Product Description
Highlights
Discover the lesser-explored but equally beautiful North Rim of the Grand Canyon. With just 10% of the visitors of its southern counterpart, you’ll often feel like you have the whole place to yourself.. You’ll also get to see what all the fuss is about and kick the trip off with a hike around the stunning South Rim, taking in epic views of the canyon and Colorado River as you go.. Hike with expert guides who will bring the landscape to life, share stories about the region’s history and culture, and help spot fascinating animals and plant life.. At the end of each day of walking, you’ll rest your head at your spectacular campsite, totally immersed in the wild surroundings and a world-class spot for stargazing.
Overview
Capture the magic of the Grand Canyon on a guided 5-day walking adventure through its highlights and hidden pockets. Kick things off with a hike along the popular South Rim, soaking in spectacular views of the Canyon and Colorado River, then continue to the lesser-visited and awe-inspiring North Rim. Let your local guides show you hidden trails, secret look out points and unusual wildlife, and spend your evenings in a scenic campsite beneath a sky full of stars. Between unbelievably beautiful walking trails to views to take your breath away, you’re sure to have a grand old time.
Breakfast Included: 4 Lunches Included: 4 Dinner Included: 3
Flagstaff
Your adventure begins in Flagstaff, Arizona, your gateway to the Grand Canyon. A wonder of the natural world, the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable places on our planet, and there’s no better way to explore it than on foot. A welcome meeting will take place at 5pm tonight so you can meet your local leader and fellow travellers and be briefed on the days ahead. If you arrive early, you may like to check out the The Arboretum at Flagstaff to discover the desert plants of the region, or head out to the Wupatki National Monument to learn about the area’s Native American History. This evening, perhaps get to know your group over dinner together in town.
Grand Canyon National Park
Rise and shine for your first day walking the Grand Canyon. Drive from Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (approximately 4 hours) and be greeted by a view so amazing you’ll never get used to it. Pay a visit to the Desert View Watchtower, a stone structure built to replicate the Native American tower that once stood in the same spot centuries ago. Continue to the Grandview Trail, built by miners in the late 1800s. Hit the trail and hike past epic views of the Colorado River and the canyon it carved out. As you walk, your leader will fill you in on the secrets of the landscape and its history. Once you’ve completed the hike, drive on to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, stopping en route to cross the Old Navajo Bridge suspended 467 feet above the water. Take some time to get to know this side of the canyon before setting up camp for the evening and reminiscing about the day’s discoveries over dinner.
Grand Canyon National Park
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the peace and quiet of your campsite, then set out for another exciting day. Head to a lesser-explored trail – it’s so beautiful it’s a surprise the trail’s not better known, but that’s good for you, as you’ll likely have the whole thing to yourselves! The remote track winds through pine forests before giving way to a rocky outcrop hanging over the canyon, offering up cinematic views in all directions. Without the crowds, this is the perfect spot to snap some pictures or just take a moment to soak it all in. Depending on the interests of the group, you’ll have the chance to hike for another mile or two into the canyon. After the day’s hikes are done, you’ll enjoy a well-earned outdoor dinner at a truly magical viewpoint – al fresco dining doesn’t get much better than this!
Grand Canyon National Park
Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast then make the short drive to today’s trailhead. Hit the trail and weave through the gorgeous pine and aspen trees on the high North Rim, sitting at an elevation of 8000ft. Your leader will point out ancient fossil beds as you pass, while also discussing the fascinating flora and fauna which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer, elk, coyotes, foxes, mountain lions and half-breed wild buffalo, which have all been known to roam these parts. Continue to the edge of the canyon, then venture along the North Rim towards a marvellous viewpoint. Take some time out to enjoy a picnic lunch in a spot where you can really appreciate the sheer scale of the Grand Canyon. Explore further around the rim, then return along the same trail.
Grand Canyon National Park
It’s time to pack up camp, then go and check out a slightly different style of accommodation – the famous Grand Canyon Lodge. Stop here to admire the view from the lodge’s panoramic windows, then begin the hike down the much-loved North Kaibab Trail, heading towards the Coconino Overlook or the Supai Tunnel, allowing you to walk through the rocks of the canyon. The plant life here is just as interesting as the rock formations – descend from a mixed conifer forest on the rim that gives way to a dry Sonoran desert landscape. Once your hike is over, begin the drive back to Flagstaff (approximately 4.5 hours) and take some time to think back on all you’ve seen and accomplished over the last four days. Your adventure will come to an end upon your arrival in Flagstaff.
