Grand Canyon and Sedona Hiking

Grand Canyon and Sedona Hiking Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Arrive in Phoenix for dinner with the group and your guides

• 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. Dinner included.

• Day 2  The Sonoran Desert, hiking Red Butte and arrival at the Grand Canyon

• Today we depart from Scottsdale and drive north on our way to the Grand Canyon. Our total drive time today is about 3.5 to 4 hours and every bit of the drive is scenic. We travel through four unique biomes, beginning in the Sonoran Desert filled with towering saguaro cactus and leading up thousands of feet in elevation onto the Mogollon Rim, a high plateau covered in vast pine forests capped off by the San Francisco Peaks. Along the way our guides offer insight into the geological and natural history of this unique landscape. Nearing the Grand Canyon, you will begin to see a prominent feature rising from the high desert floor. Red Butte, known to the Havasupai people as Wii'i Gdwiisa (Clenched Fist Mountain) is a sacred site where members of the tribe still visit in order to obtain red ochre for use in ceremonies. Red Butte is the perfect place to take a break from driving and enjoy a short warm-up hike that delivers big views. The 1.2 mile trail ascends 866 feet to the basalt cap o f the butte, where a Forest Service lookout tower at the open summit offers 360 degree views. Following our hike we'll drive a short distance further to arrive at the Grand Canyon, where we'll head to Pipe Springs Vista for sweeping views of the canyon. Leaving from there on foot, the West Rim Trail is a superb hike offering views from many different vantage points and connecting the main points of interest along the Grand Canyon's South Rim. From points along the trail, we'll enjoy a bird's eye view of the hiking routes planned into the canyon's depths in the coming days. Finally, we settle into our camp located near the rim of the canyon for a hot meal and marshmallows around the fire pit. This deluxe campsite with a full kitchen, huge tents, extra comfortable sleeping pads, and nearby flush toilets and showers will be our home for the next three nights. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4-7 miles; Terrain: Maintained trail with 200' elevation gain/loss total.

• Day 3  Hike the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens and view the Colorado River from Plateau Point

• After an early morning rise and a hearty breakfast, we will set off for one of the Grand Canyon's most famed routes. The Havasupai tribe built the Bright Angel Trail so they could access Garden Creek from the dry rim above. Eventually, they began settling seasonally below the rim at the oasis now called Indian Garden where they hunted in the winter and farmed year-round. The Bright Angel Trail offers wonderful views and cool creek-side hiking with plenty of shade, and maybe even the opportunity to encounter desert bighorn sheep! After descending through many layers of rock strata, we'll arrive at Indian Garden where we'll see willow, catclaw acacia, Arizona grapes and more. We'll rest in the shade, enjoy the sounds of the creek and the smells of the unique desert plants, refill our water supply and then offer those who want a bit more adventure the opportunity to continue on another 1.2 miles (mostly flat terrain) to Plateau Point for truly awe-inspiring views deep into the Inner Gorge and along the Colorado River 1,300 feet below. We return tonight to our comfortable base camp for another amazing dinner and plenty of rest. All meals included.
  
  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 4 Hike the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point and traverse Cedar Ridge

• Rise today to enjoy another delicious camp breakfast specially prepared by our guides then we head off to Yaki Point to view the labyrinth of amphitheaters, temples and buttes nestled deep in the canyon between the North and South Rim. From Yaki Point, we set out on the last of our classic day hikes – the South Kaibab Trail. After we make our way through the switchbacks we arrive at breathtaking Ooh Aah Point, where the trail opens to 360-degree breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. Then we resume our descent another 1,200 feet, traveling back 40 million years in the geologic record to Cedar Ridge. This unique stretch of trail is perched high along a ridgeline, unlike most Grand Canyon trails that descend along side canyons, and this feature affords hikers unobstructed views of the surroundings. Our guides enjoy sharing their insight on the geologic and human history of the canyon as we hike. After lunch, we return to the rim and this evening we'll take advantage of one last opportunity to enjoy a legendary Grand Canyon sunset on our final night in camp. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 6-8 miles; Terrain: Maintained but rocky and occasionally steep trail descends from 7,200 feet at the trailhead to 6,060 feet at Cedar Ridge and then returns to the rim.

• Day 5 Explore the Anasazi ruins at Wupatki, hike Sunset Crater volcano and unwind at Sedona's Sky Ranch Lodge

• Today we depart the Grand Canyon and set out on an adventure that takes us across the Navajo Reservation and around the north side of the towering San Francisco Peaks to some of Arizona's most exceptional geological and archaeological sites. Before we enjoy breakfast and break camp, our final morning offers early risers the opportunity to hike to Yavapai Observation Point to behold a stunning Grand Canyon sunrise. After breakfast, we head east to the Desert View Watchtower for sweeping views of the Painted Desert and a final opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of the Colorado River, deep in the inner gorge. We leave the park from Desert View and in the late afternoon we begin our exploration of two impressive National Monuments: Wupatki Ruins and Sunset Crater. Once home to the prehistoric Anasazi and Sinagua peoples, present day Wupatki National Monument protects the remnants of many impressive free-standing stone pueblos, pottery, baskets and tools as well as some fascinating rock art sites. Up until about 800 years ago, Wupatki Pueblo was the center of what was perhaps the most advanced civilization in the region, but the eruption of nearby Sunset Crater Volcano suddenly and dramatically transformed this high desert environment – perhaps prompting the sudden and mysterious abandonment of hundreds of settlements on the surrounding plateau. At Sunset Crater National Monument we'll explore the anatomy of this event as we learn about the powerful and destructive force behind it. The Bonito Lava Flow, which even to this day seems almost alive and flowing among the cinders, is a terrific glimpse into the magnitude of the eruption. After our exploration of these two sites is complete, we enjoy an evening drive down scenic Oak Creek Canyon to arrive in Sedona. This former old west farming community turned recreation wonderland is an oasis of green nestled deep in maze of dramatic red rock spires and peaks.  Tonight we stay at the comfortable Sky Ranch Lodge, where we'll enjoy the comfort of a bed and celebrate in town at one of Sedona's great restaurants. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 1-2 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 100-200 feet.

• Day 6 Hike Sedona's Red Rock State Park then choose your own afternoon adventure

• After breakfast this morning we're off to explore Red Rock State Park. A short loop hike leads us to the Eagles Nest overlooking Oak Creek. From this high vantage point the Mogollon Rim rises thousands of feet to the north and below one can see Sedona and the lush Verde River valley. We'll enjoy a great picnic lunch in the park and then leave the afternoon open for you to select among the many exceptional extras that Sedona has to offer. Our guides can advise guests on the many options available, including swimming and relaxing among the natural sandstone waterslides at Slide Rock State Park, hiking the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte loop, or experiencing a local jeep or helicopter tour (additional cost). You may also opt instead to visit Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-PAH-keh), which is a unique arts and crafts village providing some of the most distinctive shopping and dining experiences in the Southwest. We will regroup for dinner tonight and exchange stories about our afternoon adventures. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3-6 miles with options; Terrain: Maintained trails with about 500 feet in elevation change.

• Day 7 Hike legendary Red Rock Crossing to Cathedral Rock and return to Phoenix

• Today begins with breakfast and the anticipation of a truly world-class hiking adventure: the journey on foot to Red Rock Crossing. Located near sacred indigenous burial grounds and remarkable petroglyphs, Red Rock Crossing is home to a number of endangered species and threatened plants and has been widely photographed as a hallmark symbol of the American West's enduring beauty. From there we continue on to Cathedral Rock, wading across Oak Creek and continuing up a short, steep climb to the saddle points. The view from the overlook at Cathedral Rock's saddle points is an awe-inspiring panorama of red rock country. After the day's hikes we continue on the road south to return at last to the Phoenix area. We plan to arrive back at the same Scottsdale hotel from where the trip began between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. this evening. Please do not schedule a departing flight prior to 9 p.m. You will transfer to the Phoenix airport on your own, and the Holiday Inn Express in Scottsdale (where our trip ends) provides a free airport transfer. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  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.

Grand Canyon and Sedona Hiking Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Arrive in Phoenix for dinner with the group and your guides
• Day 2  The Sonoran Desert, hiking Red Butte and arrival at the Grand Canyon
• Day 3  Hike the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens and view the Colorado River from Plateau Point
• Day 4 Hike the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point and traverse Cedar Ridge
• Day 5 Explore the Anasazi ruins at Wupatki, hike Sunset Crater volcano and unwind at Sedona's Sky Ranch Lodge
• Day 6 Hike Sedona's Red Rock State Park then choose your own afternoon adventure
• Day 7 Hike legendary Red Rock Crossing to Cathedral Rock and return to Phoenix

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.

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.

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 lunch 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.

Flights to/from Phoenix, AZ; travel insurance; airport transfers; alcoholic beverages; sleeping bag; cost of optional extra services in Sedona on Day 5; 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. 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, but please note that our minimum age requirement is 12 years.

During most months the canyon receives very little or no precipitation. However, please be prepared for a stray rainstorm particularly in the months of July and August and in late October. You should mostly plan for warm, sunny days (65-85 degrees) and chilly nights (35-55 degrees). September and October may be a bit cooler and October specifically is known for having one cold snap lasting 24-48 hours, the timing of which cannot be easily predicted. The campsite on the rim of the canyon is located around 7,000 feet in elevation, therefore temperatures can fluctuate widely from the day to the night time and from day to day during the week.

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.

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