Grand Canyon Classic
Flagstaff, AZ
5.0 (58 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Famous, Iconic Trails
- Mighty Colorado River
- Stunning Sunset Dinner at Plateau Point
- Phantom Ranch & the Colorado River
- Desert Oases
- Phenomenal Geologic History
- Scenic Loop Hike
Description
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 Indian 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.
Need to Know: Grand Canyon Permits
It is strongly recommended to book your Grand Canyon backpacking trip 5 months in advance due to the Park’s permit system. Backpacking permits are issued on the first of the month 4+ months in advance (see deadlines for each month.) Permits for the most popular trips sell out very quickly during the initial lottery, so registering prior to the deadline of the month you’re interested in is highly beneficial. You can also pick any dates, and you’ll receive a 5% early registration discount!
Pre-permit Registration $1325/$1562
- 3 Days: $1325
- 4 Days: $1562
Grand Canyon’s permit process is complicated, but we take care of everything so you don’t have to worry about it! Here’s what you do need to know – Grand Canyon issues backpacking permits through a lottery system 4+ months in advance (deadlines listed below). Permits for popular trips sell out immediately during the initial lottery, so it’s important to register before the process begins. Pre-permit registrants also receive a 5% discount and can pick any dates (must book directly with us to get the discount)!
When you register we will ask you for backup dates and itineraries, as they are helpful if your first choice isn’t available. If a permit request is denied, pre-permit registrants have top priority for open spaces on confirmed permits, and very often get spots. Finally, we have good success rates, but your deposit is 100% refundable or transferable if we’re unsuccessful. Still have questions? Call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!
PERMIT DEADLINES
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Month of Trip
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Register Before
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Permit Results
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January
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Sept 1
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~Sept 15
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February
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Oct 1
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~Oct 15
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March
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Nov 1
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~Nov 15
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April
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Dec 1
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~Dec 15
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May
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Jan 1
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~Jan 15
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June
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Feb 1
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~Feb 15
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July
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Mar 1
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~Mar 15
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August
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Apr 1
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~Apr 15
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September
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May 1
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~May 15
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October
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June 1
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~June 15
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November
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July 1
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~July 15
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December
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Aug 1
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~Aug 15
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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. 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 from cliff edges.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 7 mi
Backpack Weight:
25-35 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 25-35 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Negotiating tall steps (trekking poles help)
- Hiking in 105+ degree farenheit ambient temps may be required in the warmer months (May-Sept). Learn more about desert heat.
- 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 two of the most popular trails in the Canyon (South Kaibab and Bright Angel). You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time once we’re several miles into the Canyon.
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.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
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 Indian 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 – Indian 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.
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
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Permitted and Confirmed Trip Dates
These trip dates are permitted and confirmed. Click on a date to book!
Pre-Permit Trip Dates
Permits have not yet been issued for these months. It is best to book before the listed deadlines. You can pick any dates (listed or not) and receive a 5% discount! Click on a date or contact us to book. (Permit system details)
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 and Microspike Crampons if necessary
- 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
- Entrance fees and national park 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
- A Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and dependents to a discount of 10% off any Wildland hiking trip after your first one (must book directly with us to receive the discount)!
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, Kelty, 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!
Trip Logistics
How do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
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.
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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.
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:
Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
| 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.
NOTE: These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used. (test)
Trip Reviews
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- HIGH - LOW
Mark P
Highly Recommend
Michael was incredible! He was very conscious of the needs of the group. He was fun, engaging and knowledgeable and a darn good cook! We would highly recommend Wildland Trekking and Michael Cox for future tours.
Merribeth M
Highly Recommend Wildland Trekking
JP was wonderful in caring for our group. He was informative, entertaining, an excellent cook offering a nice variety of recipes. JP was helpful in keeping me confident during personally challenging moments and made me want to stretch my abilities for hiking further. I honestly wish the hike was longer when I was done and everyone else was spent ~ he was a great guide and travel companion ~ I would highly recommend Wildland Trekking to anyone because of our great experience on this hike with JP ✨😊✨
Joanna M
Fantastic experience all around.
We were blessed to have Tiffancy Cooper as our guide. She far exceeded our expectations. I'm a local Arizonan and the trip was a birthday gift from my brothers and their wives who live in Canada. They decided to join me so it was my family and Tiffany for 3 fantastic days. She was so positive, upbeat, and knowledgeable about the Grand Canyon - its history, its plants, its people. The meals were fantastic, and she prepared each one with a smile on her face. The ease of obtaining the permits, have the essentials like tent and packs supplied, food prepared, etc. was definitely well worth the price. She was fantastic and I hope to be able to do another trip with her. In addition, the hands-on approach by all of the staff at Wildland Trekking ensured all of our questions were answered in detail in the months leading up to the trip which alleviated any anxieties we had with respect to the logistics of travel, Covid, planning, etc. Fantastic experience all around. We will definitely be using Wildland Trekking again. Thank you for making this life-changing experience even more memorable.
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