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Grand Canyon—Sedona/Havasu
It’s impossible to forget your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. Approaching the rim from the surrounding plateau, the landscape gives no hint of the nearby wonders that await, fantastically colored in striated bands of red, orange and gold. Our week-long hiking exploration focuses on a small but incredibly beautiful part of the Canyon known as Havasupai, a magical oasis in a remote section of this magnificent national park. We’ll travel north from Phoenix and stop for a hike in picturesque Sedona before reaching the canyon’s south rim and the trail leading to our private base camp below. On our descent, we’ll pass through the Havasupai Indian reservation and swim beneath the brilliant blue-green waterfalls that add an unusual color to an already remarkable desert palette. Once in camp, the days are ours to enjoy more exhilarating hikes led by our guides, swim in the cascade-fed pools nearby or just relax in a hammock strung in the cool shade of a cottonwood tree. Packhorses carry the bulk of our gear allowing us to hike with just daypacks and roomy tents equipped with thick sleeping pads ensure a comfortable night’s slumber for all.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Grand Canyon Itinerary:
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Day 1
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.
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Day 2
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.
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Day 3
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.
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Days 4-6
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.
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Day 7
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.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
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.
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.
Flights to/from Phoenix, AZ; airport transfers; optional horseback or helicopter rides to/from the canyon rim; alcoholic beverages; sleeping bag; guides gratuities.
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.
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).
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!
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.
Grand Canyon—Sedona/Havasu
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
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!
Luggage restriction
There is a maximum weight limit of approx. 15 pounds per person for luggage being transported to our camp by packhorses. Remaining gear can be left locked in our van at the trailhead or at the hotel in Scottsdale.
Gear Checklist
- Tents
- Deluxe sleeping pad
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Trip leader first-aid kit
- Stoves and fuel
- Photo identification
- Airline tickets
- Soft-sided duffel bag(s), sturdy, medium-sized; the packhorses carry this to camp, weight limit 15 lbs.
- Daypack, 2000-2500 cu. in., to carry camera, water bottles, lunch, rain gear
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Sleeping bag rated to 30-35°F, lightweight, compressible, down or synthetic material is best
- Rain jacket, lightweight, waterproof and breathable, or a waterproof rain poncho
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater (not required late June – early September)
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat (for Apr and Oct trips)
- Wool or fleece gloves, lightweight (for Apr and Oct trips)
- Sturdy hiking boots, midweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals
- Water footwear (see "Things to consider")
- Two (2) one-quart water bottles or hydration system
- Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo
- Baby-wipes
- Toilet paper
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Towel
- Personal first-aid kit, small
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags for wet clothes and trash
- One-quart water bottle or hydration system
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Small binoculars
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Motion sickness remedies
- Leave-in hair conditioner
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Games and toys, frisbees, cards, etc.
- Reading and writing materials
- Hiking staff or trekking poles
- Collapsible water pail (for washing clothes)
- Waterproof disposable camera
- Ear plugs
- Camp pillow
- Sleep sheet (to put over provided sleeping pad)
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots) and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed. Pack your camera and film in your carry-on, too.
- You will not be permitted to swim without protective footwear. Thong sandals or Birkenstocks are not permitted as they have no heel strap. Sandals must be supportive and comfortable enough to wear while walking short distances. Old running shoes, reef walkers, water sandals, etc. work well.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Snacks: Plenty of food and snacks will be available at all times during the trip. Should you bring your own snacks or powdered drinks, store them in the lock boxes in the kitchen area with the other food items. Never leave food in the tents or in your backpack unattended. Animals will chew right through the pack or tent, to get to the food.
- Feel free to give us a call should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at any of our stores or Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The "Expert Advice" section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.