Catch your first unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon
Our trip begins this morning near Phoenix, Arizona. We rendezvous with our guides for introductions and a brief orientation before we drive north through the Sonoran Desert towards Grand Canyon National Park. We enter the park from the east and stop for lunch at iconic Desert View Watchtower, a 70-foot-tall stone tower perched on the canyon's edge. Designed by Mary Colter in 1932, Desert View contains a wealth of murals depicting various Hopi traditions and stories. Continuing to our hotel near the South Rim, we check in and have some free time to stretch our legs on a walk along the Rim Trail, enjoying panoramic views of this awe-inspiring natural wonder. At dinner this evening, we feel the excitement rising as our guides enlighten us on what to expect during tomorrow's adventure down to Phantom Ranch. Overnight tonight at a South Rim hotel. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: Up to 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +100' / -100'; Van transfer: 4.5 hours
Descend via the South Kaibab Trail to arrive at Phantom Ranch
Get ready to burn off that big breakfast! Today's descent is 7 miles and 4,780 feet into the grandest of canyons. Our route takes us down a ridgeline affording jaw-dropping 360 degree views of the labyrinth of amphitheaters, temples and buttes. The trail begins with a series of switchbacks to breathtaking Ooh Aah Point before we resume our descent another 1,200 feet, traveling back 40 million years in the geologic record to Cedar Ridge. From here we traverse the Tonto platform before dropping into the inner gorge. The last part of our hike takes us along the Colorado River and over a suspension bridge where we'll find Phantom Ranch at trail's end. Nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek just before its confluence with the mighty Colorado River, this former settlement and hunting camp is a "bucket list" destination for many. The current camp was designed by famous architect, Mary E. J. Colter, and was completed in 1922. Reservations can be a challenge to come by on your own (often sold out a year in advance), but relax in the knowledge that this piece of history will be our home for the next two nights. Overnight tonight and tomorrow night in mixed gender cabins at Phantom Ranch. All meals included.
Hiking: 7 miles, Elevation loss: -4,780'; Terrain: A well maintained but rocky and occasionally steep trail descends from 7,200 feet at the trailhead to approximately 2,500 feet at the Colorado River.
Enjoy a full day exploring on the Clear Creek and the River Trails
A day in the very bottom of Grand Canyon is all yours, with the canyon walls blocking out the rest of the world and affording a feeling of tremendous peace and tranquility. Today we have the option to hike the spectacular Clear Creek Trail and River Trail. Beautiful panoramas await you as you climb this trail sometimes referred to as one of the canyon's "best kept" secrets. If you'd like to take it easy and rest up for tomorrow's ascent, you may choose to use this day for relaxation, cheering on the rafters, socializing with other adventurers, or stretching out in the shade with a book and a cold beer. Photographic and bird watching opportunities abound in this lush green riparian habitat fenced in by sheer walls of rock. Your guides will be available all day to share with you the secrets of one of the world's most special places. All meals included.
Hiking: 3-5 miles optional; Elevation gain/loss: up to 1,000 feet.
Climb to the rim via the Bright Angel Trail and return to the Phoenix area
The rising sun finds us preparing to conquer the canyon. Our exit is via the classic Bright Angel Trail. After crossing the Colorado River, we'll follow the trail as it snakes its way up out of the inner gorge to the shady oasis of Havasupai Gardens. Here we will refuel and refill with water before tackling the steep ascent up Jacob's Ladder through the Redwall layer. While always a tremendous challenge your guides will provide you with helpful hints, strategies, techniques, and their insider knowledge of the keys to a successful ascent. With proper preparation, hydration, and diet, the entire group will soon be high-fiving and hugging on the rim. We'll take a brief pause to celebrate our shared accomplishments before hopping in the van to make the return trip to the Phoenix area. We'll stop in Flagstaff for a light farewell meal, returning to the Phoenix area later this evening. All meals included.
Hiking: 10 miles; Terrain: Maintained trail with a 4,300' ascent. Van transfer: 4.5 hours
Important Note: The Transcanyon Waterline Construction Project in the Grand Canyon is underway. Dates falling between 12/2/2024-5/14/2025 will require a reroute, exiting the canyon via the South Kaibab trail (7 miles; 4,780' elevation gain) rather than our original exit trail via the Bright Angel.