Grand Canyon—Sedona/Havasu

Grand Canyon -- Havasu Falls Hike Itinerary:

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• (This itinerary is cancelled for the remainder of 2008. Registrations are being accepted for 2009.)
• Day 1 Arrival in Phoenix

• Your trip begins today in Phoenix, Arizona. Arrive into Phoenix by 5 p.m. and transfer independently to our hotel in nearby Scottsdale. We’ll meet in the hotel lobby at 6 p.m. for a group orientation, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. Overnight in Scottsdale. All meals included from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 7.

• Day 2  North through Sedona

• We get an early start today and drive north through the Sonoran Desert and onto the high plateaus and red canyons of central Arizona.  As we gain elevation, our guides recap the natural history of the four distinct biomes we pass through. Late this morning, we arrive in Sedona and begin our first hike along Oak Creek and across a spectacular ridgeline with 360-degree panoramas of the entire Sedona area and the Verde River Valley.  After a creekside picnic lunch, we continue north through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, home to lush riparian vegetation and towering red-rock walls, and considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. Our destination today is the comfortable Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, located on historic Route 66. A relaxing sunset dinner on the inn’s patio is planned for this evening. 
  
  Hiking: 2-5 miles; Terrain: flat.

• Day 3  Hiking into Havasupai

• After breakfast, we drive the short distance to the Grand Canyon rim and the Hualapai (pronounced "Walapai”) Hilltop trailhead. The Hualapai trail provides the only overland access to the wonders of Havasupai below. Before beginning our hike down, we’ll load most of our personal gear and supplies onto waiting packhorses, allowing us to walk to our basecamp unencumbered. Starting at 5,400’, we descend through a series of switchbacks until we reach a dry streambed where the route levels out. After a trailside lunch, the canyon walls seem to grow around us as we hike deeper into the labyrinth of rich red sandstone. At mile eight, the canyon widens once again and the vegetation becomes lusher. We enter the village of Supai, the most remote village in the U.S. (with mail still arriving by packhorse), and enjoy a welcome rest stop. An easy two-mile hike from the village takes us past 80’ Navajo Falls and 100’ Havasu Falls. Stopping to swim beneath each is a must!  We continue a short distance past Havasu Falls and come to our private base camp, nestled along a stream beneath cottonwood trees and towering red rock walls. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to play in the waterfalls and/or relax in camp while the guides prepare dinner. An outdoor kitchen with nearby picnic tables makes mealtimes relaxing, social affairs. We sleep for the next four nights in comfortable two-person tents supplied with deluxe sleeping pads. Camp elevation is 3,200’. 
  
  Hiking: 10 miles; Terrain: gradual downhill on dirt trail.

• Days 4-6 The canyons, falls and pools of Havasu

• Awaken to the smell of fresh-brewed coffee and a tasty breakfast being prepared in the camp kitchen. After a relaxing morning, our guides lead us on spectacular hikes and each day finds us in a new, little-known part of the Grand Canyon. We cross blue streams, wade through lush meadows of wild grapevines and swim in pools formed by 200’ waterfalls.  We may clamber up narrow side canyons with walls towering thousands of feet overhead. In the afternoons, search for fossils in the narrow slots of Carbonate Canyon, play on the rope swing or hike on a game trail known only to our guides and the Havasupai Indians. All hikes are optional; trip members may also choose to relax in the camp hammocks or swim in the nearby creek. In the evenings, we gather for dinner in our outdoor dining room and big appetites are satisfied with healthy, hearty camp meals. 
  
  Hiking: 2-8 miles. 

• Day 7 Return to Phoenix

• We’re reluctant to leave the tranquility and dramatic scenery of Havasupai behind, but after breakfast it’s time to begin our ascent back to the canyon rim and our waiting van. The trail is long, but the exhilaration of completing the hike and reaching the top is an amazing feeling that will always be remembered. An optional helicopter flight or horseback ride out of the canyon can also be arranged (for an additional fee) for those choosing to end the week on a less vigorous note. Helicopter departures and horseback ascents are timed to arrive back at the canyon rim at approximately the same time as our group hikers. Back in the van, we’ll set out for Phoenix with a stop for dinner along the way. We plan to arrive back in Phoenix between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. this evening. Please do not schedule a departing flight prior to 9 p.m. 
  
  Hiking: 10 miles; Terrain: gradual uphill. Transfer to the Phoenix airport on your own.

• Price Includes

• Two nights in hotels (double occupancy), 4 nights camping in Grand Canyon base camp (double occupancy); guide leadership; van transportation from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and return; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through dinner on Day 7; packhorses to carry personal gear to/from Havasu basecamp (trip members carry only daypacks); beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; deluxe sleeping pads; all group camping equipment; park fees, camping fees and local taxes.

• Not Included

• Flights to/from Phoenix, AZ; airport transfers; optional horseback or helicopter rides to/from the canyon rim; alcoholic beverages; sleeping bag; guides gratuities.

• About Havasu

• Havasu Canyon is one of over 600 side canyons forming the 280-mile long Grand Canyon. While over 5 million people per year visit Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, far fewer venture to remote Havasupai. Home to towering waterfalls, tropical blue-green pools, and lovely cottonwood trees, this oasis is often referred to as the "gem" of the Grand Canyon.

• Qualifications

• This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should have some previous hiking experience and be in good physical condition. We recommend a conditioning regimen beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure that includes hiking (preferably), walking or some other form of cardiovascular exercise (swimming, cycling) in order to prepare for the activity in this adventure. There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike. One section has fixed chains bolted into the nearby sandstone for support and passes through two short tunnels carved out of rock. All hikes are optional and our guides will be sure to brief trip members on the vigorousness and exposure of each hike prior to setting out. Trip members are requested to assist with camp chores such as washing dishes and setting up tents. Our comfortable base camp and knowledgeable guides make this a perfect adventure for both novice campers and family groups (minimum age requirement is 12).

• Weather

• Grand Canyon weather is typically sunny and dry, making it an ideal location for hiking and camping. At the canyon rim, temperatures generally hover in the 60-75°F range. At our base camp, temperatures range from the 50s to mid-70s in April, and from the high 60s to low 80s in May and June. July and early September temperatures can rise into the high 80s and low 90s with late September and October temperatures cooling off by 10-15 degrees. Although multi-day rainstorms are unusual, they can occur, making adequate raingear and some warmer clothing a necessity for this trip. The stream next to our base camp is spring fed, creating a constant water temperature of 72 degrees…always perfect for swimming!

Grand Canyon -- Havasu Falls Hike Itinerary:

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• (This itinerary is cancelled for the remainder of 2008. Registrations are being accepted for 2009.)
• Day 1 Arrival in Phoenix
• Day 2  North through Sedona
• Day 3  Hiking into Havasupai
• Days 4-6 The canyons, falls and pools of Havasu
• Day 7 Return to Phoenix
• Price Includes
• Not Included
• About Havasu
• Qualifications
• Weather

Grand Canyon -- South Rim Hike (Havasu Falls Alternate) Itinerary:

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• Important note on this alternate itinerary: Due to...

• Due to severe flood damage and the continuing risk of further landslides and erosion, REI Adventures is unable to operate regularly scheduled fall 2008 departures to Havasu Falls. The dynamic eco-systems of all Southwestern canyons are well adapted to flash floods and we do expect Havasu Canyon to be as beautiful as ever come the spring of 2009. As an alternative for the remainder of 2008, we have developed an itinerary set in the heart of Grand Canyon National Park, showcasing the dramatic grandeur of the canyon and incorporating some of the nearby hidden gems of red-rock country. Our selected trails will be truly awe-inspiring and our guides will provide you with our characteristic outstanding service as they share their knowledge of this natural wonder.

• Day 1 Arrive in Phoenix

• Your trip begins today in Phoenix, Arizona. Arrive into Phoenix by 5 p.m. and transfer independently to our hotel in nearby Scottsdale. We’ll meet in the hotel lobby at 6 p.m. for a group orientation, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. Overnight in Scottsdale. All meals from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 7 are included.

• Day 2  Grand Canyon Village and the Rim Trail

• Depart Scottsdale and drive north through the Sonoran Desert and onto the high plateaus and red canyons of central Arizona. Upon arrival at the edge of the canyon we will walk along the incredibly scenic Rim Trail, which offers views from many different vantage points and connects the main points of interest along the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Baby white asters, yellow sunflowers, golden western wallflowers, orange globemallow and other wildflowers blanket the rim during fall. From Pipe Springs Vista to Mather and Yavapai Points and on to Bright Angel Lodge and Kolb Studio, we will soak in the wonders of this World Heritage Site. We will pass El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House, and Yavapai Observation Station in addition to countless viewpoints. Enjoy amazing view of the dramatic drop into Pipe Springs Canyon, the inner gorge of the Colorado River, and countless buttes, temples, and points eroded from the rims. Heading west from Bright Angel Lodge, the trail is a bit narrower with some steep sections and stairs to Trailview Overlook, where we'll review the treks we will conquer into the canyon's depths. Next we settle into our camp located near the rim of the canyon for a hot meal and marshmallows around the fire pit.
  
  Hiking: 4-5 miles; Terrain: Maintained trail with 200' elevation gain/loss total.

• Day 3  South Kaibab Trail

• Catch a glimpse of the large, tassel-eared Abert squirrel, found only in this area, while enjoying a hearty breakfast specially prepared by our guides. Cinnamon french toast, crispy bacon, omelets made-to-order: take your pick! After breakfast, we will take the National Park shuttle to Yaki Point for a great view into the Grand Canyon. After a short walk, we will start our day's journey down the South Kaibab Trail. The South Kaibab trail was built by the National Park Service in 1924 linking the Grand Canyon Village with the Colorado River. After a series of switchbacks, the trail opens abruptly onto a dramatic panorama at an overlook called Ooh Aah Point. At this aptly named lookout point, the landscape opens up to afford 360-degree breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. Next, we will continue on to Cedar Ridge and Skeleton Point, dropping almost 2,000 feet in elevation and descending through more than 40 million years of geological history. This scenic trail is unique in the Grand Canyon as it traverses along a ridgeline instead of descending a side canyon, allowing for unobstructed views and excellent photography opportunities. As we descend through the layers of rock strata, our guides will educate you on the Grand Canyon's rich history, ecosystems and geology. After a hearty lunch on the trail, we will take the time to explore our surroundings before beginning the journey back to the rim. This evening we will take our time to appreciate the dramatic sunset over the crimson-ochre canyon walls before retiring to our campsite.
  
  Hiking: 6-8 miles; Terrain: Maintained but rocky and occasionally steep trail descends from 7,200 feet at the trailhead to 5,200 feet at Skeleton point and then returns to the rim.

• Day 4 Bright Angel Trail and Plateau Point

• After an early morning rise and our traditional hike-fueling breakfast, we will set off for the longest hike of our trip. The famous Bright Angel Trail offers wonderful views all along its path, and possible encounters with bighorn sheep. As we descend we will enjoy long stretches near lush and cool creek beds, and taking advantage of plentiful shade. For centuries, the Havasupai Indians descended from the rim using this trail to reach Indian Garden where they hunted in the winter and farmed year-round.  After dropping through the various layers of geologic formations, the trail descends directly to Indian Garden. As we near it, we will begin to see plant species found near water – willow, catclaw acacia, even Arizona grapes. This is a great place to refill our water supply, rest and explore. The most daring hikers will want to continue for the additional 1.2 miles to Plateau Point, which offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River 1,300 feet below.  We return tonight to our comfortable base camp. 
  
  Hiking:  8-12 miles; Terrain: Maintained but rocky and occasionally steep trail descends from 6,860 feet at the trailhead to 3,800 feet at Indian Garden (the first 4.6 miles of hiking), then remains relatively flat to Plateau Point, descending only another 220 feet in the next 1.2 miles. From there, we ascend back to the trailhead on the same route.

• Day 5 Grandview Trail

• After breaking camp we will embark on our morning's journey down the Grandview Trail. Hiking this trail is a great way to take in human history along with canyon scenery. The trail offers wonderful views of both Hance Canyon and Grapevine Canyon. Today our hike will take us 2,600 feet below the rim to Horseshoe Mesa, our turn-around and lunch spot. Here, you will enjoy a bit of history while you explore the remnants of Pete Berry's turn-of-the-20^th-century copper mine. The trail itself is part of history as all but 430 feet were built in the 1890s. If you are careful, you might surprise a large chuckwalla or a short-horned lizard, two of the many species of desert lizards living in this part of the canyon. Next, after visiting Desert View, we will head south and east across the Navajo Reservation stopping at native jewelry stands, the Little Colorado River Gorge, and other historical points of interest. In the late afternoon you will be exploring, learning, and hiking through two of America's most impressive National Monuments: Wupatki Ruins and Sunset Crater. Situated in the rain shadow of Arizona's San Francisco Peaks, the Pueblo rests on the edge of a small plateau and has unobstructed views eastward towards the Painted Desert and the Little Colorado River. Wupatki was once home to prehistoric Anasazi and Sinagua farmers and traders -- the Hisatsinom, as their Hopi descendants call them. Today, many free-standing masonry pueblos, field houses, rock art, pottery, baskets and tools are extraordinary evidence of a varied and complex lifestyle. Altogether, more than 2,700 archeological sites have been cataloged at Wupatki National Monument. For its time and place, there was no other pueblo like Wupatki. Just 800 years ago, it was the tallest, largest, and perhaps the richest and most influential pueblo in the region. But soon life was interrupted dramatically by the eruption of nearby Sunset Crater Volcano. The Bonito Lava Flow in the Sunset Crater National Monument almost seems to move among the red and black cinder cones, caves and craters. All around are indications of the power and destructive force of a volcanic eruption that occurred some 800 years ago. Tonight we stay at a hotel in the cool pines of Flagstaff and have a festive meal at Salsa Brava restaurant.
  
  Hiking: 6-8 miles; Terrain: Maintained but rocky and occasionally steep trail descends from 7,400 feet at the trailhead to 4,800 feet in 3.2 miles to Horseshoe Mesa, then returns to the rim.

• Day 6 Explore the Lava Tubes of Flagstaff and Hike Sedona’s Oak Creek

• After breakfast in Flagstaff, grab your headlamp as we head for one of the most unique caves in the world. This unusual and challenging hike takes us down a 700,000 year old lava tube discovered by lumbermen in 1915. This one mile-long lava tube cave was formed by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. The top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river continued to flow emptying out the present cave. Ample evidence of how the tube was born is written in the rocks from which it is formed. Small wave-like undulations in the floor are the remains of ripples frozen in the last trickle of molten rock that flowed from the cave. Stone icicles hanging from the ceiling show where a final blast of volcanic heat caused the rock to partially re-liquefy and drip. This short hike is a great introduction to caving, however no crawling or mucking around is required in the tube - in some places the ceiling is 80 ft. high! The footing is rough and we must take care to bring extra batteries and warm clothing as inside the tube it will be completely dark with a year round temperature in the low 40’s. While it may sound scary, this is a unique hike you will remember forever!  Next, we head to Sedona, home to lush riparian vegetation and towering red-rock walls. Most of our drive will be through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, said to be one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. After a creek side picnic lunch in Sedona, we hike along Oak Creek and across a spectacular ridgeline with 360-degree panoramas of the entire Sedona area, and the Verde River Valley.  We spend the night tonight at a wonderful Sedona Lodge.
  
  Hiking: 3-6 miles; Terrain: There is little elevation gain/loss in the lava tubes, but the ground inside the tubes is rocky and there are some spaces where the ceilings can be low.  Hiking along Oak Creek is mostly flat with some moderate ascent/descent.

• Day 7 Red Rock Crossing, Sedona, and return to Phoenix

• This morning, we awaken to the sunrise view from our lodge perched on a mesa in Sedona and begin our morning hike. First up is one of the most defining symbols of the American West: Red Rock Crossing. Hailed as one of America's national treasures, this tranquil oasis in the desert is home of many endangered species and threatened plants. Located near sacred Native American burial grounds and petroglyphs, Red Rock Crossing has been featured in more than 60 classic Hollywood films. Your guides will then lead you towards another spectacular Red Rock formation, Cathedral Rock. Wading across Oak Creek and an easy approach, the trail takes a short, steep climb into the saddle points of Cathedral Rock. Enjoy the shaded and breezy overlook and the breathtaking panorama of Sedona and the Red Rock Country. Our final stop is internationally renowned Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-pah-keh), Sedona Arizona's Arts & Crafts Village where we will have a final celebratory lunch. Nestled beneath the shade of the Sycamores, Tlaquepaque is one of the most distinctive experiences to be found in the Southwest. Authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, Tlaquepaque, meaning the "best of everything," has been a Sedona landmark since the 1970's. Its vine covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways and magnificent arched entryways give you the feeling that Tlaquepaque has been here for centuries.  We plan to arrive back at the same Scottsdale hotel from where the trip began between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. this evening. Please do not schedule a departing flight prior to 9 p.m. Transfer to the Phoenix airport on your own.
  
  Hiking: 3-4 miles; Terrain: Maintained trails with some water crossings (water-sport sandals or shoes required) and some elevation gain/loss on occasionally steep terrain.

• Price Includes

• Three nights in hotels (double occupancy), 3 nights camping in Grand Canyon base camp (double occupancy); guide leadership; van transportation from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and return; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through dinner on Day 7; beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; extra-thick sleeping pads; all group camping equipment; park fees, camping fees and local taxes.

• Not Included

• Flights to/from Phoenix, AZ; airport transfers; alcoholic beverages; sleeping bag; guides gratuities.

• Qualifications

• This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should have some previous hiking experience and be in good physical condition.  We recommend a conditioning regimen beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure that includes hiking (preferably), walking or some other form of cardiovascular exercise (swimming, cycling) in order to prepare for the activity in this adventure.  There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike.  All hikes are optional and our guides will be sure to brief trip members on the vigorousness and exposure of each hike prior to setting out.  Trip members are requested to assist with camp chores such as washing dishes and setting up tents.  Our comfortable base camp and knowledgeable guides make this a perfect adventure for both novice campers and family groups (minimum age requirement is 12).

• Weather

• In September and October, the canyon receives very little precipitation. However, please be prepared for a stray rainstorm particularly in late October. During the fall, you should plan for warm, sunny days (65-85 degrees) and cool to chilly nights (35-55 degrees). The camp on the rim will be significantly cooler than in Havasupai as it is 3000-feet higher in elevation, as a result please note that the gear list you will receive will differ slightly from the Havasu Hike gear list that appears on our web site. October specifically is known for having one cold snap lasting 24-48 hours and we cannot predict if or when this may occur during the month.

Grand Canyon -- South Rim Hike (Havasu Falls Alternate) Itinerary:

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• Important note on this alternate itinerary: Due to...
• Day 1 Arrive in Phoenix
• Day 2  Grand Canyon Village and the Rim Trail
• Day 3  South Kaibab Trail
• Day 4 Bright Angel Trail and Plateau Point
• Day 5 Grandview Trail
• Day 6 Explore the Lava Tubes of Flagstaff and Hike Sedona’s Oak Creek
• Day 7 Red Rock Crossing, Sedona, and return to Phoenix
• Price Includes
• Not Included
• Qualifications
• Weather

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations (hotels and tent), you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on this itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations (hotels and tent), we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms/tents available on most departures.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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