On the evening before your trek start date, we’ll meet at 6pm for a one-hour group orientation and pack check in the main lobby of Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ. Backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags will be provided to those who requested them. We’ll also get to know each other and our team, preview the trail, and discuss safety before getting a good night’s sleep.
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Experience the Grand Canyon like never before with a 4-day, 3-night backpacking adventure starting in Flagstaff, AZ. Hike through remote and rugged South Rim inner-canyon loops near the Colorado River. Enjoy scenic campsites, including secluded river beaches, without worrying about logistics—permits, meals, roundtrip transportation from Flagstaff, and gear are all included. Perfect for all experience levels, this guided tour offers breathtaking views, challenging trails, and a chance to truly immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon’s natural beauty.
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This Grand Canyon backpacking adventure always takes place in the remote and rugged South Rim inner-canyon loops, regardless of the date. Trails may include variations of the Hermit-Bright Angel loop, Hermit-Boucher loop, and New Hance-Grandview loop, ranging from 22 to 30 miles (35 to 48 km) in total. While the exact distance, camp locations, and direction of each trek may vary depending on the chosen date, here is a representative itinerary to give you a good idea of what your Grand Canyon experience will look like!
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We’ll meet in the lobby of Little America Hotel, Flagstaff, at 5am, then head out to the trailhead. Our hike begins with a steep 3,000 ft (914 m) descent toward the Tonto Platform, an inner plateau within the Canyon roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) above the Colorado River. Travel on day one will be slow and methodical as we manage the rugged trail, steep descents, limited access to water, and changing temperatures. Expect 8 to 10 hours of trail time (including breaks) for the 7 to 9 mile (11 to 14 km) day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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On the second day, the trail typically undulates until we drop below the Tonto’s ledge, above the gorge floor, and into one of the many side canyons and washes that lead to the Colorado River. A quick descent will bring us to a creek bed floor which we will follow out to the Colorado River and camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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After a leisurely evening or morning by the river, we’ll retrace our steps and then continue up and onto the Tonto trail. This day typically offers some of the most impressive views of the Grand Canyon. While hiking the Tonto, you can see a thousand feet (305 m) down into the inner gorge, thousands of feet (hundreds of meters) up to the Canyon’s rim, and miles (kilometers) across the Canyon divide within the same breathtaking glance.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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An early, pre-sunrise start will move us up and into the multi-layered, multi-colored walls of the Grand Canyon as we climb almost 4,000 ft (1,219 m) to exit the trail and return to civilization. After celebrating as a team, we’ll return to Flagstaff, then head home with amazing stories to share.
Meals: Breakfast
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The exact guides featured on the listing are not guaranteed to lead the tour. If unavailable at the time, they will be replaced by a guide that’s available.
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What you get on this adventure:
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- An experienced, local backpacking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
- 4-day, 3-night Grand Canyon backpacking adventure along South Rim’s inner loops and the Colorado River
- Personal backpacking equipment upon request (backpack, sleeping bag and stuff sack, sleeping pad, tent with a rain fly, hiking poles, instep crampons)
- Group backpacking gear and equipment (cleaning pad and soap, cooking utensils, first aid kit, fuel, large cooking pots, lighters and matches, small shovel, stoves, water carriers, water filters and purification tablets, wire mesh food storage bags)
- All meals and snacks while in the back-country
- Roundtrip transportation between Flagstaff, AZ meeting point and your trailhead
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to Flagstaff, AZ
- Accommodation before (Day 0) and after the trek
- Guide gratuities
- Travel and medical insurance — recommended
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While a basic level of physical fitness and some hiking experience are required, participants range from grade-schoolers to grandparents, and mothers to marines. The key is your commitment to succeed. You should be able to handle daily hikes ranging from 5-10 miles (8-16 km) with elevation changes between 1,000-4,000 feet (300-1,200 m). A fully-loaded pack will weigh between 30-40 lbs (14-18 kg), or 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg) for youth. If that seems fine with you, you’re good to go. If, on the other hand, you think you’re not up to the challenge, you can always prepare in the months leading up to the trip.
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Absolutely! Beginners with a solid level of fitness are welcome on this Grand Canyon backpacking trip. All major gear is provided at no extra cost, and all logistics, permits, and group gear are handled. If you have the will, the way will be shown to you, ensuring a positive and supportive experience.
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Preparation is key to enjoying the Grand Canyon adventure. Start by building a basic level of physical fitness, focusing on endurance and strength to handle a fully-loaded pack weighing 30-40 lbs (14-18 kg). Practice hiking, preferably in hilly terrain, with a pack, gradually increasing the weight and distance. Join with confidence, knowing full support, scheduled breaks, and guidance are provided to ensure a successful and memorable trek.
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Personal backcountry equipment will be provided by your guide upon request. If you want to bring your own, you’ll need:
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- External or internal frame pack with belt (60-70L capacity)
- Sleeping bag and stuff sack
- Sleeping pad
- Tent with a rain fly
- Hiking poles
- Instep crampons (as conditions warrant)
Here’s a list of the clothing items you need to bring:
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- Short-sleeve shirts (wear 1 and pack 1)
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Warm jacket (fleece or puffy)
- Underwear (wear 1, pack 2)
- Hiking pants/leggings
- Long underwear/thermal top
- Long underwear bottoms
- Beanie/knit cap/toque
- Glove/mitts
- Bandana
- Cap or hat with a brim
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Swimwear
Here’s a list of footwear items you need to bring:
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- Lightweight socks (pack 1, wear 1)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Lightweight camp shoes
- Moleskin (1 package, wrapper removed)
Here’s a list of personal items you need to bring:
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- Plastic bowl
- Plastic cup
- Spoon or spork
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and chapstick
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper and small hand sanitizer
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (at least 3L capacity in total)
- Ziplock bags (for used toilet paper)
- Hairbrush — optional
- Camera or smartphone (for pictures) — optional
- Hiking shorts — optional
- Menstrual products — if applicable
- Pajamas — optional
- Personal first aid kit — optional
- Pocket knife — optional
- Sports bra — optional
Group backpacking equipment (as indicated under What’s included?) will be provided by the guide. Make sure to bring clothing appropriate for the season/forecast and for unexpected weather conditions. Your list may be different for different seasons. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list with the guide prior to departure.
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Campsites during this Grand Canyon backpacking trip are best described as scenic, offering you the unique opportunity to sleep on the beaches of the Colorado River! That said, you won’t have to worry about camping logistics. If you request a backpack, sleeping bag, or tent, it will be provided and waiting for you at the trailhead — you just have to bring clothing and personal items in a duffel bag. If you’re bringing your own gear, please bring it to the gear check on Day 0 for final arrangements. All group gear, including cooking utensils, first aid kits, stoves, water filters, and more, is covered.
For main meals, your guides will prepare delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Cooking is a social activity, and your participation and curiosity are always welcome. Dietary preferences/restrictions can usually be accommodated, so please note any specific concerns during booking. There will be hot water and Starbucks Via coffee available each morning, along with a selection of caffeinated and herbal teas, hot chocolate, and spiced cider. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker (more than 2 cups a day), consider bringing extra packets from home.
Regarding snacks, each hiker will receive a personalized snack bag at the trailhead with energy bars, trail mix, and dried fruit. Feel free to bring a few of your favorite snacks from home, but don’t go overboard.
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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.
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Group sizes and pricing
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- For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 9:2.
Backpacking in the Grand Canyon can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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- 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.
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To get to Flagstaff, the starting point of the adventure, most people fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and take a shuttle to Flagstaff.
Participants are expected to meet their guide at 6pm at the lobby of the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, followed by group orientation and a gear check. We suggest securing a lodging reservation in Flagstaff, AZ as soon as your trek dates are confirmed.
Since your guide will be hosting a pre-trek orientation at the Little America Hotel and will depart from there on the morning of our hike, staying there may be a good option (prices range from $125 to $175). The nearby hotels on Lucky Lane are also a popular option and within walking distance (prices typically $75-$105). If you plan on staying somewhere else, just let your guide know where you end up and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.
With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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