Grand Canyon and Sedona Hiking 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 takes 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 take in 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. The 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 the red rock formations of Sedona promise to captivate us with their wild 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.  

The smell of piñon pine and juniper mingled with fresh coffee and a steaming hot breakfast signals the start of a new day. After our meal, we bid farewell to the cozy comforts of our Signature Camp and set out on the next leg of our journey towards Sedona. Our first hike immerses us in the splendor of Sedona, following a scenic loop that meanders around the hillside's base. Along the way, we marvel at the incredible views of the aptly named Cathedral Rock and catch glimpses of Sedona’s highest peak, Wilson Mountain, off in the distance. As we continue our journey, a creek runs alongside parts of the trail, offering perfect spots to stop, relax, and cool off in the refreshing shade of the surrounding cottonwood trees. Following our hike, we explore the charming historic downtown of Sedona before gathering for a celebratory dinner. Under the vast desert sky, we'll share stories and reflect on the day's unforgettable experiences with our newfound friends. All meals included. 

Hiking: up to 5 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: up to 900’; Low point/High point: up to 3,976’/4,209’; Van transfer: 2 hours   

Today, we start with a delicious breakfast at our hotel, gearing up for an exciting day ahead. We head out via a quick shuttle to the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock hike in Sedona. Our guides will share the captivating history behind these iconic red rock formations, shaped over millions of years from cross-bedded sandstone layers. As we hike, we admire the smooth slopes of Bell Rock and the rugged dome of Courthouse Butte, their vibrant red, orange, and tan hues contrasting beautifully against the blue sky. After our days together of covering breathtaking scenery and fascinating history, we reluctantly bid farewell to Sedona. On our return shuttle we wind our way through forests of juniper and manzanita before beginning our descent back to the Sonoran Desert, arriving in Phoenix this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: up to 4 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: up to 460’; Low point/High point: up to 4,168/ 4,470’; Van transfer: 2 hours