Grand Canyon – Deer Creek/Thunder River Loop

This memorable loop hike offers a combination of the finest scenery in the Grand Canyon, turbulent streams, thriving riparian oases, electrifying narrows, waterfalls, long-range vistas, broad terraces of slickrock, and superb campsites.

Type of Trip: Backpacking/Camping
Dates: March-November
Number of Days: 5 - 7 Days
Total Miles: 40 (minimum for the loop)
Elevation Gain Loss: 5400ft
Difficultly: Very Strenuous
Orientation Time: 4pm the day before
Orientation Location: Flagstaff – at our store (1051 S. Milton Ave - Suite F)
Trip Departure: 6am
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 adventure is for the strong hiker who wants a rewarding rim-to-river backpack experience. This hike has it all!! ....Vistas, slickrock, streams, waterfalls, caves, narrows, trout fishing, rivers and great camping. Thunder Spring blasts out of a limestone cave and leads us to a well-shaded camp tucked deep into the canyon. This makes a great base camp for exploring Upper Tapeats Creek, Stone Creek, Thunder Cave, Ancient Ruins, the Colorado River, and provides excellent fishing possibilities. This hike requires down climbs and scrambling, but nothing someone in good shape couldn't handle. Deer Creek Falls are some of the most spectacular falls in the canyon and the narrows offer great exploring. By far one of our favorites!!

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

Day 1:
Depart Flagstaff at 6am for a scenic drive to the North Rim across the Navajo Reservation. Once at this very remote trailhead we will begin our 6.0-mile hike to the rim of Surprise Valley. Incredible slickrock camping! From here you can see the Colorado River, Owl’s Eye’s and tomorrows journey. (L) (D)

Day 2:
After a great sunrise we depart on our 3.5-mile hike to our camp at the head of Deer Creek Narrows. Once in camp, we can day hike to Upper Deer Creek Falls, Lower Deer Creek Falls (a spectacular ninety-footer) or explore ancient life. A layover day offers ample time to explore the springhead to Deer Creek, the Colorado River or sit on the “patio” and relax by a waterfall. (B) (L) (D)

Day 3:
Our 6.0 mile hike starts with a scenic section along the Colorado River followed by a high traverse along Tapeats Creek which has great views; we mean really GREAT views! The rest of the day is spent exploring Thunder River. This world famous river comes blasting right out of the canyon walls. This you have to see to believe. A layover day allows one to explore Thunder Cave, Tapeats Cave, fly fish or explore one of the many side canyons. Maybe Stone Creek?? (B) (L) (D)

Day 4:
We begin our ascent out of the inner gorge with a 7.5-mile hike through the Bright Angel Shale and out across Surprise Valley. Once on top of the Esplanade we will make camp among the endless domes of red rock. If we have enough time, perhaps we’ll do an afternoon hike up Bridger’s Knoll for some great views into Tapeats Amphitheater. This offers some of the longest vistas in the canyon, making it a great spot for sunsets. (B) (L) (D)

Day 5:
Our last day is a 3.5-mile hike with great views of Steamboat Mountain and Powell Plateau. This is one of the finer sections of trail to look for fossils. (B) (L)

6 and 7-day itineraries offer great opportunities to explore ruins, Land of the Sharp, Tapeats Springs, Thunder River or just run across the slickrock domes of the Esplanade. This trip also offers great fishing! This hike is strenuous and requires one to be able to carry 36 - 40 lbs. due to the length of the trip.