Backpacking Trip Overview
Embark on the ultimate Grand Canyon adventure with the Escalante Route, a challenging and incredibly rewarding trek through the eastern part of the park. Over the course of five days, you’ll follow the Colorado River from the Tanner Trail to the New Hance Trail, journeying through some of the most remote and wild areas the Grand Canyon has to offer. This itinerary is one of our most demanding, featuring stunning Colorado River beach campsites, breathtaking slot canyons, and unparalleled views. You’ll spend your days immersed in the solitude and majesty of the canyon, enjoying exceptional backcountry cuisine, learning about the canyon’s rich history, and soaking in the magic of this extraordinary landscape.
Itinerary
- Day 1: You’ll descend the Tanner Trail, a long and steep path that will lead you to a beautiful beach campsite on the banks of the Colorado River. After a demanding 8-mile hike and a 4,650-foot descent, you’ll have the chance to rejuvenate by soaking your tired feet in the icy waters of the Colorado River. As the day winds
down, relax in camp while your guide prepares a hearty meal, accompanied by the soothing sound of Tanner Rapids.
- Day 2: On the second day, you’ll rise early to take advantage of the cooler morning hours for hiking. Today’s journey takes you west along the Escalante Route, a rugged and scenic trail that follows the course of the Colorado River. After covering 8 miles and navigating an elevation change of approximately 1,200 feet, you’ll reach Escalante Creek beach, a breathtaking side canyon where you can unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the river. The reward at the end of this day’s hike is a serene, riverside campsite where you can relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
- Day 3: The third day is often considered the most scenic and adventurous of the entire trip. After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll break camp and continue your trek westward until you arrive at Seventyfive Mile Creek, a twisting slot canyon that empties into the Colorado River. The terrain here is technical but offers incredible photo opportunities. After navigating this stunning landscape, you’ll make your way to New Hance Rapid, which is renowned for being one of the most challenging rapids for boatman in the Grand Canyon. The day’s hike covers between 4 and 7 miles, with an elevation gain or loss of 850 to 1,650 feet, depending on the specific route taken.
- Day 4: On the fourth day, after a leisurely morning, you’ll break camp and begin your ascent up Red Canyon following the New Hance trail. This hike takes you through striking geological formations, where the tilted strata tell the story of a time when this area was an island rising above an ancient sea. You’ll make your way up the dry creek bed of Red Canyon before switchbacking through the towering Red Wall—a sheer, 800-foot tall limestone barrier. You’ll camp atop the Red Wall at one of the most spectacular sites in the canyon, where panoramic views will be the backdrop for your final, celebratory dinner.
- Day 5: The final day of your expedition begins with a delicious breakfast before you embark on the hike out of the canyon. You’ll leave the Red Wall formations behind and enter an old creek bed, which you’ll follow for a while before scrambling up and out to the trailhead. This last hike covers 2 to 3 miles with a 2,300-foot elevation gain.
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
