Classic Hike to the River
Adventure Details
Our Classic Hike to the River is a wonderful introduction to Hiking at Grand Canyon National Park. On day one, we start on the South Kaibab Trail. We will walk 7 miles down to the Bright Angel Campground, crossing the Colorado River via suspension bridge. After setting up camp, we can hike to the Colorado River, relax under the shady cottonwood trees near Bright Angel Creek, or grab a lemonade at historic Phantom Ranch!
On day two we begin our ascent on the world famous Bright Angel trail towards Indian Garden Campground, a 5 mile walk. A side hike to Plateau Point for amazing 360 views of the sunset will not disappoint! On day three we hike the remaining 4.5 miles up to the South Rim.
Our classic Grand Canyon hiking tour is one of the best in Arizona and is an all inclusive trip. We provide all permits and fees, a certified wilderness guide, all gear, all meals and snacks, and transportation to and from our designated pickup locations.
Upcoming Tour Dates
- April 27th: 5 spaces available
- May 8th: 1 space available
- May 25th: 5 spaces available (4 day itinerary)
Adventure Itinerary
Day 1:
We meet you at our Scottsdale hotel partner and drive to the South Rim. The first day of our hiking tour in the Grand Canyon begins at the South Kaibab Trailhead for the 7.5 mile hike. The trail descends over 4,800 feet down to the canyon floor of this spectacular gorge. The trails have an incredible view across the main corridor which is nearly 18 miles across. You will be carrying a backpack weighing approximately 35 pounds. It will contain your personal belongings and the food and camping gear we provide. Your expert guide will interpret the various rock layers for you during the descent in which the age of the earth is clearly outlined. The Grand Canyon is one of the very few places in the world where you can see rock layers that age back to just under two billion years old, half the age of the earth! We wind down a series of exhilarating switchbacks past the Tipoff, and then on to the suspension bridge over the Colorado River. We cross the suspension bridge to the north side and arrive at the Bright Angel Campsite for the remainder of the day and night. www.discoverytreks.com adventures@discoverytreks.com (480) 247-9266
Day 2:
Awake to fresh coffee and breakfast before heading to Indian Gardens, the site of our second night. We will head out on the Bright Angel trail taking yet another suspension bridge over the river then we will make our way up the Devil's Corkscrew to the Indian Garden Campground. We generally do a wonderful late afternoon to early evening hike out to Plateau Point, an overlook above the river, where we have dinner and watch the sunset. This day we cover 7.5 miles on the trail including our day hike out to Plateau point and back. (Day hike 3 miles round-trip)
Day 3:
On the last day of our Grand Canyon hiking tour, we're up early for a nutritious breakfast before heading to the rim and the Grand Canyon Village. Once back at the trailhead, take a last look at the canyon's vastness while enjoying a deli lunch. A quick souvenir stop or two and then we’re on the road back to Scottsdale with expected arrival back at our partner hotel by mid-afternoon/early evening.
Pickup Locations
Our Grand Canyon Classic Hike and guided backpacking tours start and end in Scottsdale, AZ; saving you travel time and money on your travel expenses compared to leaving from Flagstaff, AZ. Transportation from our Scottsdale Hotel Partner is included in the cost of the tour. We do not pickup in Flagstaff, AZ as orientation is mandatory and takes place in Scottsdale, AZ the night prior to the hike.
-
Cost:
$1197 (3 day) / $1397 (4 Day)
(All park & permit fees included) -
Type:
Backpacking
-
Length:
3-4 days
-
Difficulty:
Moderate
-
Mileage:
17+ miles
-
Elevation change:
5200 Ft.
-
Season:
Year-Round
*IMPORTANT* – Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Grand Canyon, this tour should be booked no less than 5 months out to obtain permits. We accept and encourage bookings less than five months out but permit availability may be limited.
Accepted Credit Cards
What to Bring
Our camping and hiking trips include round trip transportation, all pro-quality gear and meals required for your adventure. This includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, trekking poles, and daypacks and/or backpacks. We are happy to accommodate food allergies and most dietary restrictions. Please include your preferences in your Registration Form so that we can prepare accordingly.
Gear Included
Discovery Treks tours are all inclusive tours which include:
- All meals from lunch day 1 through lunch day 3
- An experienced Wilderness First Responder Certified Grand Canyon Backpacking Guide
- Transportation From Scottsdale
- Necessary pro-quality backpacking gear including 65 - 75L Osprey backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, double occupancy tent (Single tent upgrade available for $50)
- All permits and fees
-
Cost:
$1197 (3 day) / $1397 (4 Day)
(All park & permit fees included) -
Type:
Backpacking
-
Length:
3-4 days
-
Difficulty:
Moderate
-
Mileage:
17+ miles
-
Elevation change:
5200 Ft.
-
Season:
Year-Round
*IMPORTANT* – Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Grand Canyon, this tour should be booked no less than 5 months out to obtain permits. We accept and encourage bookings less than five months out but permit availability may be limited.
Accepted Credit Cards
Questions? Inquire Below!
-
Cost:
$1197 (3 day) / $1397 (4 Day)
(All park & permit fees included) -
Type:
Backpacking
-
Length:
3-4 days
-
Difficulty:
Moderate
-
Mileage:
17+ miles
-
Elevation change:
5200 Ft.
-
Season:
Year-Round