Grand Canyon and Sedona Hiking Adventure

Trip Length5 Days
Group Size4-12
Activity level
Starting from
$3,299 for REI Members
$3,629 for non-members
DeparturesApr 2025-Oct 2025

Join us for a five-day adventure where we explore the depths of the Grand Canyon and hike enchanting trails among Sedona's famous red rock formations.

The American Southwest’s breathtaking landscapes promise an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey amid the sheer cliffs and raw beauty of the Grand Canyon, where you'll hike iconic trails such as Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and the Trail of Time. Each path offers unique perspectives and spectacular views, while our expert guides share the fascinating natural history of one of the seven wonders of the world, deepening your appreciation for its grandeur. In the evenings, retreat to our private Grand Canyon Signature Camp, designed for your comfort with spacious tents, cozy sleeping cots, scrumptious meals, hot showers, and fully appointed bathrooms.

After three nights at REI’s exclusive Signature Camp, we’ll journey to the vibrant town of Sedona, celebrated for its striking red rock formations and spiritual energy. Explore iconic rock formations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. Discover the unique ambiance that makes Sedona a destination like no other. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a serene atmosphere, Sedona provides a perfect complement to the Grand Canyon. Your final night will be spent at the Sky Rock Hotel, where lovely amenities and stunning red rock views offer a perfect end to your journey. Every aspect of this trip has been thoughtfully planned to provide a seamless experience. Enjoy gourmet meals around the campfire, follow our experienced guides on captivating trails, and immerse yourself fully in the adventure while they share their knowledge and appreciation for these incredible places.

Trekking through Sedona's  geological wonders, where towering  red rock formations tell a tale of  ancient desert landscapes and  timeless beauty.

Trip Highlights

  • Hike iconic Grand Canyon trails such as Bright Angel and South Kaibab
  • Discover the beauty of Sedona's red rock landscapes
  • Learn about the incredible geology and human history of the Grand Canyon and Sedona
  • Unwind at REI's exclusive Signature Campsite

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants should be in very good physical condition and be comfortable with daily hikes of up to 6 miles with elevation gains/losses of up to 2,100'. Hiking trails are composed of dirt, rock and sand with some steep sections and exposed overlooks. Hiking in the Grand Canyon and Sedona is often exposed with limited shade and dry conditions. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 2-3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling, and/or swimming. Our guides will brief trip members on the vigorousness of each day’s activity prior to setting out.  

  • Camping
  • Hiking

What's Included

Four nights' accommodation; all meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5; guides; roundtrip transportation to and from the Phoenix area; all entrance fees and permits.

Accommodations

REI Signature Camp 45 minutes south of Grand Canyon, 3 nights; Hotel, 1 night.

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Grand Canyon and Sedona Hiking Adventure
Day 1

Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park and boundless vistas

Your guides extend a hearty welcome as you and your fellow travelers gather at our meeting location in the Phoenix area. After introductions and an outline of the day ahead, we shuttle to the crown jewel of the National Park’s system – the Grand Canyon. On our scenic drive, the landscape shifts from the Sonoran Desert with its towering saguaro to the semi-arid desert of the Grand Canyon adorned with its pinion, juniper, and ponderosas. Our first stop offers a glimpse into the grandest of canyons. Here we savor an al fresco lunch and soak in the raw beauty that stretches out before us. With bellies full and spirits high, we hit the trail – the Trail of Time – where the earth's history is etched in stone. Our expert guides seamlessly intertwine the fascinating natural history of the canyon with its rich cultural heritage along the way. Following our hike, a 45-minute transfer takes us to REI's exclusive Signature Camp, nestled south of the Grand Canyon. Once settled at our campsite, enjoy a sumptuous dinner prepared by our guides. Then, gather around the campfire and bask in its welcoming glow. 

Hiking: 4 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: 230’; Low point/High point: 6,884’/7,068’; Van transfer: 5 hours 

Day 2

Hike Bright Angel Trail and indulge in s’mores at REI Signature Camp

Wake up to find freshly brewed coffee delivered to your tent. It's an invitation to take in the quiet moments as we bask in the soft, golden hues of the early morning. Our guides prepare a bountiful and nutritious breakfast to fuel us for the vigorous hike down the Bright Angel Trail. As one of the major geologic fault lines bisecting the Canyon, the Bright Angel Fault has allowed animals and humans access into and out of the Canyon for centuries. The Havasupai people, pioneering miners, entrepreneurial businesspeople, the National Park Service, and the Civilian Conservation Core all played vital roles in the history of this trail. The trail offers water, shade structures and even trailside bathrooms. After another amazing day, we return to our cozy camp and savor our time together. We gather for another delicious dinner, exchanging tales of adventure and camaraderie under the starlit sky. All meals included. 

Hiking: up to 6 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: up to 2,100’; Low point/High point: up to 4,774’/6,856’; Van transfer: 1.5 hours  

Permit requirement: If the group exceeds 9 guests, guides will split the group in half and alternate between the day 2 and day 3 trails.  

Day 3

Descend South Kaibab Trail and enjoy a campfire under starry skies

We rise to the promise of a day filled with some of the most scenic miles the Grand Canyon has to offer. After breakfast, we ride the park shuttle to Yaki Point, the start of the famous South Kaibab Trail. Following a ridgeline into the canyon, this trail offers unparalleled views of the Inner Gorge, the distant silhouettes of the North Rim topography, and the sprawling plateaus that tease the limits of our vision. As we descend the trail each layer of rock reveals a chapter of the earth's history. From the ancient Vishnu Basement Rocks, some of the Grand Canyon's oldest exposed rock dating close to 2 billion years old, to the relatively youthful Kaibab Formation, at only 270 million years old.  The Colorado River has sculpted the landscape, carving an unmistakable image of itself through the heart of the canyon. Returning to camp, we eagerly anticipate the next leg of our adventure, where the red rock formations of Sedona promise to captivate us with their wild beauty. All meals included. 

Hiking: up to 6 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: up to 2,070’; Low point/High point: up to 5,160’/7,233’; Van transfer: 1.5 hours   

Permit requirement: If the group exceeds 9 guests, guides will split the group in half and alternate between the day 2 and day 3 trails.  

Day 4

Discover Sedona's enchanting red rocks and its charming downtown

The smell of piñon pine and juniper mingled with fresh coffee and a steaming hot breakfast signals the start of a new day. After our meal, we bid farewell to the cozy comforts of our Signature Camp and set out on the next leg of our journey towards Sedona. Our first hike immerses us in the splendor of Sedona, following a scenic loop that meanders around the hillside's base. Along the way, we marvel at the incredible views of the aptly named Cathedral Rock and catch glimpses of Sedona’s highest peak, Wilson Mountain, off in the distance. As we continue our journey, a creek runs alongside parts of the trail, offering perfect spots to stop, relax, and cool off in the refreshing shade of the surrounding cottonwood trees. Following our hike, we explore the charming historic downtown of Sedona before gathering for a celebratory dinner. Under the vast desert sky, we'll share stories and reflect on the day's unforgettable experiences with our newfound friends. All meals included. 

Hiking: up to 5 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: up to 900’; Low point/High point: up to 3,976’/4,209’; Van transfer: 2 hours   

Day 5

Enjoy a final hike in Sedona

Today, we start with a delicious breakfast at our hotel, gearing up for an exciting day ahead. We head out via a quick shuttle to the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock hike in Sedona. Our guides will share the captivating history behind these iconic red rock formations, shaped over millions of years from cross-bedded sandstone layers. As we hike, we admire the smooth slopes of Bell Rock and the rugged dome of Courthouse Butte, their vibrant red, orange, and tan hues contrasting beautifully against the blue sky. After our days together of covering breathtaking scenery and fascinating history, we reluctantly bid farewell to Sedona. On our return shuttle we wind our way through forests of juniper and manzanita before beginning our descent back to the Sonoran Desert, arriving in Phoenix this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: up to 4 miles; Total ascent/Total descent: up to 460’; Low point/High point: up to 4,168/ 4,470’; Van transfer: 2 hours   

Itinerary map for Grand Canyon and Sedona Hiking Adventure

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.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

What to pack

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

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.