Grand Canyon Classic

Grand Canyon Classic

Guided Backpacking Trips

3-4 Days, 2-3 Nights 17MI / 27KM

Trip Highlights

Do you want the full experience of the Grand Canyon but only have a long weekend or 3 days to fit it in? This classic Grand Canyon hiking tour is great for families, individuals, and small groups interested in a backpacking trip to the Canyon bottom and who are limited by time. The Grand Canyon Classic boasts some of the best views in the Grand Canyon and follows the most moderate routes down and back up.

Spectacular vistas will await your arrival on the South Rim, where you’ll hike down the famous South Kaibab Trail. Spending one night at Bright Angel Campground, we then hike to Havasupai Gardens (a spring that watered ancient garden plots for centuries). The third day we hike out the classic Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim. Natural and cultural history abound on this trip, and it features purely quintessential Canyon views.

  • Check Mark Famous, Iconic Trails
  • Check Mark Mighty Colorado River
  • Check Mark Phantom Ranch & the Colorado River
  • Check Mark Desert Oases
  • Check Mark Phenomenal Geologic History
  • Check Mark Scenic Loop Hike

Book This Trip

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Trip Details

  • Trip Type

    Trip Type

    Guided Backpacking Trips
  • Trip Length

    Trip Length

    3-4 Days, 2-3 Nights
  • Hiking Distance

    Daily Hiking Distance

    Up to 7 mi
  • Group Size

    Group Size

    1-9 Guests
  • Trip Begins

    Sedona, AZ
  • Trip Ends

    Sedona, AZ
  • Permit Info

Receive a PDF info packet via email which includes:
  • day by day itinerary
  • logistical and travel information
  • gear and clothing lists and more

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Is This Trip Right For me?

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. This trip may require hiking in 105+ degree fahrenheit temperatures (May-Sept). Like all Grand Canyon trips, it has heights exposure, but we are generally able to walk several feet away fromĀ  cliff edges.

Difficulty Level
3 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Solitude Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Hiking Distances
3 of 5

Up to 7 mi

Backpack Weight
3 of 5

25-35 lbs

Terrain
2 of 5

Lightly Rugged

Max Daily Elevation
4 of 5

3000 ft

Height & Exposure
3 of 5

Moderate

Trip Itinerary

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. NormalĀ terms and conditionsĀ apply to trips with itinerary changes.

Day 1

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.

Day 2

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 Havasupai 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 – Havasupai Garden Campground – another enchanting camp with shade and water.

Day 3

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.

4-day Variation

On the 4-day variation we enjoy layover day at Bright Angel Campground on day 2 of the trip. This will offer us the opportunity to explore the area, soak up the magic of the Inner Gorge and the Colorado River, rest and relax. Options for hiking today include an exploration of a steep side canyon that pours into Bright Angel Creek, and a hike up the North Side of the River to a high plateau overlooking the entire south side of the Canyon.

Important: this trip is operated as either a 3-day or 4-day itinerary, and is confirmed as such in advance. Variation of trip length does not mean guests can choose to leave a trip or early or extend it a day.

Trip Dates

Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.

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Pre-Permit Trip Dates

April 2026 (Book Before December 1, 2025)
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October 2026 (Book Before June 1, 2026)
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November 2026 (Book Before July 1, 2026)
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Thu, Nov 12, 2026 Sat, Nov 14, 2026 Request Reservation
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Thu, Nov 26, 2026 Sun, Nov 29, 2026 Request Reservation

What's Included

  • Trip Included
    Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
  • Trip Included
    High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
  • Trip Included
    Use of trekking poles and Microspike Crampons if necessary
  • Trip Included
    All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
  • Trip Included
    Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. SeeĀ Guide Bios.
  • Trip Included
    Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona to the Grand Canyon and back
  • Trip Included
    Entrance fees and national park permits
  • Trip Included
    Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
  • Trip Included
    Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Grand Canyon

What's Not Included

  • Trip Not Included
    Clothes, raingear, and footwear
  • Trip Not Included
    Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
  • Trip Not Included
    Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
  • Trip Not Included
    Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)

Accommodations

NOTE: These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used. (test)

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

Campsites vary 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 trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.

Trip Logistics & FAQs

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.
.

Travel to Flagstaff

WHY WE BASE IN FLAGSTAFF VS. PHOENIX
  • Reduced drive time by 3 hours on first day of hiking
  • Guide support is only an hour away vs. 4-5 hours away in Phoenix.
  • Increased flexibility with unforeseen circumstances
  • Flagstaff is a scenic mountain town with great hiking and restaurants!

GROOME SHUTTLE
Groome Transportation operates anĀ Arizona ShuttleĀ that makes 9 dependable trips daily each direction between Phoenix and Flagstaff. The duration is 2.5-3 hours. They pickup/drop off at Sky Harbor Airport and the Metro Center in Phoenix, and in Flagstaff at the Amtrak Station (near downtown) and the NAU campus.

Note: Groome also offers daily transportation (3 trips in each direction) from Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

CAR RENTAL
Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix has a fantastic car rental facility that is easily accessible and hosts a great variety of companies. We recommend checking Priceline.com as well for especially good deals.

ARIZONA EXECUTIVE TRANSPORT
Arizona Executive Transport offers private, reliable SUV service between Phoenix and Flagstaff. This option is best if you’re traveling in a group of 3 or 4. As Wildland Trekking guests, your one-way cost for up to 4 passengers is only $275. Simply type “Wildland Trekking Company” in the Discount Code Box at the bottom of the online registration page. You can go to http://www.arizonaexecutivellc.com to make your reservations online.

Pre and Post-Trip On Request Lodging

We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Flagstaff, Arizona as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directlyĀ to our team to check availability.

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 ā€œ24/7ā€ 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 atĀ 1-800-715-HIKE (4453)Ā for more information.

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

Reviews

5.0 (99 reviews)
add a review
Margie M
5.0
1 year ago

What an experience!

WOW! What an experience!. The whole trip was amazing and indescribable! I really want to shout out to our guide Rory! This experience would not have been what it was without him. Rory took us at a pace we were all comfortable, he was so attentive and knew when we needed a break. He made sure we had the opportunity to soak in the Grandeur of the Canyon and all the hidden treasures you would probably not see on your own. Rory was kind, caring, informative, knowledgeable and has forever left beautiful memories of my trip that I will never forget. I want to thank him from the depths of my heart for a once in a lifetime experience!

Gloria M
5.0
1 year ago

It was awesome!

Cat was excellent, we lucked out with good weather (not too hot or we hiked early in the morning and relaxed in the afternoons), the 3 other people in the group were fun and adventuresome and we camped in the Grand Canyon! It was awesome!

Gayla L
4.0
1 year ago

I loved the experience

This was a great experience altogether and an awesome company to do it with, especially if you get Rory for your guide(I'm sure they're all good)but he is special! The food was great, the scenery was beyond amazing and the hike was the hardest I've ever done, but it's doable. Train well and get ready for so much fun, and ALL the emotions!

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