Grand Canyon Backpacking - North Rim - Women's Thunder River Loop

Name: Grand Canyon Backpacking - North Rim - Women's Thunder River Loop
Brand: REI Adventures
SKU: gnw
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)

Trip Length4 Days

Group Size4–9

Activity level

Starting from

$1,229for REI Members

$1,349 for non-members

DeparturesApr 2025-Oct 2025

travel@rei.com Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236

Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Backpack along one of the Grand Canyon's most rugged and spectacular routes: the Thunder River Loop.

While most Grand Canyon visitors limit their stay to the southern section of the park, the rugged and more remote North Rim offers up pristine wilderness and endless opportunity for adventure. We spend four days backpacking the North Rim's Thunder River Trail. Considered one of the canyon's most challenging and awe-inspiring paths, our loop is a must for women looking for hard-earned big rewards. Jaw-dropping vistas, tumbling waterfalls, towering rock walls, ancient fossils and the mighty Colorado create an incomparable backcountry experience.

As highly experienced and charismatic women, our guides add inspiration, motivation and unmatched backcountry leadership. They'll share a wealth of natural and human history in addition to helping us hone important wilderness and survival skills. And who doesn't love a hearty delicious meal at the end of a long day on the trail? Our amazing guides have developed a scrumptious menu designed to fuel both body and spirit.

Learn More about what makes Women’s Adventures Special

Enjoy the rugged trails and jaw-dropping views of one of the world’s 7 natural wonders.

Trip Highlights

Backpack with like-minded adventurous women
Cool off with a dip in the mighty Colorado River
Decompress with daily sessions of reflection, stretching and meditation
Learn the remarkable natural and human history of the Grand Canyon
Hone your backcountry skills as expert women teach and guide you

Activities

This trip is rated Strenuous [5]. Participants will be carrying backpacks of 30-45lbs over steep and rocky terrain for up to 11 miles per day. Participants should be prepared to hike over steep, rocky and sometimes exposed terrain, with constant and dramatic elevation gains and/or losses of up to 3,700'-5,000' per day on most days. Sections of the trail will be exposed and pass near cliff edges. This trip is not recommended for those with vertigo or an extreme fear of heights. We strongly recommend practicing with 30-45lbs in the pack you intend to use for the trip and making sure your hiking boots are broken in before departure. This is not a beginning backpacking trip. Previous experience is highly recommended and we ask you to review your personal health and preparation plan with your medical physician prior to traveling.

Backpacking

What's Included

Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; 2-person tents; group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter; campsite and backcountry permit fees.

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 3 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Grand Canyon Backpacking - North Rim - Women's Thunder River Loop

Day 1

Tackle the "50 Switchbacks" before traveling over the otherworldly Esplanade

We kick off our adventure early this morning in Kanab, UT, where we meet for an orientation and gear check. With our packs ready and our appetites for adventure primed, we head out on a 1.5-hour caravan over paved and gravel roads to our North Rim trailhead. After a few final adjustments, we leave the rim behind and start our descent into the inner canyon. We conquer the challenging "50 Switchbacks" before hiking across the Esplanade to a breathtaking campsite overlooking the inner canyon. Dinner included.

Backpacking: 6-11 miles on rocky and exposed terrain with steep descents, Elevation loss: -2,000'-5,000'; Caravan transfer: 1.5 hours

Day 2

Backpack along Thunder River and take a plunge into the mighty Colorado

After a peaceful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we break camp, don our packs, and set out for another amazing day on the trail. Descending farther into the canyon, we travel through an area of cultural significance dating back to prehistoric times. The Tapeats Amphitheatre is home to three remarkable waterways, serving as a welcome oasis to intrepid travelers for centuries. We follow in their footsteps, enjoying the unique opportunity to splash, cool off and explore before a final push to our camp along the Colorado River. Breakfast and dinner included.

Backpacking: 7 miles on rocky and exposed terrain with steep descents, Elevation loss: -3,200'

Day 3

Search for fossils and splash in spectacular Deer Creek Falls

Our destination today is Deer Creek, which many consider the most beautiful spot in the Grand Canyon. As we ascend from the canyon floor, we'll be treated to remarkable views of the Colorado River, soaring hoodoos and layer upon layer of colorful rock. En route to camp, we don our amateur geologist hats to hunt for prehistoric relics and fossils. Our final reward for the day is a splash in gorgeous Deer Falls, where we cool down, relax and commune with new friends and nature. Breakfast and dinner included.

Backpacking: 8 miles on rocky and exposed terrain with steep ascents, Elevation gain: +1,800'

Day 4

A final push out of the canyon ends with spectacular views from the North Rim

To beat the heat, we rise early and hit the trail as sun breaks. Our path across the Esplanade is the perfect primer for a climb back up the "50 Switchbacks". Along the way we'll enjoy our last glimpses of the interior canyon and the diverse ecosystem we've gotten to know so well. Finally, a last push brings us back to the rim where we bid new friends and the remarkable Grand Canyon farewell. Our finishing time varies due to many factors, so we recommend making return travel plans for the following day. Breakfast included.

Backpacking: 9 miles on rocky and exposed terrain with steep ascents, Elevation gain: +3,200'

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

All Group Cooking Gear
Group First Aid Kit
Stoves and Fuel
Tent(s)
Trekking Poles
Water Filter

What to pack

Required gear

Travel documents

Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)

Recommended gear

You might also consider

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 800-426-4840 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Call 1 (800) 622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone

Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Not Included

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point and/or trailhead; insurance of any kind; 3 lunches; snacks and energy food; energy drinks; alcoholic beverages (please do not bring); soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Consider as you sign up

Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.

Get a $50 annual statement credit towards future Experiences - With the REI Co-op Mastercard, members get a $50 statement credit for our classes, day trips, and multiday outings. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. See details & sign up.

Additional Information

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:

91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:

61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If a transferred reservation is later cancelled, the original applicable cancellation penalties will apply.
See the cancellation and transfer policy details page for more information.
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit but can sometime climb even higher. Evening temperatures drop into the 40s-50s or even lower. While rain in general is rare, there is always the possibility of rain, so adequate rain gear is important, even in this arid landscape. The Grand Canyon is a very unique environment, and it is important to note that the temperature on the rim of the Grand Canyon is significantly colder than at the bottom of the canyon, due to a difference in elevation of over 4,000 vertical feet.

Single Travelers

Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. As campsite space and permitting allows, we can also accommodate a limited number of single tents for this trip. Single tents are provided at no additional charge and assigned in the order they are requested. Please inform us of your preference on sign-up.

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Meet your guides

Caitlin

Caitlin Jaramillo is an outdoor enthusiast who spends most of her time on top of the tall mountains or in the deep canyons of the West. Growing up on the southern California coast, she had little exposure the the prominent peaks of the intermountain west or the expansive desert of the southwest. It wasn’t until she moved to Flagstaff, AZ for her undergraduate program that she really found a connection with outdoor spaces. Caitlin quickly found every way to get outside whether that be backpacking, white water rafting, rock climbing, or snowboarding. Caitlin is a lover, supporter and steward of the places she spends time in and is passionate about sharing those places with others. While she’s not backpacking, you can find Caitlin running the rivers of the southwest as a river guide. She is excited to share her love and enthusiasm for the Grand Canyon with you!

Adventure Expert

Janel Jensen

The Thunder River trail is considered the most adventurous trail on the North Rim and one of the most geologically unique areas of the Grand Canyon. The Esplanade was my favorite with its expansive views of the Grand Canyon, the mushroom rocks and hoodoos!

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.