Backpacking Trip Overview
Experience one of the most iconic hikes in the world with our Rim to Rim Tour, a Grand Canyon legend! Crossing the Canyon from one rim to the other is an unparalleled journey, allowing you to witness the diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and breathtaking vistas that make this trek so special. Your Rim to Rim adventure begins on the cooler, shaded North Rim. From there, you’ll descend into the Canyon via the North Kaibab Trail, following Bright Angel Creek to our first night’s camp at Cottonwood Campground. The second day takes us through the stunning Bright Angel Box Canyon to the famous Bright Angel Campground, near Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River. On the third day, we’ll climb out of the Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail, stopping for the night at the lush desert oasis of Havasupai Garden. The final day sees us completing the ascent to the South Rim, where a shuttle will be waiting to take us back to Flagstaff.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Your journey begins with a scenic 4-hour shuttle ride from the South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where the trailhead awaits at 8,000 feet. From here, you’ll embark on a 6.8-mile hike downhill along the North Kaibab Trail, descending through a dense mixed conifer forest into a semi-arid High Sonoran desert environment. Along the way, you’ll pass through the dramatic Redwall Limestone and by the impressive Roaring Springs, a cascading stream that erupts from the canyon walls. Your first night’s camp will be at Cottonwood Campground, a serene desert oasis where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Canyon.
- Day 2:After breaking camp, you’ll continue your descent along the North Kaibab Trail, covering 7.2 miles to reach Bright Angel Campground. The day’s hike takes you through the awe-inspiring Bright Angel Box Canyon, where sheer granite and schist walls rise dramatically above the crystal-clear waters of Bright Angel Creek. This spring-fed oasis is a true highlight of the Canyon, and your camp for the night, located near the historic Phantom Ranch and adjacent to the Colorado River, offers a unique and tranquil experience at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
- Day 3: Start the day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a 4.5-mile hike along the Bright Angel Trail. As you follow the Colorado River and ascend along Pipe Creek, you’ll arrive at Garden Creek. From here, you’ll hike upstream past the junction with Pipe Creek to Havasupai Garden, a lush spring site that has nourished seasonal Havasupai garden plots for centuries. The short hike to your final camp at Havasupai Garden Campground offers a chance to relax and enjoy the shade and water in this enchanting setting.
- Day 4: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before tackling the final leg of your Rim to Rim adventure. The day’s hike covers 4.8 miles, with a steady 3,000-foot ascent out of the Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. This trail, the most popular in the Grand Canyon, offers endless vistas, reliable water sources, and a gentle grade that makes for a rewarding climb to the South Rim. As you reach the rim, take a moment to look back at the incredible journey you’ve completed.
What's Included
- Professional guide services
- All necessary permits
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)
- Meals and snacks during the trip
- First-aid kit and emergency supplies
