Our specific hiking route and campsites on each departure are dependent on permit availability.
REI will include a detailed itinerary in your final departure materials. Our two most common routes include highlights such as:
Welcome to the Grand Canyon! We begin our descent into the canyon.
Meet your guides and the other group members this morning inside Grand Canyon National Park. Before we begin our journey the guides will hold a brief orientation, distribute group gear , and perform a pack check. Shortly thereafter we'll transfer to the trailhead where stunning views await. Our legs warm up quickly as we begin our descent along the steep and rocky trail into the canyon. At camp, guides prepare our meal. A canopy of stars rewards us after a long day. Dinner included.
Backpacking: 8-10 miles; Elevation loss: 4,400'
Continuing our exploration, we move on to our next camp.
After a hearty breakfast each morning, we pack up and hike to our next camp. Depending on our route, we'll see spectacular sites like Hance Rapids, the Grand Canyon Supergroup Layers, Redwall Cliffs, Vishnu Temple, and the Colorado River—amazing examples from 1.7 billion years of Earth's geological history. Scenery includes beautiful river views, other-worldly rock formations, and ample stargazing. We end our days at a comfortable camp and recharge with a freshly-prepared dinner. Breakfast and Dinner included
Backpacking: 5-11 miles; elevation gain/loss varies depending on route.
We make our exit hike up to the rim, taking in final views of the Grand Canyon.
Today we make our exit ascent to the canyon rim. An early start takes advantage of the coolest part of the day as we climb up the rocky trail. Depending on time, we may make a brief side trip for more views of the canyon. At the rim, we take in a final view of this dramatic chasm and say our goodbyes. Finishing time is generally in the late afternoon but can vary greatly based on trail and weather conditions, hiking speed of the entire group and other circumstances beyond our control. As a result, we recommend postponing travel plans until the following day. Breakfast included.
Backpacking: 8-9 miles; Elevation gain: 3,500-4,000'
Note: Trip members will need to bring a variety of quick foods for snacks and lunch each day. Granola bars, drink mixes, trail mix, bagels, hard cheeses, salami, jerky, tuna packets (not cans), crackers, packets of nut butter (not jars), apples, etc. are all good choices.