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Cremation Canyon Overnight Hiking Tour



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Adventure Details

Our Cremation Canyon hike is a moderately difficult hike with respect to the Grand Canyon and is the perfect hike if you have backpacking experience or are in better than average physical condition but don't have much experience backpacking. On this hike you will experience the Grand Canyon in more solitude than staying in the main corridor campgrounds. This 3 day hike will cover just about 22 miles of total hiking up and down the South Kaibab trail and will take you down to the Colorado River to cross over the extension bridge and into the famed Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch.


Adventure Itinerary

Day 1:

Upon arrival to the South Rim you start hiking the South Kaibab trail. While on our Grand Canyon backpacking trip, after seeing wide open views of the Canyon to the east and west while we descend, we head east on the tonto platform into Cremation Canyon where we will set up our camp for two nights.  After 6.5 miles and an elevation loss of 3400 feet it feels good to be at camp by ourselves, and knowing we only having to carry daypacks tomorrow.   South Kaibab Trailhead to Cremation 6.5 Miles 3400 feet loss

Day 2:

Packing up a daypack as we get ready to hike down to the Colorado River feels like a relief. During our Grand Canyon backpacking trip and Cremation Canyon hike, we descend 4.5 miles we are able to see beautiful views of the River and the changing rock layers. When we are on final approach to the River we head into a short tunnel and then head across the black bridge above the Colorado River. After spending the day at Boat Beach, Phantom Ranch and refilling waters we head back up to Cremation Canyon before our hike out tomorrow.   Cremation to Phantom Ranch/Colorado River 9 miles round trip 1600 feet loss

Day 3:

Early start to beat the heat as we head West on the Tonto trail until the Tipoff, then we head up the South Kaibab trail for 6.5 miles before we hit the South Rim.   Cremation Canyon to South Kaibab Trailhead 6.5 Miles 3400 feet gain   ***Due to permit availability and the group, the specified itinerary maybe different.

Pickup Locations

Our Grand Canyon Cremation Canyon 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:

    $1347 (3 day)

  • Type:

    Backpacking

  • Length:

    3 days

  • Difficulty:

    Moderate

  • Mileage:

    20+ miles

  • Elevation change:

    4000 – 5000 Ft.

  • Season:

    Year Round

*IMPORTANT* – Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Grand Canyon, this tour should be booked no less that 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 all pro-quality gear, 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

The Grand Canyon overnight hiking tours from Discovery Treks tours are all inclusive and 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:

    $1347 (3 day)

  • Type:

    Backpacking

  • Length:

    3 days

  • Difficulty:

    Moderate

  • Mileage:

    20+ miles

  • Elevation change:

    4000 – 5000 Ft.

  • Season:

    Year Round

*IMPORTANT* – Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Grand Canyon, this tour should be booked no less that 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:

      $1347 (3 day)

    • Type:

      Backpacking

    • Length:

      3 days

    • Difficulty:

      Moderate

    • Mileage:

      20+ miles

    • Elevation change:

      4000 – 5000 Ft.

    • Season:

      Year Round

    *IMPORTANT* – Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Grand Canyon, this tour should be booked no less that 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

    Sorry, it doesn't look like we have any available upcoming tours! However, that doesn't mean that we can't set you up on a new tour. Call our office at 480-247-9266 to check tour availability during your desired timeframe.