Watch the topography change from vast open deltas to the deep inner gorge as you travel one of the more adventurous routes in Grand Canyon. Enjoy Traversing along the Colorado River and camping on pristine beaches under starry skies. The Escalante Route is tough, but will leave you with vivid memories, and an unparallel sense of accomplishment.

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates: September – May (NEVER June, July or August)
Number of Days: 5 – 8 Days
Total Miles:  30 Minimum
Elevation Gain Loss: 5100
Difficultly:  Very Strenuous, contains exposure/some climbing
Orientation Time:  4pm the day before
Orientation Location:  Flagstaff – at our store (107 W. Phoenix Ave)
Trip Departure: 5am
Trip Return:  4pm

(B) = Breakfast   (L) = Lunch   (D) = Dinner

Cost:
5 Day - $1250 per person
6 Day - $1450 per person
7 Day - $1650 per person
8 Day - $1850 per person

** This trip can be customized to fit almost all physical levels, duration and starting points**

Looking for an intense hike….you found it!! This unmaintained, narrow, rocky and relentlessly steep trail is for experienced backpackers only. Following a route traveled by ancients, this hike brings us to some of the most scenic beach camps in the entire canyon. Witness unobstructed views of the river, Palisades of the Desert, Vishnu Temple and the entire eastern end of the canyon, and that’s just day one. Leaving the wide-open stretches of Furnace Flats and Tanner Beach on route will bring you over the Escalante Divide, and to the narrow slots of 75 Mile Canyon; this is when the true diversity of The Escalante Route shines. There are pristine beaches to camp on, geology like no other place on the planet, seldom-seen side canyons to be explored, and some down climbs that will make you sweat. If you think you have enjoyed beautiful scenery in extreme conditions before, we beg to differ.

Itinerary - The final itinerary may change due to weather or any unforeseen circumstance(s).

Day 1:
Our trip will depart from Flagstaff at 7am for a drive to the Tanner Trailhead on the South Rim. We will hike 5 miles to our camp located on the Red Wall bench about half way down the trail to the Colorado River. On our way, we will enjoy views off of jagged saddles into the vast depths of 75 Mile Canyon and wander through boulder fields checking out close ups of the towering Cardenas Butte. From the top of the Red Wall, vast lengths of The Colorado River dominate eastward. This is the camp we call home. Folks rarely spend enough time at this incredible vantage point where the Colorado River glows in the moonlight and the dark, starry skies glimmer overhead. A total of 5 miles hiked. (L)(D)

Day 2:
After breakfast we will hike the remainder of the Tanner Trail to the Colorado River, and enjoy some rest on the beach before continuing down the famed Escalante Route. The canyon is open hear and you will witness mind-boggling views of the Colorado River, Vishnu Temple, and Solomon Temple while following the river corridor. Our camp is situated along the river at Cardenas Creek beneath Escalante and Cardenas Buttes. Here we will enjoy an evening of Colorado River beach camping. A total of 7 miles hiked. (B)(L)(D)

Day 3:
Today’s stretch of trail is considered some of the finest hiking off the South Rim. The trail travels up and down from beaches to high benches along the Colorado, including a high point- The Escalante Divide, literally, and geologically. This divide separates the vast deltas you’re leaving behind- to the east, from the dark deep gorge of the inner canyon downstream to the west. The canyon’s topography changes right before your eyes. Afternoon brings you to camp at Escalante Creek, where beautiful river beaches dominate. Take a dip, and relax after a rewarding day of hiking. A total of 9 miles traveled. (B)(L)(D)

Day 4:
Today offers an enjoyable morning and a relaxing start to the day. Hikers will cross over 75 Mile Canyon and have time to explore the beautiful narrows it has to offer. Eventually we will follow the canyon’s sandy bottom to the river and take an exit up the pancake stacked rocks of Tapeats Sandstone, returning to the benches above. This section provides a bit of hand and toe climbing. The day isn’t a long one, but does have its challenges, setting this trip aside from any other Grand Canyon adventure. Listen to the roar of Hance rapid, as you are introduced to the power of the river through Grand Canyon’s inner gorge. Today you begin your climb up the New Hance Trail. Take a few minutes to enjoy the sand dunes at the river before we meander up Red Canyon following the creek bed for the first couple of miles, and enjoying slick rock and seasonal pools. Your camp for the night is among the cliffs of Red Canyon on a bench in The Red Wall layer. 6 miles traveled. (B) (L) (D)

Day 5:
Our hike to the South Rim continues on the New Hance Trail. Leaving the creek bed the trail climbs, and climbs, up through the Hance Fault taking you all the way to the top. We will be on the trail more than half of the day and the scenic climb to the South Rim will truly be the grand finale. We will enjoy a picnic lunch after our hike. 4 miles traveled. (B) (L)

 6 to 8 day itineraries offer a lot of flexibility in the itinerary. One can head up the Beamer Trail to the Little Colorado River and/or continue on past Hance Rapids to Hance Creek, Cave of the Domes and Horseshoe Mesa