A great introduction hike to backpacking and the Grand Canyon.  Join us for an outstanding backpacking journey as we examine rocks, fossils, and plant communities, and discuss the ancient human inhabitants of Grand Canyon

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates:  Year Round
Number of Days: 2 or 3 Days
Total Miles:  12- 20 miles depending on the number of days
Elevation Gain Loss: 3000ft
Difficultly:  Moderately Strenuous 
Orientation Time:  4pm the day before the hike
Orientation Location:  Flagstaff – at our store (1051 S. Milton Ave - Suite F)
Trip Departure: 7am
Trip Return:  4pm

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

Cost:
2 Day - $490 per person
3 Day - $785 per person

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

This enjoyable hike begins on the South Rim and leads you down one of the most famous trails in the canyon, the Bright Angel Trail.  As you descend, you will be rewarded with glimpses of ancient Indian pictographs, the Battleship formation, and Bright Angel Canyon leading to the North Rim.  When you spot the bright green cottonwood trees, you know you are close to camp.  Upon arrival at Indian Garden Campground, you will have the opportunity to relax by Garden Creek, look for wildlife, and take a hike out to Plateau Point for the sunset of a lifetime.  Additional side hikes include the hike to the Colorado River and Pipe Creek Beach, exploring the pools in Garden Creek along the way, or for the ambitious hiker, the trek to Phantom Ranch.  You will return to the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail. 

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

Day 1:
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 where we will stay for two nights.  After dinner you can enjoy a 3-mile roundtrip hike out to one of the best places in the world to see a sunset, Plateau Point. (L) (D)

Day 2:
After breakfast we can day hike down to the roaring Colorado River and spend the morning at Pipe Creek Beach.  This 6-7 mile roundtrip day hike leads us to some great creek spots and even a glimpse of ancient Indian ruins.  There are many day hike options available for this day depending on ability level.  (B) (L) (D)

Day 3:
After packing up camp we begin our final ascent, 4.5 miles to the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail. This stretch of trail offers some of the best chances to see the very endangered California condor…a 10ft wingspan.  (B) (L)