Wonders of the Grand Canyon
Guided Backpacking Trips
6 Days, 5 Nights 28MI / 45KM
Reroute Alert!
Due to the Dragon Bravo Fire, we are unable to create any new Winter Rim to Rim to Rim reservations for 2025. Existing reservations are anticipated to be rerouted where possible. Bookings for 2026 remain open.
Please support the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s disaster relief efforts. The Intrepid Foundation is matching the first $20,000 donated at our fire relief fundraiser here.
For a Rim to River experience, check out our Grand Canyon Classic backpacking trip, which is currently running as planned.
Trip Highlights
This tour is truly a journey into the wonder and magic of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s the most memorable and rewarding loop hike in the Grand Canyon and features excellent streamside camps, thundering waterfalls, an enormous landslide that changed the course of the Colorado River, an enchanting slickrock narrows section, and a layover day to relax and absorb the magic of the place. The hike beautifully illustrates some of the most distinctive and scenic characteristics of the western Grand Canyon, and continues to be an all-time North Rim favorite.
We’ll begin by hiking down to the Esplanade, a fantastic camp perched above the deeper layers of the Grand Canyon. From there we’ll hike past Thunder River (appropriately named as it literally erupts from the side of a mountain) and follow Tapeats Creek to the Colorado River. After traversing part of the Colorado River we’ll head back up Deer Creek, make camp, and explore its beautiful terraces, narrows, and the magnificent Deer Creek waterfall. The following two days will be spent returning to the North Rim.
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Dramatic Creeks & Waterfalls
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Canyon Solitude
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Mighty Colorado River
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Spectacular Sandstone Terrace
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Water-sculpted Tapeats Canyon
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Remote, Rugged Route
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Stunning Views
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
6 Days, 5 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 6 mi -
Group Size
2-9 Guests
- 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 features moderate hiking distances on extremely rugged, unmaintained trails. There are steep, loose, narrow and extremely exposed sections that can be challenging for some guests, especially if you have a fear of heights. If you’re in very good shape and want to challenge yourself on a demanding, phenomenally scenic and adventurous route, this one is a good choice.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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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. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to the North Rim: ~5 hour drive
Hiking Mileage: 4.0 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,200 feet
We begin this classic Grand Canyon backpacking tour off the North Rim and hike downhill to a broad slickrock terrace known as the Esplanade. We spend our first night at the edge of the Esplanade where we have expansive views into the inner Grand Canyon.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 6.0 miles
Elevation Loss: 3,200 feet
This day begins with a descent to Surprise Valley. Here we turn west and begin a steep, steady descent across debris from an enormous landslide that changed the course of the Colorado River. We’ll pass Deer Spring, a waterfall that flows out of a cliff wall and the source for Deer Creek, before descending another 1,000 feet to the Deer Creek Valley where we’ll make camp. Deer Creek is one of the most beautiful spots in the canyon. We’ll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting Deer Creek Narrows and hike to Deer Creek Falls, where the creek flows out of a narrow Tapeats Sandstone canyon and forms a large waterfall next to the Colorado River.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 5.2 miles
Elevation Loss: 450 feet
We’ll get up and start working our way upstream along the Colorado River to the dramatic Tapeats Rapid. From here we’ll follow Tapeats Creek upstream where potential stream crossings and some exposure make for exciting hiking as the trail alternates between flat, sandy stretches next to the creek and short, steep climbs over the Hakatai Shale. Eventually we’ll reach the Upper Tapeats camp at the junction of Tapeats Creek and Thunder River, a beautiful spot located in a cottonwood riparian zone adjacent to the creek. Once camp is set up we’ll explore upstream along the white waters of Thunder River to Thunder Spring, a waterfall that erupts from large fissures at the Muav Limestone, Bright Angel Shale contact.
Day 4
This is a layover day (if a 6-day trip) to absorb the tremendous scale of this area. Willing members of the group will join the guide on a spectacular day hike upstream and off trail along Tapeats Creek. It is a remote and beautiful canyon that will be the highlight of the trip for many. Once back in camp we can swim, read, explore, or do nothing at all!
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Today’s hike takes us past Thunder Spring again and back to Surprise Valley. From here we’ll head up through the Redwall to our Esplanade camp from the first night.
Day 6
Hiking Mileage: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Shuttle: ~5-hour drive
On our final day we’ll retrace our route from day one, which means crossing the Esplanade and climbing through the Canyon’s uppermost rock formations to gain the trailhead and civilization once again. Having just experienced five or six days below the rim you’ll certainly have a different perspective on this place than you did on the first 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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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles and Microspike Crampons if necessary
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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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.
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Roundtrip transportation from origin to the Grand Canyon and back
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Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees and wilderness permits
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Grand Canyon
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
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
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 an Arizona Shuttle 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 directly 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 6 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 no later than 7 PM.
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.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 10 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
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Nick K
6 months agoIt was an amazing trek.
This trip was recommended to me by a previous Wildland guide and I'm very glad I took his advice. The various scenery we were able to see was unexpected; from desert valleys, to slickrock plateaus and multicolored canyons, to the incredible thundering waterfalls, it was an amazing trek. Our guide, Ashley, was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, ensuring we had a seamless, fun, and informative hike.
Magnus M
1 year agoExceptional
The Wonders of the Grand Canyon hike was exceptional. Our guide Landon did a great job leading our group and providing tasty meals not to mention sharing his knowledge of the terrain and dynamics of the GC environment. This was my sixth trip with WT and there is a good reason why I keep returning to use their services, commitment to the customer’s experience and high quality guiding services.
Erin T
1 year agoThey are my go-to guiding service
This was my third Wildland hike, including the Kanab Creek Adventure a few years ago. Wildland continues to exceed my expectations for organization, backcountry meals, and the quality of the guides. On this trip, our guide, Landon, was top-notch, making sure everyone was able to complete the trek safely. He definitely gave me the confidence to take on some very challenging trails. That being said, this trip is difficult, especially for people more used to forest trails. The trails are almost always rugged, steep, or very exposed (heights and sharp drop offs), and usually a combination of these. Our guide’s advice to have as light as packs as was safe was spot on - I was very glad to have my own gear that is much lighter than what is provided by Wildland. I will definitely be traveling with Wildland again and they are my go-to guiding service for trips that I can’t or don’t want to organize myself!
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