Flagstaff Trip Overview
Leave everyday constraints behind and find fresh inspiration on a three-night, four-day guided Grand Canyon Challenge backpacking trek. We take motivated individuals, band them together, and backpack nearly a mile below the rim hiking rugged Grand Canyon terrain to sleep and swim on secluded beaches of the Colorado River. Our spring and fall treks traverse up to 30 miles on some of the most remote, least-traveled routes in the Canyon. All of our Grand Canyon Challenge experiences traverse remote and rugged South Rim inner-canyon loops between the Rim and River. Individual experience levels, group size, as well as permit allowances, will determine which routes will be run on which dates to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all. Each Grand Canyon Challenge backpacking experience is all inclusive, and open to fit and motivated individuals of all ages. Just bring your personal items, positive attitude, and be ready for an experience that can inspire for a lifetime.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 days
Starts: Flagstaff, United States
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Flagstaff Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
Leave everyday constraints behind and find fresh inspiration on a three-night, four-day guided Grand Canyon Challenge backpacking trek. We take motivated individuals, band them together, and backpack nearly a mile below the rim hiking rugged Grand Canyon terrain to sleep and swim on secluded beaches of the Colorado River. Our spring and fall treks traverse up to 30 miles on some of the most remote, least-traveled routes in the Canyon. All of our Grand Canyon Challenge experiences traverse remote and rugged South Rim inner-canyon loops between the Rim and River. Individual experience levels, group size, as well as permit allowances, will determine which routes will be run on which dates to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all. Each Grand Canyon Challenge backpacking experience is all inclusive, and open to fit and motivated individuals of all ages. Just bring your personal items, positive attitude, and be ready for an experience that can inspire for a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1: Evening before departure, pack-check overnight in Flagstaff
Pass By: Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
On the evening before your Grand Canyon Challenge trek start date, we’ll convene at 6:00pm for a one hour group orientation and pack-check in the main lobby of Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ. At orientation we’ll hand out backpacks, tents and sleeping bags to those who requested them. We’ll also get to know our team, preview the trail and talk safety. If we anticipate significant heat in the Canyon during the first day of your trip, we may provide the option to camp near the Rim to ensure a before-sun-up early morning trail start (trek-by-trek basis).
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Hiking Day 1 – Intense Downhill
Pass By: Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
After reconvening in the lobby of Little America Hotel, Flagstaff at 5:00am, we’ll head out to the trailhead where our hike begins with a steep 3,000′ descent toward the Tonto Platform, an inner plateau within the Canyon roughly 1,000′ above the Colorado River. The first day is typically the most difficult day of the trek. There may be narrow sections of trail with significant exposure, sections of steep descent over loose rock, and waist-high drops that require scooting or hand and foot down scrambling. In addition, water sources are typically unreliable until we reach camp. This will make travel on day one slow and methodical. Expect 8-10 hours of trail time (including breaks) from start to finish for the 7 to 9 mile day.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Hiking Day 2 – Undulating Trail
Pass By: Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
On day two the trail typically undulates until we drop below the Tonto’s ledge, above the gorge floor, and into one of the many side canyons and washes that lead to the Colorado River. A quick descent will bring us to a creek bed floor which we will follow out to the Colorado River and camp.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 4: Hiking Day 3 – Moderate Uphill
Pass By: Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
After a leisurely evening, or morning by the river, we’ll retrace our steps then continue up and onto the Tonto trail. This day typically offers some of the most impressive views of the Grand Canyon. While hiking the Tonto you can see a thousand feet down into the inner gorge, thousands of feet up to the Canyon’s rim, and miles across the Canyon divide within the same breathtaking glace.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 5: Hiking Day 4 – Intense Uphill
Pass By: Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
An early, before-sun-up start will move us up, and off the Tonto, then into the multi-layered, multi-colored walls of the Grand Canyon as we climb almost 4,000 feet to exit the trail and return to civilization. After celebrating as a team, we’ll return to Flagstaff, then home to brag.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
