Grand Canyon Classic

Shuttle to the South Rim: 1.5-hour drive from Flagstaff Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles Elevation Loss: 4,800 feet This multi-day Grand Canyon backpacking trip begins on the South Kaibab Trail, a deservedly popular trail that offers spectacular views both up and down the Canyon. It’s 7.5 miles of well-maintained hiking trail to the Bright Angel Campground, our destination and camp for the first night. This camp is one of the most charming in the Park as it’s situated at the bottom of the Grand Canyon near the Colorado River and adjacent to Bright Angel Creek. Campsites are shaded by tall, spreading cottonwoods, piped drinking water is available, and nearby Phantom Ranch offers a snack bar and ranger-led evening interpretive programs.

Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet After a hearty breakfast we’ll pack up and make an early departure to take advantage of the cool hiking hours of the morning. Hiking on the Bright Angel Trail along the Colorado, then climbing 1,000 feet, we’ll arrive at Garden Creek. From here we’ll hike along the creek upstream past its junction with Pipe Creek to Indian Garden – a spring site that watered seasonal Havasupai garden plots for centuries. From here it’s a short distance to our camp for the night – Indian Garden Campground – another enchanting camp with shade and water.

Hiking Mileage: 4.8 miles Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5-hour drive from the South Rim A casual morning and delicious breakfast will precede a beautiful hike out as we continue our trip back to the rim via the Bright Angel Trail. It’s a 4.8 mile hike from camp to the South Rim, where we’ll look back over our route and reflect on the beauty of the Grand Canyon and our accomplishment in achieving something that few have had the privilege of experiencing. Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes.