Discover the Grand Canyon like never before on this Rim-to-Rim hiking adventure with expert guiding. Over five days, traverse legendary trails through steep corridors and lush oases, with stops at secret waterfalls and sweeping vantage points. Camp under the dazzling night sky, feast on freshly made gourmet meals that revive both body and spirit, and soak in the serenity of nature far from the crowds. Once the tour finishes, you’ll have earned every breathtaking view and every precious memory made. Let’s do this!
We’ll meet at the South Rim Village near Visitors Center for a pack check before stepping onto the historic Bright Angel Trail. Today’s highlight is seeing the Canyon open beneath your feet as we descend to our first backcountry camp under the stars.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Backcountry campsite
Over the next two days, dive deep into the heart of the Grand Canyon along its iconic main corridor trails. You’ll navigate switchbacks, cross rugged terrain, and take in breathtaking views that stretch endlessly into the horizon. Stops along the way include cascading waterfalls, hidden oases, and picture-perfect lookouts. Your guide will prepare fresh, satisfying meals to keep your energy high for the day’s adventures. Nights will be spent in cozy backcountry camps, where you can swap stories, stargaze, and revel in the canyon’s serene beauty. There will be an optional water color class as well!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Backcountry campsite
Today we make our push to the North Rim, gaining elevation while taking in the changing layers of the Canyon. If timing allows, we’ll visit Plateau Point for one last epic overlook before climbing out. By evening, we’ll watch the sunset over the Canyon walls, celebrating your rim-to-rim traverse.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Backcountry campsite
After a breakfast feast, we’ll shuttle back to the other side of the canyon, say our goodbyes, and depart back home filled with memories of this amazing 5-day hiking tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change based on permits, group needs, and guide discretion. Any changes will be communicated as soon as possible.
Included:
Not included:
This Rim-to-Rim hiking adventure of the Grand Canyon is ideal for hikers with good fitness, and previous backpacking experience and overnight camping is encouraged. Some routes can be a bit challenging, so they may not be enjoyable for total beginners. We’ll cover circa 18 miles (29 km) during our adventure.
Although the classic hiking route is beginner-friendly, everyone will carry a backpack on this tour, and that fact alone can make the tour somewhat harder.
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All group trips are decided by a lottery system set by the parks. When a person signs up, the guide takes care of all the permits so you don’t have to. The exact date and route depend on the lottery results required by the NPS for Grand Canyon trips.
The Rim-to-Rim hike is one of the most popular trips in the Grand Canyon and is thus subject to an extremely competitive permit lottery system. Even if you book the trip, securing a permit is not guaranteed.
The Grand Canyon’s permit process is complicated, but your guides will take care of everything so you don’t have to worry about it! The park issues backpacking permits through a lottery system 4+ months in advance. As permits for popular trips sell out immediately during the initial lottery, it’s important to sign up for wanted dates before the process begins.
Early bird booking doesn’t guarantee a spot but you will be the first one to know once the permits are secured.
Clothing & footwear
Gear & equipment
Sleeping gear
Cooking & eating
Health & hygiene
Extras for comfort & fun (optional)
What’s provided by your guide
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Group sizes and pricing
Rim-to-Rim hikes can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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.
The starting point of your Rim-to-Rim hike is Grand Canyon Village Lot D. To get there, most people first fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and rent a car or use public transport to get there.
You’ll meet your guide at Grand Canyon Village, Lot D on the morning of Day 1.
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.