Rim-to-Rim Backpacking Adventure in the Grand Canyon

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • 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

  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.

• Are pets allowed in the Grand Canyon?

  For the safety of your pet, visitors, and wildlife, pets are not allowed on trails below the rim. For more details on regulations and pet-friendly areas, visit the National Park Service website.

• 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.
    • Please note that commercial guides are not permitted to organize one-day rim-to-rim hikes in the Grand Canyon due to safety concerns. There is a minimum of two days/one night to cross the Canyon, and we would be happy to organize a private trip that meets these regulations, just reach out to us!

  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

  To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Should your guides be unsuccessful in obtaining permits for your trip, you are entitled to a full refund of your deposit minus the booking fees. If the client cancels the booking…

  • • 91+ days prior to departure, your deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another tour by your guides within 24 months of your booking date.
    • 61-90 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 20% of the full trip price.
    • 31-60 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 30% of the full trip price.
    • 8-30 days prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 40% of the full trip price.
    • 30 days to 48 hours prior to departure, the client has to pay a cancellation fee of 70% of the full trip price.
    • Within 48 hours of departure, the client forfeits 100% of the full trip price.

  Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

  Early Bird booking

  Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit. 

  As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best. 

  More about how Early Bird bookings work below:

  • • Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
    • Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
    • When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit). 
    • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
    • The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.