Grand Canyon Conservancy VIP Rim to Rim
Flagstaff, AZ
Trip Highlights
- Traverse the Grand Canyon
- Support Grand Canyon Conservancy
- Hike with Fellow Conservationists
- The Mighty Colorado River
- Desert Oases
- All-inclusive Adventure
Description
Be part of a very special Grand Canyon Rim to Rim trek with a guaranteed permit this autumn! By fundraising for the Grand Canyon Conservancy, you will be part of an inspiring community that is helping to conserve this natural wonder for generations to come.
Join Wildland Trekking, the Grand Canyon Conservancy and The Intrepid Foundation on one of the world’s most famous hikes. As well as taking in phenomenal views, desert oases, fascinating history, and the mighty Colorado River, we will be joined by staff from the Grand Canyon Conservancy and The Intrepid Foundation; a key pillar of Intrepid Travel’s commitment to conservation, sustainable travel, and support of local communities. Share four memorable days with like-minded people as we explore ways purpose and conservation can shape the future of travel.
The Rim to Rim permits are notoriously competitive but we have managed to secure a limited number of permits thanks to our partnership with the Grand Canyon Conservancy. To take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we ask that you raise a minimum of US$5,000 which supports The Grand Canyon Conservancy’s important work to preserve this cultural wonder for future generations.
This trip will be operated by the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute with one of their experienced naturalist guides, and Wildland Trekking will participate in a supporting role and will provide a guide. Additionally, the group will be joined by Scott Cundy, co-founder of Wildland Trekking and a representative of The Intrepid Foundation.
To join this special and meaningful expedition, please complete a letter of interest at the link below. We are very excited to hear from you and appreciate your interest in supporting the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
$5000 Donation
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip follows very well maintained, frequently traveled trails. It has significant elevation gains and losses, and there are tall steps from logs across the trail that increase difficulty. Like all Grand Canyon trips, it has heights exposure, but we are generally able to walk several feet away from cliff edges.
Hiking Distances:
6-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
3000 feet
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Negotiating tall steps (trekking poles help)
- Hiking with moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Grand Canyon hike a solitude 2 because it follows the most popular route across the Canyon (North Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail). You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time once we’re several miles into the Canyon.
This tour is not offered as a private departure.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon: 4-hour drive from Flagstaff
- Hiking Mileage: 6.8 miles
- Elevation Loss: 4,161 feet
We begin our Grand Canyon Rim to Rim backpacking trip at 8,000 feet and hike downhill approximately 7 miles to our first camp at Cottonwood Campground. This is a fantastic hike for the natural history buff as we descend through a dense mixed conifer forest on the North Rim to a semi-arid High Sonoran desert environment inside the Grand Canyon. Also en route we hike through the ominous and stunning Red Wall Limestone and past Roaring Springs – a cascading stream erupting from the side of an adjacent slope.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 7.2 miles
- Elevation Loss: 1,600 feet
On day two we’ll break camp and hike another 7 miles down to Bright Angel Campground. En route we traverse the amazing Bright Angel Box Canyon. With sheer granite and schist walls rising hundreds of feet above us, we hike along the crystal clear, spring-fed desert oasis of Bright Angel Creek. Our camp is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon adjacent to the Colorado River and historic Phantom Ranch.
Day 3
- 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 and up Pipe Creek we’ll arrive at Garden Creek. From here we’ll hike upstream past its junction with Pipe Creek to Havasupai Garden – a spring site that watered seasonal Havasupai garden plots for centuries. From here it’s a short final hike to our camp for the night – Havasupai Garden Campground, another enchanting camp with shade and water.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 4.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
- Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5-hour drive from the South Rim
A casual morning breakfast will precede a beautiful hike out as we continue our ascent to the rim via the Bright Angel Trail. This trail is the most hiked in the Park because of its endless views, availability of water, and its steady grade taking us out of the Grand Canyon. It’s a finish to a hike you’ll never forget!
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. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona to the Grand Canyon and back
- Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees and wilderness permits (read about Grand Canyon’s permit system)
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
- Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Grand Canyon
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Grand Canyon Conservancy
By traveling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs. Learn more about this partnership!
Trip Logistics
Where Do We Meet?
Unless we tell you otherwise, you will meet your guide and group at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff (use this reservation page for a 10-60% discount at Little America) for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. We’re happy to give you a ride to this meeting if you’re not staying at Little America, but staying at one of our other recommended hotels. Your guide will then pick you up at your hotel the next morning for transport to the trailhead. For Private Grand Canyon Tours your guide will meet you at your hotel in Flagstaff at an agreed upon time.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 4 and 7 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 8 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Weather in the Grand Canyon
The weather in the Grand Canyon varies tremendously from the rim to the canyon floor, with as much as a 30 degree Fahrenheit difference. For this reason, the Canyon is truly a year-round hiking destination. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures at the South Rim and the Canyon bottom:
| Month | South Rim | Canyon Bottom | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hi | low | hi | low | |
| Dec-Feb | 41° | 18° | 60° | 38° |
| March | 51° | 25° | 71° | 48° |
| April | 60° | 32° | 82° | 56° |
| May | 70° | 39° | 92° | 63° |
| Jun-Aug | 82° | 53° | 108° | 75° |
| September | 76° | 47° | 97° | 69° |
| October | 65° | 36° | 84° | 58° |
| November | 52° | 27° | 68° | 46° |
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
Tent Camping
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
Fresh & Delicious
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
In the Action
Of course campsites vary tremendously by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your backpacking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
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