This must do hike in the Grand Canyon takes you down one of the shortest and steepest routes to the river.  Here you will find camp along Bright Angel Creek and the Colorado River.  Offers opportunity to explore the Historic Phantom Ranch.

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates:  Year Round
Number of Days: 3 – 5 Days
Total Miles:  20 (3 Days)
Elevation Gain Loss: 4400ft
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:
3 Day - $785 per person
4 Day - $985 per person
5 Day - $1250 per person

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

This is one of our most popular hikes for people who are new to the 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 Inner Gorge. 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 camp at Bright Angel Creek / Phantom Ranch.  Here, one can play in the creeks, explore side canyons, admire ancient ruins, or fly fish for big trout.  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.  There are many variations to this hike. 

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 Yaki Point on the South Rim. This 7.0 mile long trail will bring us to our first camp along the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek. (L) (D)

Day 2:
After breakfast we will begin our 5.0-mile hike up to Indian Gardens with side hiking options and a beautiful creek to cool off in. Late afternoon we will do a 3.0-mile hike out to one of the best places in the world to see a sunset, Plateau Point. (B) (L) (D)

Day 3:
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 very endangered California Condor…a 10ft wingspan. (B) (L)

4 and 5-day itineraries offer a LOT of exploring options, such as Phantom Creek, Ribbon Falls, Cremation Canyon, Cottonwood Campground and Clear Creek.