Make your way to Flagstaff, AZ, where you’ll kick things off with a team meet-up, gear check, and orientation. Tomorrow you’ll start early, so get a good night’s sleep!
Accommodation: Little America Hotel or similar
-
Embark on a Grand Canyon guided backpacking trip that takes you far below the rim, exploring over 25 miles of remote, less-traveled trails! This adventure spans four days, with stunning desert landscapes, secluded Colorado River beaches perfect for swimming, vibrant sunsets, and breathtaking starry skies. Experience the rugged beauty and quiet magic of the canyon on a journey that blends challenge with unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
-
-
We’ll hit the trail and descend—step by step—nearly 3,000 feet (900 m) to the Tonto Platform, where the canyon truly starts to show off.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Tent
-
We’ll continue below the Tonto ledge all the way to the canyon floor, where we’ll set up camp and cool off in the Colorado River.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tent
-
We make our way back up, with jaw-dropping Rim-to-Rim views and the chance to wander into hidden side canyons along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tent
-
We’ll start well before sunrise to beat the heat, climbing steadily up through the canyon’s vibrant layers to reach the rim. Back in Flagstaff by mid-afternoon, we’ll celebrate our adventure together!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
-
Please note that trek dates may shift by a day or two until permits are finalized, typically four months before departure.
-
-
-
Included:
-
- An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 5-day Grand Canyon guided backpacking trip (1 pre-trip day + 4 days in the backcountry)
- Transportation between Flagstaff, AZ area meeting point and trailhead
- Accommodation (1 night at a hotel pre-trek (Little America Hotel or similar) & 3 nights in the backcountry — backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad available free of charge if needed)
- All meals and snacks while in the backcountry
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, etc.)
- Coffee, herbal tea, caffeinated tea, hot chocolate, spiced cider
- Personalized pack-check prior to departure
- Group gear and equipment
- Permits
Not included:
-
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Accommodation in the front-country post-trek
- Travel and medical insurance — optional
- Guide gratuities — optional
-
-
In order to join this Grand Canyon guided backpacking trip, great fitness is required as you’ll be walking for four days in a row, covering over 25 miles (40 km) on some of the most remote, least-traveled routes in the canyon.
No matter your experience level, you have what it takes to train for a backpacking trip that will inspire for a lifetime. At typical day might look like this:
-
- Hiking for 5 to 9 hours (not including breaks)
- Uneven and varied terrain
- Hiking uphill and downhill
- Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m) of elevation gain, or loss, in a day
- Stream crossings
- Hiking sandy terrain, or snowfields
- Talus, scree and boulders
- Hiking at high altitude
- Hiking in extreme temperatures
- Early morning starts
- Hiking with a heavy pack
To prepare your body for backpacking you need to focus on cardio, core strength and balance. If you’re an active individual who runs, plays sports, hikes, exercises regularly, or is physically active at work, you’re on your way to success! For others, it takes time and planning to develop strength and endurance.
It’s recommended that you start training at least two to four months out from your departure date. Break out your calendar, set some goals and start planning.
-
- Cardio — backpacking demands stamina, so aim for 2–4 cardio sessions weekly—walking, running, biking, whatever gets your heart going. Add elevation when possible, and try weekend hikes with a weighted pack to prep your legs for climbs.
- Core strength — strengthen legs and core with bodyweight squats, lunges, planks, or yoga. Focus on full-body movements to build endurance and stability.
- Balance — train your balance by walking on uneven ground or practicing single-leg stands. Bosu balls or curbs can be great city alternatives.
For more hiking adventures in the Grand Canyon, click here!
-
-
A backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent are all included at no extra cost—but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Packs should be 60L or larger, and sleeping bags rated to 20°F or warmer.
Clothing
-
- short sleeve shirts (pack 1, wear 1)
- long sleeve shirt
- warm jacket (fleece or puffy)
- underwear (pack 2, wear 1 suggested)
- hiking pants/leggings (not jeans)
Weather-dependent clothing
-
- (bring to Canyon, guide will advise if required)
- long underwear / thermal top
- long underwear bottoms
- beanie/tuque/knit cap
- gloves or mittens
Accessories
-
- bandanna
- cap or hat with brim
- headlamp (preferred) or small flashlight
- hiking poles
- poncho or rain gear (jacket)
- sunglasses (100% UV protection)
- sunscreen (rated at least 30 SPF)
- toothbrush, toothpaste
- toilet paper and small hand sanitizer
- water bottles (2) or bladder (all participants should have at least 3 liters capacity)
- ziplock bag (for used TP)
Footwear
-
- mid or lightweight socks (pack 1, wear 1)
- hiking shoes (comfortable and broken in)
- light weight camp shoes
- moleskin (1 package, wrapper removed)
- instep crampons (as conditions warrant)
Kitchen
-
- plastic bowl (≥ 6 inches)
- plastic cup (≥ 8 oz)
- spoon or spork (soup size)
Optional
-
- hair brush
- chapstick (recommended)
- camera or smartphone (for pictures)
- hiking shorts
- money (for souvenirs or guide gratuity)
- menstrual products
- pajamas top/bottoms (sleep wear)
- pen and paper
- personal 1st aid items
- pocket knife
- reading material
- sports bra
- swimsuit
-
-
Group sizes and pricing
-
- For this Grand Canyon guided backpacking trip, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1. With more participants, there will be 2 guides.
- It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 11 participants.
- Please note that trek dates may shift by a day or two until permits are finalized, typically four months before departure.
Grand Canyon guided backpacking trips 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 above the age of 16 may be permitted to join the Grand Canyon guided backpacking trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
-
-
The starting point of your Grand Canyon guided backpacking trips is Flagstaff, AZ. To get there, most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Flagstaff—it takes between 2 and 3 hours.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide for an orientation, you’ll prep your gear, and review the trail ahead. Hotel stay for the night is included.
-
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
-
Have more questions?
Read our FAQ