What you get on this adventure: Experienced, medically-trained, Wilderness First Responder-certified hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area Five days of hiking Hotel meals and double-occupancy lodging for 6 nights Campsite fees and overnight permits Transfer from Tusayan to the South Rim trailhead and back Group cooking, camping, and first-aid equipment Breakfasts, light lunches, and dinners on the trail Water purification and/or water resupply services Satellite messenger communication in case of emergency Pre-trip gear and training advice as desired What’s not included: Transportation to Tusayan Accommodations before and after the trip Snacks on the trail Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This adventure is meant for avid hikers with excellent cardio levels. You will be hiking for 8-12 miles (13-19 km) a day for five consecutive days, encountering up to 5,000 ft (1,520 m) of vertical ascent per day, all the while carrying a 35+ lb (16 kg) backpack. The terrain can be rough and the initial descent and final descent are very steep, 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. If you’re new to hiking, check out our beginner-friendly hiking day tours in the Grand Canyon .

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 55-65L bag) Water bottles or hydration bladders (3L capacity) Quality, durable hiking boots Hiking attire Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Down jacket Sunhat Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees or warmer Sleeping pads Personal bowl, cup, and spoon Personal snacks Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) MicroSpikes or YakTraks Camera — optional (but recommended) The following equipment will be provided by your guide: Lightweight backpacking tents Hiking poles Team cooking gear and meals Water purification kit Team first aid kit GPS communication Once you book the tour, your guides will provide a comprehensive gear checklist, as well as recommendations for the gear you should buy or rent for this trip. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: The maximum group size for this trip is 9 clients and 2 guides. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this trip to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Hiking in the Grand Canyon 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.

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 we have permits in hand. In the event that we are unsuccessful in obtaining permits for the trip, your guides will provide an alternative or a refund.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Tusayan, AZ, the starting point of this trip, most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport 3.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car and drive straight there, or take a bus or shuttle service to Flagstaff, and another bus to Tusayan. 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 in Tusayan at 5 pm.

Covid measures in the Grand Canyon, Arizona

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, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, please refer to the National Park Service’s guidelines for travelers to Grand Canyon National Park . 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!

A hiker posing near a drop-off in the Grand Canyon.

A hiker nearing a bridge over a Grand Canyon river with a vista in the background.

Hikers celebrating a successful climb in the Grand Canyon.

A hiker on a cliffside trail in the Grand Canyon

A hiker in Grand Canyon National Park walking near a cliff.

A rocky trail found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.

Phoenix/Tusayan | Arizona

Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Backpacking Adventure in the Grand Canyon

5.00 ()

Season

January

Nearest city

Phoenix, AZ, is 3-4 hours away

Duration

7 days

Skill level

Advanced

Guide

Dreamland Safari Tours

From $1,845 / 7 days

Got any questions? or Book a call

Overview
Itinerary
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

In the Grand Canyon, the views from above might draw the crowds — but true adventure lies beneath the rim. Spanning the entire length of America’s largest canyon, the so-called “Corridor” hosts tons of classic trails like Bright Angel, historic sites such as Phantom Ranch, shaded narrows like The Box, and secret oases like Ribbon Falls. Thru-hiking the whole thing twice is a grand undertaking, with a cumulative 20,000 feet of vertical change. However, those that can walk the walk are rewarded with engrossing silence, profound solitude, and sights that casual visitors can only dream about. Of the 6 million tourists that visit the Grand Canyon every year, fewer than 1% venture below the rim. Ready to join the fearless few?

Escape the ever-present crowds gathering on the outer rims
Test your tenacity on intense hikes with significant altitude change
Uncover sections of the Grand Canyon that most visitors will never see

Itinerary

Spend a week hiking and camping in the heart of the Grand Canyon. Escape the crowds and explore the hidden side of America’s greatest canyon on challenging, but rewarding hikes led by seasoned, certified guides. Visit iconic trails, explore secret walkways, uncover secluded waterfalls, and find absolute tranquility in the inner canyon.

Meet your guides and the rest of the group at your hotel in Tusayan at 5 pm. After checking in, you’ll go through a trip briefing and gear check, before enjoying a welcome dinner with your team. Then, hit the hay and get rested for the adventure ahead!
On day 2, around 9 am, your guides will transfer you to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. From there, you will start the long descent into the canyon, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Hiking: 6-9 miles/ 9.5-14.5 km
Elevation loss: 2,000-4,500 ft/ 600-1,370 m
The following three days will be spent exploring the highlights of the inner canyon, such as Phantom Ranch, The Box, Ribbon Falls, and Manzanita. You will also enjoy a day trip to the North Rim and back.

NOTE: Campsite selection and the precise itinerary of this part of your trip will depend on permit allocations.
After three days of exploration in the inner canyon, you will ascend the South Rim and get transferred back to your hotel in Tusayan. Enjoy a team celebration dinner and say your farewells before getting some well-deserved shut-eye.
Altitude gain: up to 4,400 ft/ 1,340 m
Leave Tusayan and the Grand Canyon. But you’ll be back!

Meet your guide

5.00

Dreamland Safari Tours

Dreamland Safari Tours have been guiding outdoor enthusiasts along Utah’s most spectacular trails since 2001. Through the last 20 years, Dreamland received customer accolades and grew to become the largest and most comprehensive tour company in the Kanab Area. Paul and Sunny, current owners of Dreamland, are lifelong backcountry adventurers with a long history of exploring the Southwest. They are excited to introduce you to the secrets of the spectacular desert landscapes in Dreamland’s backyard.

5.00 (5 reviews)

Carol S. about Dreamland Safari on Tripadvisor

Mattie was supreme! Safe and experienced driver to get us to the trailhead… super muddy and rutted. Very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. Knew where to go for those special photos. Would ask for her again!

Judy about Dreamland Safari on Tripadvisor

Maddi was a super fun, energetic guide who was fun to be with, knowledgeable, and professional, and made the trip even better than it should have been. She worked well with all the personalities and ability levels in our group and kept the vibe upbeat. Plus she carried our lunches! We aren’t normally guided group people and she just made it totally awesome. She knows how to commandeer a suburban through those rutty slippery roads as well! Thanks, Maddie!

Doug V. about Dreamland Safari on Tripadvisor

Maddi was an excellent guide, and Dreamland’s prices are very reasonable. The best part was being able to stay overnight without having to set up / take down the campsite or cook. Everything was taken care of.

Sue G. about Dreamland Safari on Tripadvisor

I’ve done about a half dozen tours with Dreamland Safari and can’t say enough about how wonderful they are. I’ve visited White Pocket, Peekaboo Slot Canyon, and White Wave multiple times with this company (bringing friends on various tours). All of the tour guides I’ve had, including Nathaine, Bret, and Maddi, were knowledgeable about the sites, provided interesting facts during the drive, and always went out of their way to ensure everyone in the groups had a good time. When we did White Wave, Maddi spent extra time with several people who were older to make sure they did the hike safely. Bre in the office is also awesome. She always goes out of her way to be accommodating and is just as nice as the tour guides.

Frank M. about Dreamland Safari on Tripadvisor

The years of anticipation were fulfilled!! Melanie from Dreamland was excellent she was friendly. Knowledgeable and managed the different skill levels in our group like the pro she is. We had an amazing experience!! Thank you, Melanie and Dreamland.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - Experienced, medically-trained, Wilderness First Responder-certified hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Five days of hiking
  - Hotel meals and double-occupancy lodging for 6 nights
  - Campsite fees and overnight permits
  - Transfer from Tusayan to the South Rim trailhead and back
  - Group cooking, camping, and first-aid equipment
  - Breakfasts, light lunches, and dinners on the trail
  - Water purification and/or water resupply services
  - Satellite messenger communication in case of emergency
  - Pre-trip gear and training advice as desired
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Tusayan
  - Accommodations before and after the trip
  - Snacks on the trail
  - Guide gratuities — optional
This adventure is meant for avid hikers with excellent cardio levels. You will be hiking for 8-12 miles (13-19 km) a day for five consecutive days, encountering up to 5,000 ft (1,520 m) of vertical ascent per day, all the while carrying a 35+ lb (16 kg) backpack.

The terrain can be rough and the initial descent and final descent are very steep, 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.

If you’re new to hiking, check out our beginner-friendly hiking day tours in the Grand Canyon.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 55-65L bag)
  - Water bottles or hydration bladders (3L capacity)
  - Quality, durable hiking boots
  - Hiking attire
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Down jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees or warmer
  - Sleeping pads
  - Personal bowl, cup, and spoon
  - Personal snacks
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - MicroSpikes or YakTraks
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
The following equipment will be provided by your guide:
- - Lightweight backpacking tents
  - Hiking poles
  - Team cooking gear and meals
  - Water purification kit
  - Team first aid kit
  - GPS communication
Once you book the tour, your guides will provide a comprehensive gear checklist, as well as recommendations for the gear you should buy or rent for this trip.

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.
Group sizes and prices:
- - The maximum group size for this trip is 9 clients and 2 guides.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this trip to operate.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon 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.
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 we have permits in hand. In the event that we are unsuccessful in obtaining permits for the trip, your guides will provide an alternative or a refund.
To get to Tusayan, AZ, the starting point of this trip, most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport 3.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car and drive straight there, or take a bus or shuttle service to Flagstaff, and another bus to Tusayan.

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 in Tusayan at 5 pm.
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, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, please refer to the National Park Service’s guidelines for travelers to Grand Canyon National Park.

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!