"One of the most scenic hikes in the Southwest."- Backpacker Magazine. This dramatic hike has it all! Incredible vistas, tranquil side canyons, solitude, and the rumble of rapids on the Colorado River. Explore historical treasures, and camp under the high walls of enormous canyons. Enjoy the roar of the Colorado River and the solitude of a trail less traveled.

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates:  Year Round
Number of Days: 4 – 5 Days
Total Miles:  30 (4 Days)
Elevation Gain Loss: 4200ft
Difficultly: 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:
4 Day - $999 per person
5 Day - $1250 per person

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

THE MIGHTY COLORADO RIVER and SOLITUDE!! This famous Grand Canyon hike leaves the Bright Angel Trail on day one- While hiking the Tonto Trail you'll take in incredible vistas, traverse narrow side canyons, and sleep under the stars beneath towering walls of Tapeats sandstone. You'll exit this paradise via the Hermit Trail. Constructed by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1912, the Hermit Trail is one of the more adventurous, and historic trails in the park. Take time to explore hidden treasures while resting at Hermit Creek. Highlights include the Redwall Narrows, Colorado River, Granite Rapids, Monument Creek, and ruins from the late 1800's.

Itinerary - The final itinerary may change due to weather or any unforeseen circumstance(s).Loop Hike – Bright Angel to Hermit

Day 1: Loop Hike - Bright Angel to Hermit (can go Hermit to Bright Angel)
Depart Flagstaff at 6:00 am for a drive to the Bright Angel Trailhead on the South Rim. We will hike 4.5 miles down to Indian Garden Campground (sometimes Horn Creek) where we will stay for the first night. After getting settled- take a hike out to one of the best places in the world to see a sunset, Plateau Point (3-mile roundtrip). From this point the Colorado River is 1400ft directly below. (L) (D)

Day 2:
After breakfast we will hike 7.0 miles over to Salt Creek, stopping to explore Horn Creek/Lost Orphan Mine along the way. Have your camera handy because this is where the canyon begins to unfold in front of your eyes. There is great side hiking in the Salt Creek Narrows- not far from the cave that was home to one of few California Condors born in the wild. (B) (L) (D)  

Day 3:
Today's stretch of trail is considered some of the finest hiking on the Tonto. This segment offers some unbelievable views of the Colorado River, Isis Temple, the Buddha and Tower of Ra. The morning will be spent hiking through the Inferno and around the Alligator. The afternoon brings you to Monument Creek. After playing in the Granite Narrows, we are off to our last camp, Hermit Creek. A total of 10 miles total- including detours in Monument. (B) (L) (D) 

Day 4:
Following breakfast and packing up camp early, we will catch first light in the Cathedral Stairs. This section of trail offers a great view of the Colorado, Cope Butte, Tower of Set and Hermit Drainage. As you work your way towards the rim through the Kaibab Limestone keep an eye out for fossils dating back 250 million years ago. 8 miles total to the rim. (B) (L)
 

5 day itineraries offer a lot of flexibility and opportunity to explore- including hikes to Hermit and Granite Rapid...some of the biggest on the Colorado.