FAQs

Our home base is the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, where we guide year-round. In the cooler months, we also offer trips in Sedona’s stunning red rock country.

We run guided day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and custom adventures. Whether you want to stand on a quiet overlook few visitors see, camp beneath the stars, or challenge yourself with a multi-day canyon trek, we’ve got a trip for you.

Absolutely. We can create a personalized experience for couples, families, friends, or teams.

Spring and fall bring the mildest weather, but with the right planning, every season offers something unique — winter’s quiet trails, summer’s early-morning light, and autumn’s golden sunsets.

Nope. We welcome everyone from first-time hikers to seasoned backpackers. Your guide will adjust the pace and plan to match your comfort level.

Some hikes are gentle and scenic, while others are steep and demanding. If you can walk a few miles comfortably, you can join a beginner trip. For more challenging routes, we’ll help you prepare.

Yes — for certain trips. The minimum age depends on the hike’s difficulty and safety considerations. Contact us to talk about options for your family.

For backpacking trips, we supply quality tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and trekking poles. Day hikes include daypacks and trekking poles. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer.

Once you book, we’ll send you a detailed packing list. The basics: sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, personal toiletries, and any medications you need.

Yes. We prepare fresh, hearty meals and snacks to keep you fueled on the trail. Let us know about any dietary restrictions — we’re happy to accommodate.

Most Grand Canyon hikes begin at the South Rim. Sedona hikes meet at designated trailheads. We’ll give you exact details once your trip is confirmed.

You’ll meet us at the starting point. For certain itineraries, we can help arrange shuttles or provide recommendations.

We keep our trips small — usually 4 to 10 guests — for a more personal and connected experience.

Your safety is always our top priority. We may adjust start times, change routes, or reschedule as needed. In rare cases where we must cancel, our cancellation policy applies.

Yes. All guides hold current first-aid certifications and carry emergency communication devices and supplies.

Possibly — you might spot bighorn sheep, California condors, or elk. Our guides teach respectful wildlife viewing and Leave No Trace practices.

You can book directly on our website or contact us for personal assistance.

• 60+ days before trip: Full refund minus $150 processing fee

• 30–59 days before trip: 50% refund

• Less than 30 days: No refund
  We strongly recommend travel insurance for peace of mind.

Yes — and we handle that for you. All necessary backcountry permits are included in the cost of your trip.

All Grand Canyon backpacking trips require a backcountry permit issued by the National Park Service (NPS). Permits are distributed through a lottery system, which opens five months before your trip date. Here’s what the process looks like:

• Lottery Window (16th–1st):
  Applications are accepted for about two weeks each month. For example, if you want to hike in November, we submit your application between June 16th and July 1st.

• Results Day (2nd):
  The NPS notifies applicants on the 2nd of the following month whether their application was successful.

• Awardee Period (4th–17th):
  If our application was drawn, we can book permits during this window.

• General Access (18th+):
  Any remaining permits become available to all applicants starting on the 18th. These can disappear quickly due to high demand.

What This Means for Your Trip

• Until a permit is confirmed, your itinerary is considered “permit pending.”

• If our first-choice route isn’t available, we’ll:
  – Offer an alternative route for your same dates, or
  – Suggest different dates for your preferred itinerary.

• If neither option works for you, your payment will be handled according to our Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Our Commitment to You

The permit system can be competitive, but you don’t have to stress — we handle the entire process for you. We’ll keep you updated at each step and do everything possible to secure the best itinerary for your trip.