Grand Canyon – Havasu Falls Family Adventure

Grand Canyon – Havasu Falls Family Adventure Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Welcome to sunny Arizona where our Grand Canyon Havasu Falls Family Adventure begins.

  Our trip begins today in Phoenix, Arizona. Arrive into Phoenix by 5 p.m. and transfer independently to our hotel in nearby Paradise Valley. The initial group rendezvous and orientation will take place at 6 p.m. in the lobby of our hotel. We then transfer to the REI Paradise Valley store for our pre-trip orientation where our guides will give us a rundown of the trip itinerary, gear check, and packing tips. This is also a good opportunity to pick up some last minute items, even if it is just camera batteries or soap! We will enjoy dinner and drinks at the store while we get to know each other in eager anticipation of our adventure. Overnight in Paradise Valley. All meals included from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7.

• Day 2 Travel through the Sonoran desert to the Grand Canyon Caverns for some fun cave exploration.

  Depart Phoenix and travel north through the Sonoran Desert, onto the high elevation plateaus and red rock canyons of north central Arizona. We take in absolutely sublime red-sandstone formations as we drive through Sedona's Oak Creek Canyon, one of the nation's most serene and scenic byways. Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch at Oak Creek Canyon's loftiest overlook, paired with the opportunity to visit a local Navajo crafts market. Afterwards, we'll continue our drive across the Colorado Plateau to the rustic Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, our lodging for the night. This classic Route 66 establishment got both its name and claim to fame in the 1920's, when Mr. Walter Peck discovered the entrance to a cavern system over 200 feet deep and over half a mile long. His "Grand Canyon Caverns" tours grew so popular that a lively motel sprung up to accommodate would-be explorers. Today, we'll see not only the impressive majesty and sparkling crystal formations of the caverns themselves, but their unusual history that grew up throughout the last century. An introduction to "Gertie" the Giant Ground Sloth, traversing America's deepest hotel room, and visiting a subterranean wedding chapel are a few of the Caverns' secrets we'll experience. To top off the day's adventures, we enjoy dinner on the patio (and a dip in the pool!) as the sun sets across a quintessential western landscape.

  Vehicle transfer time: 5 hours total. Cave exploration: 1 hour.

• Day 3 Arrive at the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead and hike into the deep red canyons of glorious 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 one is a must!  We continue a short distance past Havasu Falls 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 a delicious dinner. Sleep under the stars tonight or retire to your spacious tent for a peaceful night of canyon slumber. Camp elevation is 3,200’.  Note that there is the option of flying both into and out of the canyon for those not wanting to do the entire hike (additional cost per person $100 one way – helicopter). The last two miles of the trail must be hiked to our base camp.
  
  Hiking: 10 miles; Terrain: gradual downhill on dirt trail.

• Day 4-5 Explore the crystal blue streams and emerald pools of Havasupai as we discover hidden trails and canyons on foot.

  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, hike on a game trail known only to our guides, or perhaps meet with the Havasupai Indians and learn to make the ancient split twig figures found in cave dwelling throughout the Canyon. 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 6 Learn new things about the canyon and its unique plants and animals on a special adventure, then celebrate with a farewell dinner.

  In addition to more hiking and exploration options today, it’s time to get a little “canyon crazy”.  After our guides provide a short skill seminar on the use of map and compass, each “team” navigates a highly interactive course that includes a rope swing challenge, solving “criddles” (canyon riddles), answering canyon trivia about flora and geology … and much more.  It’s all about the Canyon and it’s all about fun!  This evening enjoy one more scrumptious meal and recount the infinite magical moments of the past few days.
  
  Hiking: varies.

• Day 7 Hike to the rim of the canyon and return to Phoenix, where our Grand Canyon Havasu Falls Family Adventure ends.

  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 a late lunch 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 9:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch included. Transfer to the Phoenix airport on your own.
  
  Hiking: 10 miles; Terrain: gradual uphill. Vehicle transfer time: ~ 4.5 hours.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions. 

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure 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 and tents available on most departures.

Two nights in hotels (double/triple occupancy), 4 nights camping in Grand Canyon base camp (double/triple occupancy); two guides; van transportation from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and return; all meals as indicated in the itinerary; packhorses to carry personal gear to/from Havasu basecamp (trip members carry only daypacks); beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; extra-thick 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; one dinner; sleeping bag (this can be rented); optional guides gratuities.

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 7).

Grand Canyon weather is typically sunny and dry, making it an ideal location for hiking and camping.  At the canyon rim, summer temperatures generally hover in the 60-75°F range.  At our base camp, day time temperatures range from the 60s to high-70s in March and April, and from the high 70s to 90s in May through August. 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 and cooling off!

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 at the time of your initial reservation, 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.

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. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary as this will help you and the field staff.

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

Things to Consider

• Pleaseremember 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 hiking boots are broken-in.  Bring blister treatment in your personal first-aid kit.  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 daypack unattended. Animals will chew right through the pack or tent, to get to the food.