Grand Canyon Hiking Vacation: The Five Most Popular Ways to Explore the Grand Canyon On Foot
When searching for a place to vacation, it often doesn’t occur to people that they can plan a hiking or backpacking tour. While some vacationers enjoy a nice day on the beach or staying at resorts, many others love the opportunity to get outside and commune with nature.
The love of nature, the Southwest, the canyons, plateaus, hidden waterfalls, to the majestic redwood forests of Yosemite National Park in California…this is why Four Season Guides exists. Owner and guide, Dave Logan, and his team take guests to explore beautiful places every day and have been doing so for 20 years.
For those who have never been on a guided backpacking or hiking trip, it starts with the website: check out the offerings at https://fsguides.com and choose your destination. There are many parts of the Grand Canyon to explore and numerous ways to explore it. Within Grand Canyon alone there are over 20 different trips to experience with Four Season Guides. There are also many well know and off the beaten path gems in Southern Utah to discover. With Yosemite National Park, most of the park goes unseen unless you are carrying a backpack and plan to camp and delve deep into the backcountry.
Let’s imagine that you choose Grand Canyon National Park as your destination. Within Grand Canyon alone there are over 20 different trips to experience with Four Season Guides. First, choose how you want to explore the Grand Canyon: Hiking, Backpacking or Trips with Pack Animal Support. Preparation for any of the trips is also outlined on the website and will be reiterated in detail to anyone who decides to register. There are plenty of things to familiarize yourself with prior to your adventure.
The Five Most Popular Ways to Explore the Grand Canyon.
#1. Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Having the opportunity to see both rims of the Grand Canyon (South Rim and North Rim) makes the Rim to Rim adventure one of the most sought-after hikes in the world! This hike would sit pretty high on just about every hiker’s bucket list and is well regarded for many reasons. First, it is the ONLY Grand Canyon Backpacking trip worth considering in the heat of the summer, June – August. Also, the trails are relatively wide and well-maintained. The campgrounds along the way have picnic tables and toilets as well as available drinking water. If you want a hiking trip that highlights the Grand Canyon, and where others are often hiking, this is the trip for you.
#2 Hermit Loop This backpacking trip is one of the most rewarding. If you enjoy getting off the beaten path a bit more than Rim to Rim, this trip will be much quieter. As far as exertion, this particular adventure is only slightly more difficult than the Rim to Rim tour. Four Season Guide’s 5-day option features one night of camping at a secluded beach right on the banks of the Colorado River, which is one of the biggest highlights of having the opportunity to hike the Grand Canyon. The Hermit Trail is a bit more adventurous and requires hikers to negotiate boulder fields, some exposure to heights and steep descents.
#3 Deer Creek/Thunder River Loop… If you are seeking a more challenging backpacking trip, this is the Grand Canyon trip for you. Deer Creek – Thunder River Loop is for fit, experienced backpackers or novices in excellent physical shape. This tour features some of the most spectacular scenery in the Grand Canyon including the stunning Deer Creek Narrows, Deer Creek Falls and Thunder River.
Be ready to see where Thunder River explodes right out of the canyon wall and cascades down through a shady oasis toward Tapeats Creek. Four Season Guides will take you along some gnarly trails so this is not a trip for those with a fear of heights. The trails are occasionally quite narrow as they skirt considerable drop-offs, but the payoff is grand.
#4 Grandview Loop Four Season Guides offers 3-day and 4-day options with this Grand Canyon hike. Head down the Grandview Trail and follow in the footsteps of 19th century prospectors. The steep trail was first constructed by Pete Berry to access his copper claims on Horseshoe Mesa and the remains of his operation can still be seen today. Highlights of this trip include plenty of solitude, classic Grand Canyon scenery, remnants of an historic mining district, and a limestone cave (Cave of the Domes).
#5 Kanab Creek Wilderness This trip, though not technically within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park, offers everything beautiful beneath Grand Canyon’s North Rim. The Kanab Creek Wilderness is 75,000 acres of deep sandstone and limestone gorges, slickrock expanses, freshwater springs, Native American relics and perfect solitude. Kanab Creek itself is the largest tributary system on the north side of Grand Canyon. Four Season Guides offer options for 4-day and 5-day trips.
Four Season Guides is a guide-owned and operated small business located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Four Season Guides is celebrating its 20th year in business and in guiding thousands of beginner to advanced adventurers through the delicate outback of the Grand Canyon and Southern Utah region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the most popular ways to explore the Grand Canyon on foot with guided hiking and backpacking tours that showcase its stunning trails, waterfalls, and hidden wonders.
What are the best hiking trips in the Grand Canyon?
Some of the best hikes include the Rim to Rim, Hermit Loop, Deer Creek/Thunder River Loop, Grandview Loop, and Kanab Creek Wilderness. Each offers a different experience — from well-traveled rim routes to secluded canyon trails with waterfalls and historic sites.
How difficult is the Rim to Rim hike in the Grand Canyon?
The Rim to Rim hike is considered challenging due to its distance and elevation changes, but it’s well-maintained and has water and camping facilities. It’s ideal for fit hikers seeking a bucket-list adventure that showcases both the South and North Rims.
What makes the Hermit Loop trail unique?
The Hermit Loop offers a quieter, more secluded Grand Canyon experience. Hikers enjoy camping on a beach beside the Colorado River, navigating boulder fields, and exploring rugged trails with fewer crowds but equally impressive canyon views.
Is the Deer Creek and Thunder River Loop suitable for beginners?
This loop is best for experienced hikers or very fit beginners. It features narrow trails, steep drop-offs, and incredible natural sights like Deer Creek Falls and Thunder River, where water bursts directly from the canyon wall.
How long does it take to hike the Grandview Loop?
The Grandview Loop can be completed in 3 to 4 days. It follows historic mining trails with scenic overlooks, remnants of 19th-century operations, and even a limestone cave known as the Cave of the Domes — a highlight for geology enthusiasts.
Where is the Kanab Creek Wilderness located?
Kanab Creek Wilderness lies just north of Grand Canyon National Park. Spanning 75,000 acres, it features deep gorges, slickrock formations, freshwater springs, and ancient Native American relics, offering a peaceful backcountry experience.
When is the best time to hike the Grand Canyon?
Late spring and fall are the most comfortable times for hiking, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. However, the Rim to Rim hike is best tackled in summer when the North Rim facilities are open.
Do I need a guide for Grand Canyon hiking trips?
While some experienced hikers go solo, guided tours with companies like Four Season Guides ensure safety, permits, and expert navigation. Guides also enhance the experience with local knowledge of history, geology, and hidden natural gems.
What should I pack for a Grand Canyon backpacking trip?
Pack lightweight layers, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, plenty of water, and essentials like a first-aid kit and trekking poles. Guided trips typically provide group gear and outline packing lists during preparation.
How can I book a Grand Canyon hiking tour?
You can explore and reserve guided tours directly through Four Season Guides at fsguides.com. The site offers detailed itineraries, preparation tips, and multiple options for Grand Canyon, Southern Utah, and Yosemite hikes.
Four Season Guides, 506 N Grant St suite o, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States
+19285251552
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