Grand Canyon Hiking & Camping

Trip Length5 Days
Group Size4-9
Activity level
Starting from
$2,599 for REI Members
$2,859 for non-members

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Follow exceptional guides down the trail on this comprehensive 5-day hiking exploration of magnificent Grand Canyon National Park.

While many visitors to the Grand Canyon never set foot below the rim, this memorable adventure was crafted to provide greater immersion—and solitude—as we descend into the canyon's depths on some of the park's most scenic trails. We spend time at both the iconic South Rim and the more remote, less-frequented North Rim, hiking down through colorful geological layers and gazing in awe at the sheer scale of the vast landscape that surrounds us. Peering out at the waves of towering sandstone formations that stretch towards the horizon, it's hard to imagine so much of what we see was carved by the Colorado River flowing far below. As we hike, our guides share the fascinating natural history of the canyon, ensuring we come away from our adventure with a newfound appreciation for this beloved icon of the American Southwest. Each night, we return to our comfortable, well-appointed campsites and enjoy fantastic meals prepared by our skilled guide team beneath a canopy of brilliant stars.

Perfect for fit hikers looking to explore the Grand Canyon beyond its most popular viewpoints, this hiking and camping adventure showcases the majestic beauty of one of nature's most enduring masterpieces.

We spend time on the iconic South Rim, as well as the more remote, less-frequented North Rim, descending through colorful geological layers and marveling at the sheer scale of the landscape that surrounds us.

Trip Highlights

  • Marvel at the many faces of Grand Canyon National Park on a 5-day hiking adventure
  • Explore the canyon's South Rim and North Rim on its most scenic trails
  • The views from two of the park's most iconic trails: Bright Angel and North Kaibab
  • Camp in comfort: Sleep in oversized tents and eat delicious guide-prepared meals
  • Roundtrip transportation from Las Vegas included

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4]. Participants should be in very good physical condition and be comfortable with daily hikes of up to 10 miles with elevation gains/losses of up to 3,000'.

Hiking trails are composed of dirt, sand, and slickrock with some steep sections and exposed overlooks. All hikes are optional and our guides will brief trip members on the vigorousness and exposure of each hike prior to setting out.

  • Camping
  • Hiking

What's Included

Four nights camping accommodations; guide leadership; round trip van transportation from/to Las Vegas, Nevada; all meals beginning with lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5; beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; all group camping equipment; park fees and local taxes.

Accommodations

Camping, 4 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Grand Canyon Hiking & Camping
Day 1

Catch your first unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon

Our trip begins in Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada where we rendezvous with our guides at our host hotel. After introductions and a brief orientation, we head east along historic Route 66 towards Grand Canyon National Park. Kicking off our explorations on the canyon's South Rim, we enjoy our first unforgettable views of this awe-inspiring natural wonder from Mather Point. Stretching our legs, we walk along the scenic Rim Trail before visiting the nearby Yavapai Geological Museum to learn about the powerful forces that carved this giant chasm over millennia. In the late afternoon, we take a short transfer to Mather Campground, our forested home for the next two nights. After pitching our comfy, oversized tents, we settle in for our first guide-prepared dinner as the dusky colors of sunset paint the vast Southwestern sky. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 2-4 miles on the Rim Trail, minimal elevation change. Van transfer: 4.5 hour

Day 2

The grand descent! Hike into the Canyon on Bright Angel Trail

We get a jump on the day with an early breakfast, allowing us more hiking time on Bright Angel Trail, one of the Grand Canyon's legendary corridor trails. We set out with the goal of hiking 2,000-3,000 feet down below the rim, descending through the canyon's geological layers and taking in the breathtaking scenery. If conditions are perfect, we hike down as far as Havasupai Garden, an impressive 4.6 miles and 3,040 vertical feet into the canyon. Our guides ultimately determine our turnaround point, but regardless of how far we descend, this hike promises to stay forever etched into our memories. In the Grand Canyon, "down is optional, but up is mandatory," so after our picnic lunch we begin the ascent back to the rim. Though today's hike can be challenging, the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment when we reach the rim is palpable! Back at camp this afternoon, we relax with our hiking companions and guides, feasting on another delicious dinner before climbing into our tents for a good night's sleep. All meals included.

Hiking: 6-10 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +3,000' / -3,000'

Day 3

Hike the rugged Grandview Trail. Travel to the North Rim

We get an early start to catch the golden sunrise over the Grand Canyon before fueling up with a hot and hearty breakfast. Setting out on a rim-to-rim road trip, our first stop is Grandview Point where our hike down the Grandview Trail begins. This vigorous hike rewards our efforts with a sense of solitude and stunning vistas of the inner formations of the canyon. We hike just over a mile to the Coconino Saddle, losing 1,600 vertical feet before retracing our steps back up to the rim. Next, we visit the iconic Desert View Watchtower, a 70-foot-tall stone tower perched on the canyon's edge. Designed by Mary Colter in 1932, Desert View contains a wealth of murals depicting various Hopi traditions and stories. We climb to the top of the watchtower for panoramic canyon views and enjoy lunch on the grounds nearby. Farther up the road, we cross Navajo Bridge near Lee's Ferry and get up-close views of the mighty Colorado River flowing beneath us. Arriving at the North Rim this afternoon, we set up camp and take a short sunset walk to Bright Angel Point, a breathtakingly beautiful end to our day's adventure. All meals included.

Hiking: 4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1,600' / -1,600'

Day 4

Hike down the North Kaibab Trail to Redwall Bridge

Providing the only maintained trail access to the bottom of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim, the North Kaibab Trail is our hiking route of choice this morning. Although we won't make it to the canyon bottom, we descend 2,600 feet down the gorgeous North Kaibab to Redwall Bridge for great views of the San Francisco Peaks, showcasing over 10,000 feet of vertical scenery. Portions of this hike are challenging but the incredible panoramas makes every step worthwhile. Returning to the rim, we then head to Cape Royal to take in Angel's Window, a stunning natural arch. Dinner tonight will be at the rustic North Rim Lodge where we celebrate new friendships and reflect on the week's fun-filled adventures. All meals included.

Hiking: 7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,600' / -2,600'

Day 5

Hike through a beautiful slot canyon on our way back to Las Vegas

After a relaxing breakfast, we break down camp, bid farewell to the Grand Canyon and begin the drive back to Vegas. Before returning to civilization, our final invigorating hike winds through Water Canyon, a lush oasis in the desert. This lovely narrow canyon near Colorado City features a trail that parallels a permanent stream dotted with beautiful waterfalls, clear pools and slot - like passageways— a very different experience than the hiking we enjoyed on previous days. Our final hike complete, we board the van for the last leg of our journey, passing by Hoover Dam and arriving back at our host hotel between 6 pm- 7 pm this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +800' / -800 '; Van transfer: 4.5 hours

Itinerary map for Grand Canyon Hiking & Camping

Gear List

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.

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Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.