Grand Canyon Backpack
To experience the sheer magnitude and quiet vastness of the Grand Canyon, one must travel by foot through the backcountry. Far below the rim and free from the crowds, our quiet, small-group journey deep into the heart of the canyon takes us on an exceptional loop from high atop the south rim at Grandview Point to the dramatic contour of the Tonto Trail, then ascending Horseshoe Mesa and exiting via the spectacular Grandview Trail. We’ll travel back over a billion years through geological time on this challenging adventure designed for experienced and fit backpackers. This is not a beginning backpack trip, and a physician’s release is required of all participants. We will hike on maintained but steep and rocky trails over challenging terrain with big elevation gains and losses each day. Participants will carry 30-45 lbs of gear, including about 10 lbs of group gear (comprised mainly of food, tents and cooking equipment) on their backs throughout the trip. Time spent in the wilderness below the rim of the Grand Canyon is an experience unlike any other, and a self-supported, participatory journey on foot from the rim to the river and back constitutes a milestone accomplishment for a backpacker.
Grand Canyon Backpack Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Meet your guides and the other group members at Mather Campground, inside Grand Canyon National Park by 6:00pm. We have an evening trip orientation, a wonderful dinner and a brief gear check before resting for an early start in the morning. Dinner included.
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Day 2
After breakfast, we drive to the Hermit Trailhead. This historic trail descends to the Colorado River on a trail originally constructed by the Santa Fe Railroad as a way for tourists to avoid the high tolls charged by the then privately owned Bright Angel Trail. We'll stop at Santa Maria Springs and several breathtaking lookouts before descending the Cathedral Stairs to reach Hermit Creek. An easy 1.4 mile hike along the creek takes us to our campsite on a sandy bluff overlooking the Colorado River at Hermit Rapids. The stunning views and starry night at our site will prove the journey worthwhile. Breakfast and dinner included.
Backpacking: 9.1 miles; Elevation Start: 6,650 ft; Elevation End: 2,300 ft -
Day 3
After breakfast, we break camp and hike back up Hermit Creek a short distance to our campsite on the Tonto Trail. From here we'll have the opportunity to explore the upper reaches of Hermit Creek, Monument Creek, or Travertine Canyon. Today's elevation changes are more slight which will allow us the opportunity to soak up the sublime scenery. The day hikes include portions of the Tonto Trail, the longest continuous trail in the canyon, offering expansive views of the Colorado from atop the Tapeats sandstone layer of the canyon. The shifting colors of dusk will be our backdrop for dinner as the stars begin to appear for another night of constellation gazing. Breakfast and dinner provided.
Backpacking: 1.4 miles to campsite; Day Hikes: up to 5 miles additional; Elevation Start: 2,300 ft; Elevation End: 2,900 ft -
Day 4
Today, we hike out of the canyon on the Hermit Trail with a steep 3,750 feet climb. We make a brief sidetrip out to Lookout Point and then enjoy lunch at Santa Maria Springs. Another 1600 feet push returns us to Hermits Rest. We'll say our goodbyes from there. See detailed travel information below to plan your trip home. Breakfast included.
Backpacking: 8.1 miles; Elevation Start: 2,900 ft; Elevation End: 6,650 ft
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. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; 2-person tents; group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter; campsite and backcountry permit fees.
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees ($25 per private vehicle or present your National Parks pass); insurance of any kind; 3 lunches; snacks and energy food; energy drinks; alcoholic beverages (please do not bring); soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Major: Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix, 230 miles, 4 hours
Smaller: Pulliam Airport, Flagstaff, AZ, 80 miles, 1.5 hours
This trip is rated Strenuous [5]. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks with weights of 30-45 lbs over steep and rocky terrain with constant and dramatic elevation gain and/or loss exceeding 3,700 feet per day on most days of this trip. Day hiking with 30-45 lbs in the pack you intend to hike with on the trip and making sure your hiking boots are broken in before your trip is key. This is not a beginning backpacking trip. Previous experience is highly recommended and a physician’s release is required prior to participating in this course.
Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten as lunch and grazed on constantly throughout the day each day. Energy bars, trail mix, bagels, salami, and salty snacks are all good choices. Staying adequately hydrated requires a mix of water and electrolyte replacement. You will need to be able to carry a minimum of 4 liters of water.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 90o F but can sometime climb even higher. Evening temperatures drop into the 40s - 50s or even lower. While rain in general is rare, there is always the possibility of rain, so adequate raingear is important, even in this arid landscape. The Grand Canyon is a very unique environment, and it is important to note that the temperature on the rim of the Grand Canyon is significantly colder than at the bottom of the canyon, due to a difference in elevation of over 4,000 vertical feet.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip 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 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.
Grand Canyon Backpack
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
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60° - 90° F but can sometimes climb even higher. Evening temperatures drop into the 40s - 50s or even lower. While rain in general is rare, there is always the possibility of precipitation, so adequate raingear is important to have along.
Gear Checklist
- Tents (3 season, 2 person)
- Cooking gear
- Stoves and fuel
- Water filter
- Group first aid kit
- Backpack: large internal frame or external frame (4000 – 6000 cu”)
- Pack cover – waterproof
- Sleeping bag (rated around 35 degrees F)
- Sleeping pad
- Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable
- Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great) No jeans!
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
- 1-2 T-shirts, synthetic
- 2 changes of underwear
- Hiking socks, 2 pairs of wool or synthetic
- Sock liners, 2 pairs of synthetic liners (optional)
- Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Mid- or lightweight thermal top and bottom made of synthetic or wool
- Down jacket or vest (optional)
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Sun hat with brim
- Bandana
- Hiking boots: heavy duty, waterproof, and well broken-in, should rise above ankle
- Camp shoes: comfortable lightweight sneakers or sport-type sandals
- Lunch items for each day (easily packable, non-perishable, energy bars and real foods)
- Energy snacks and powdered drinks
- Four 1-quart water bottles or hydration system equivalent
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Plastic bowl, spoon, travel mug with lid
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock, small amount not the whole bottle, min SPF 25
- Lip balm (unscented)
- Personal medications
- Toothbrush & trial-sized paste
- Pack towel and/or washcloth
- Personal first aid kit, small and light with personal medication
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks
- Bic lighter
- Travel size wet-wipes
- TP system: toilet paper (not a full roll) & 1 Ziploc quart baggie & 1 Ziploc gallon baggie and orange plastic trowel
- 1 large plastic garbage can bag
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Pocket knife or small multi-tool
- Compass
- Ear plugs
- Lightweight camp shoes/sandals
- Journal & pen
- Camera and film- think weight
- Swim suit
