Grand Canyon to Lake Powell Hiking and Paddling Adventure

Your guides extend a hearty welcome as you and your fellow travelers gather at our meeting location in the Phoenix area. After introductions and an outline of the day ahead, we shuttle to the crown jewel of the National Park’s system – the Grand Canyon. On our scenic drive, the landscape shifts from the Sonoran Desert with its towering saguaro to the semi-arid desert of the Grand Canyon adorned with its pinion, juniper and ponderosas. Our first stop offers a glimpse into the grandest of canyons. Here we savor an al fresco lunch and soak in the raw beauty that stretches out before us. With bellies full and spirits high, we hit the trail – the Trail of Time – where the earth's history is etched in stone. Our expert guides seamlessly intertwine the fascinating natural history of the canyon with its rich cultural heritage along the way. Following our hike, a 45-minute transfer brings us to REI's exclusive Signature Camp, nestled south of the Grand Canyon. Once settled at our campsite, enjoy a sumptuous dinner prepared by our guides. Then, gather around the campfire and bask in its welcoming glow.

Hiking: 4 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: 230’; Low point/High point: 6,884’/7,068’; Van transfer: 5 hours

Wake up to find freshly brewed coffee delivered to your tent. It's an invitation to savor the quiet moments as we bask in the soft, golden hues of the early morning. Our guides prepare a bountiful and nutritious breakfast to fuel us for the vigorous hike down the Bright Angel Trail. As one of the major geologic fault lines bisecting the Canyon, the Bright Angel Fault has allowed animals and humans access into and out of the Canyon for centuries. Havasupai people, pioneering miners, entrepreneurial businesspeople, the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Core all played vital roles in the history of this trail. The trail offers water, shade structures and even trailside bathrooms. After another amazing day, we return to our cozy camp and savor our time together. We gather for another delicious dinner, exchanging tales of adventure and camaraderie under the starlit sky. All meals included.

Hiking: up to 6 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: up to 2,100’; Low point/High point: up to 4,774’/6,856’; Van transfer: 1.5 hours

Permit requirement: If the group exceeds 9 guests, guides will split the group in half and alternate between the day 2 and day 3 trails.

We rise to the promise of a day filled with some of the most scenic miles the Grand Canyon has to offer. After breakfast, we ride the park shuttle to Yaki Point, the start of the famous South Kaibab Trail.
Following a ridgeline into the canyon, this trail offers unparalleled views of the Inner Gorge, the distant silhouettes of the North Rim topography, and the sprawling plateaus that tease the limits of our vision. As we descend the trail each layer of rock reveals a chapter of the earth's history. From the ancient Vishnu Basement Rocks, some of the Grand Canyon's oldest exposed rock dating close to 2 billion years old, to the relatively youthful Kaibab Formation, at only 270 million years old.  The Colorado River has sculpted the landscape, carving an unmistakable image of itself through the heart of the canyon. Returning to camp, we eagerly anticipate the next leg of our adventure, where rivers and lakes await to further enchant us with their untamed beauty. All meals included.

Hiking: up to 6 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: up to 2,070’; Low point/High point: up to 5,160’/7,233’; Van transfer: 1.5 hours 

Permit requirement: If the group exceeds 9 guests, guides will split the group in half and alternate between the day 2 and day 3 trails.Day 4

We set off from our comfortable Signature Camp and shuttle towards Lees Ferry for an unforgettable smooth water float tour. With expert guides leading the way, we glide along the majestic Colorado River on calm waters, surrounded by towering cliffs. We motor up and float down the river and enjoy a captivating stop at Petroglyph Beach, where ancient rock art tells the stories of the Indigenous peoples who once thrived in this region. After our smooth water float trip and perhaps a swim at a nearby beach on the river, we shuttle towards Lake Powell. Tonight, we settle into our hotel at the Lake Powell Resort and have a celebratory dinner with our new friends, recounting the day's adventures under the desert sky.

Scenic float: 4 hours; Van transfer: 3.5 hours

Today, we fuel up with a delicious breakfast, eager to start our day of exploration. Departing from our hotel, we set out on a paddling adventure, navigating the tranquil waters of Lake Powell by kayak. Each paddle stroke takes us further into this mesmerizing terrain, where towering sandstone formations and hidden alcoves await. Along the way, we pause to take refreshing swims in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. As we paddle around ancient sandstone formations sculpted by centuries of water, wind, and time, we're left in awe of the natural wonders surrounding us. After a leisurely lunch on the shore, we reluctantly begin our return journey. We bid farewell to Lake Powell, but not without making one more stop at Horseshoe Bend. This iconic meander of the Colorado River, with its stunning vistas and dramatic cliffs, caps off our trip with one more highlight. As we head back to Scottsdale, our hearts are full, our spirits rejuvenated, and our minds forever enriched by the unforgettable experience we've shared. We return to the Phoenix area this evening and bid farewell.  Breakfast and lunch included.

Kayak paddling: 4 hours; Van transfer: 4.5 hours