Backpacking Trip Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey through some of the most remote, diverse, and stunning landscapes the Grand Canyon has to offer. This point-to-point hike from the Bright Angel Trail to the Hermit Trail is perfect for adventurers seeking an in-depth exploration of the canyon’s natural beauty and cultural history. With breathtaking views, historic ruins, narrow canyon sections, and encounters with the mighty Colorado River, this trip offers a truly immersive Grand Canyon experience. Highlights include camping beside the Colorado River, exploring dramatic side canyons, and hiking through some of the most photographed and awe-inspiring areas in the park.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Descend the iconic Bright Angel Trail, covering 4.9 miles to reach Havasupai Garden. This historic spring site, used by the Havasupai people for centuries, offers a shady retreat beneath cottonwood trees, where you can cool off in the refreshing waters of Garden Creek. After a relaxing picnic lunch, you’ll continue your journey to a secluded creek-side campsite, where you’ll enjoy the peace and solitude of the canyon as you settle in for the night.
- Day 2: Rise early to embark on an 8.9-mile trek westward along the Tonto Plateau. This well-maintained, mostly flat trail offers expansive views of the Grand Canyon, the inner gorge, and the Colorado River as it winds around the head of Salt and Horn Creek. Your destination for the night is Monument Creek, a cozy camp nestled beneath towering Redwall Limestone cliffs and next to a spring-fed creek. The stunning scenery and serene surroundings make this a perfect spot to rest and recharge.
- Day 3: On this day, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed pace. After a leisurely morning, you’ll break camp and hike down Monument Creek to the Colorado River, descending 1,000 feet through dramatic schist narrows. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep as you make your way to Granite Rapids, where the roaring whitewater provides a dramatic backdrop for your riverside campsite. Enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the rapids, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the Colorado River.
- Day 4: Today’s hike takes you further west along the Tonto Trail, with distance and elevation gain/loss varying depending on the specific itinerary. Your destination is the charming desert oasis of Hermit Creek, where you’ll set up camp for the night. If time and energy allow, you’ll embark on a day hike to Hermit Rapid, another impressive section of the Colorado River. After a day of exploration, you’ll return to camp for a final backcountry dinner, celebrating your last night in the Grand Canyon.
- Day 5: The final leg of your journey begins with a mile-long hike to the junction of the Tonto and Hermit Trails. From there, you’ll ascend the Hermit Trail, navigating switchbacks through the towering Redwall Limestone and contouring along a series of shelves high above Hermit Creek. This section of the hike offers increasingly stunning views of the Grand Canyon as you approach the rim. The final stretch of the trail, constructed with beautifully fitted rock slabs, takes you past 250-million-year-old fossilized footprints, some of the best in the canyon. Once you reach the South Rim, you’ll be shuttled back to the South Rim Village.
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
