This is the only hike offered in the Grand Canyon that starts you on the S. Rim, takes you to the N. Rim before returning back to the S. Rim. Some of the highlights include the Colorado River, stunning views of the North and South Rim, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Creek and of course Clear Creek. Time this one right and you will see the tallest waterfall in the Grand Canyon.

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates:  Mid September – Mid May
Number of Days: 5 – 7 Days
Total Miles:  45 (5 Days)
Elevation Gain Loss: 4500ft
Difficultly:  Strenuous 
Orientation Time:  4pm the day before
Orientation Location:  Flagstaff – at our store (1051 S. Milton Ave - Suite F)
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

** This trip can be customized around different starting point and times**

This is one of the best kept secrets in the whole canyon. We start our hike on the South Kaibab Trail, which offers the shortest possible route to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. On the way down the trail, one will enjoy spectacular views of Pipe Creek Canyon, Cremation Canyon, the North Rim, and the Clear Creek area. Once we reach the canyon floor, we will cross the Colorado River via a suspension bridge (stretching 440ft across and 75ft above the water). This brings us to our first camp at Bright Angel Creek. Here, one can play in the creeks, explore side canyons, admire ancient ruins, or just relax on the beach of the impressive Colorado River. The next few days of the trip will be spent in a remote part of the Grand Canyon very few people ever see. The Clear Creek drainage has stunning vistas of the inner gorge and access to some amazing side canyons with endless amounts of ancient ruins. If you time this one right in the spring you will be able to catch Cheyava Falls; over 800ft tall!!! The only difficult part of the trip will be trying to decide what to do on the layover day. It could be spent taking the trail less route to the Colorado River over 1000ft deep in some stretches and some of the most impressive Vishnu narrows in the park. The other option is to head up creek to see the breathtaking back side of Zoroaster Temple, Brahma, and Cheyava Falls. After a few days of exploring, the group will be ready to head back to Bright Angel Camp to get some ice cold lemonade at Phantom Ranch. Finally, the climb back towards the rim starts with an extraordinary traverse along the Colorado, finished by following Garden Creek into our shady camp at Indian Gardens. We will spend our last night here and take in a most memorable sunset at Plateau Point. The hike towards the rim includes ancient Anasazi Ruins, swimming holes and unforgettable vistas.

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

Day 1:
Depart Flagstaff early morning for a scenic drive to the Yaki Point on the South Rim. This 7.0 mile long trail, with incredible views in all directions, will bring us to our first camp along the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek. (L) (D)

Day 2:
Wake up to a the sound of Bright Angel Creek next to your camp and the smell of fresh flowers that fill the Grand Canyon. The traverse hike out to Clear Creek offers great views of the Colorado River, Sumner Butte and Demaray Point, as well as a bird's eye view of Phantom Ranch. (B) (L) (D)



Day 3:
Layover days rule! Today is a chance to explore as much of the Clear Creek drainage as possible, without carrying the big packs. Some of the options include Obi Canyon, with the 9000ft North Rim for your back drop...amazing or for those who really want to test themselves, the Vishnu Narrows and the Colorado River. But if timed well, you should not miss the tallest waterfall in the Grand Canyon or Arizona for that matter, Cheyava Falls. This waterfall stands 800ft tall and is created by the snow melt from the N. Rim. When flowing, this waterfall can be seen on the S. Rim over 8 miles away

Day 4:
Today we begin our travels west back towards Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. As you traverse west on the Esplanade, you will enjoy tremendous views of the Colorado River, suspension bridges and other world famous rock formations such as the Buddha. (B) (L) (D)

Day 5:
This is a special day. As the morning starts with 2 miles along the beaches of the Colorado River, followed by a beautiful side canyon that takes us to our big climb of the day, "The Devils Corkscrew" Once at the top of the corkscrew we will be sure to stop at some well deserved swimming holes. Once camp is established at Indian Gardens we will head out to Plateau Point for a sunset that you will never forget. (B) (L) (D)
 
Day 6:
After packing up camp we begin our final ascent, 4.5 miles to the South Rim. This stretch of trail offers some of the best chances to see the much endangered California Condor with it's 10ft wingspan. (B) (L)

7 day itineraries offer many exploring options, such as Phantom Creek, Upper Ribbon Falls, The Transept, Manzanita Canyon, Utah Flats and Clear Creek just to name a few. You may also choose to spend one full day exploring the North Rim and all it has to offer before heading down the trail the next day.