Rim-to-Rim Backpacking Adventure in the Grand Canyon

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!