gear & training advice (as desired)
    • Campsite fees and overnight permits
    • Trekking poles

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Kanab
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Snacks on the trail
    • Guide gratuities
• How fit do I need to be?

  This five-day rim-to-rim traversal might pose a challenge even to avid adventurers. 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. The maximum group size is 9 guests.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  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.

• 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.

• Covid measures in the Grand Canyon

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Grand Canyon please refer to Grand Canyon National Park Operations Update.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 1 month (30 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety-one (91) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $100 fee.
    • For cancellations sixty-one (61) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of 80 percent (80%) of the full tour price.
    • For cancellations thirty-one (31) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of seventy (70%) of the full tour price.
    • For cancellations eight (8) to thirty (30) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of sixty percent (60%) of the full tour price.
    • For cancellations forty-eight (48) hours to seven (7) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of thirty (30%) of the full tour price.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

  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 the trip, your guides will provide an alternative or a refund.

  Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you can rest assured you’ve booked your dream adventure in time.

  • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you. This can be done by the end of the year.
  • Another 20% needs to be paid by the end of this year.
  • The remaining balance is due 1 month (30 days) prior to departure.