Summer Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon
Flagstaff, AZ
5.0 (205 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Hike Across the Grand Canyon
- Mighty Colorado River
- Desert Oases
- Historic Navajo Bridge
- Breathtaking North Rim Views
- Phenomenal Geologic History
Description
Our Summer Rim to Rim Tour is a Grand Canyon legend and deservedly so! The ability to hike across the Canyon is what makes the Rim to Rim so special, as you have the unique opportunity to experience both rims and everything in between. The summer version runs from May 12 through September 15, and it’s important to be prepared (mentally and physically) to be potentially hiking in 105+ degree fahrenheit temperatures. If you’d prefer a Rim to Rim experience with cooler temperatures, check out our Autumn Rim to Rim or Winter Rim to Rim to Rim.
The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike begins on the cooler, shaded North Rim where we hike down the North Kaibab Trail. We then meet up with Bright Angel Creek and hike along its shores to Cottonwood Campground, a stunning desert oasis for our first night. Our second campsite is the famous Bright Angel Campground, and on the hike there we’ll traverse the amazing Bright Angel Box Canyon. During the evening of the second day, we’ll enjoy camping near Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River, before continuing our hike via the Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Garden on the third day. We spend our last evening at the lush desert oasis of Havasupai Garden. We resume our hike and top out the fourth day at the South Rim, where a shuttle awaits us to complete our journey back to Flagstaff.
Important: 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!
Permit Deadlines
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.
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
Month of Trip
|
Register Before
|
Permit Results
|
January
|
Sept 1
|
~Sept 15
|
February
|
Oct 1
|
~Oct 15
|
March
|
Nov 1
|
~Nov 15
|
April
|
Dec 1
|
~Dec 15
|
May
|
Jan 1
|
~Jan 15
|
June
|
Feb 1
|
~Feb 15
|
July
|
Mar 1
|
~Mar 15
|
August
|
Apr 1
|
~Apr 15
|
September
|
May 1
|
~May 15
|
October
|
June 1
|
~June 15
|
November
|
July 1
|
~July 15
|
December
|
Aug 1
|
~Aug 15
|
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
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 will potentially require hiking in 105+ degree fahrenheit temperatures, which is what makes this trip Level 4 difficulty. Like all Grand Canyon trips, it has heights exposure, but we are generally able to walk several feet away from cliff edges.
Hiking Distances:
![](https://wildlandtrekking.com/content/uploads/2021/09/distance-icon-3-1.jpg)
6-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
![](https://wildlandtrekking.com/content/uploads/2021/10/packweight-icon-3.jpg)
25-35 lbs
Terrain:
![](https://wildlandtrekking.com/content/uploads/2021/09/terrain-icon-2.jpg)
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
![](https://wildlandtrekking.com/content/uploads/2021/09/elevation-icon-4-1-479x479-1.jpg)
3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
![](https://wildlandtrekking.com/content/uploads/2022/03/exposure-icon-3-479x479-1.jpg)
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- 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. 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 the most popular route across the Canyon (North Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail). You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time once we’re several miles into the Canyon.
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
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