Shuttle to the South Rim: 2-hour drive from Flagstaff

Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1200-2040 feet

On this Grand Canyon hiking tour, we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Flagstaff and drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon through the South Entrance, where the initial views are sure to blow you away! We’ll accentuate our drive with stops at some carefully selected viewpoints that make for phenomenal views of the Canyon and exceptional photographs.

The South Kaibab Trail descends the spine of spectacular Cedar Ridge and allows for BIG Grand Canyon views as the ridge drops off on both sides and in front of you. It is the trail to do if you’re looking for some of the best panoramas in the Grand Canyon. These panoramas and the moderate nature of the hiking make the South Kaibab Trail one of the most photographed trails in the country and a great first day for us. Possible sightings of California Condors and truly fascinating geologic history will round out the day.

Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1000-2000 feet

Walking in the footsteps of prehistoric Native Americans, we follow an ancient trail through the Bright Angel Fault. Today’s trail offers a meandering descent into the Grand Canyon and is the most accessible trail that goes far below the rim. There are two potential turn-around points which can make the hike 3 miles or 6 miles round trip. This is a great trail to get down into the Grand Canyon and has great amenities like water, bathrooms and shade available intermittently.

As you descend the sinuous trail into the depths of the Canyon, your guide will explain the miraculous geological and ecological phenomena that surround you. We will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with a view better than any 5-star restaurant. Eventually we will start our return hike to the rim, this time staring up at the towering cliffs above us until we are finally standing back on top of them, gazing down in amazement at the wonderful hike we just accomplished.

Tonight’s dinner is at the famous and historic El Tovar Hotel, overlooking the depths of the Grand Canyon, after which we’ll settle down for some much deserved sleep. (El Tovar reservations are extremely competitive. We secure them 30 days in advance, and they are occasionally unavailable. If unavailable, we will dine at an alternative restaurant at or near the South Rim.)

Please Note: The trail for today’s hike is closed between December 1, 2023 and April 14, 2024. During this time period, we will descend the Hermit Trail, which features big views, fossils, Native American history and a unique look at the geology of the Grand Canyon. Distance is 3-6 miles, elevation gain/loss of up to 2150 feet.

Hiking Mileage: 2.4-6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1200-2500 feet

Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5-hour drive from the South Rim

The well-named Grandview Trail takes us down a series of exciting switchbacks with seemingly endless views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. The trail was built by one of Grand Canyon’s most famous miners, Pete Berry, in the late 1800’s to extract some of the richest copper ore in the world. Eventually when his mine failed, he turned to tourism for a living, taking guests down his amazing, hand-cobbled trail. We’ll descend down through geologic and cultural history, gazing into the depths of the Canyon and discussing the immense beauty and intrigue of this landscape.

We’ll turn east and exit the Park from the East Entrance this time, where we’ll stop at the famous Desert View Watchtower. This amazing structure is a replica of a Native American tower found in the same location by early explorers centuries ago.