Grand Circuit Inn Based
Flagstaff, AZ
4.9 (37 reviews)Trip Highlights
- 5+ Hikes Covering North & South
- Accommodations Near the Rims
- Phenomenal Views
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
- Dinner at Historic El Tovar
- Dinner at Grand Canyon Lodge
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
This tour is an opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon from both rims, see Lee’s Ferry (the official beginning of the Grand Canyon), go on a variety of adventurous hikes and relax in style each evening! We take care of everything – reservations, fees, meals and transportation – while you get to relax and enjoy a fantastic hiking experience at one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Your guide will lead you on two hikes off the North Rim and three hikes off the South Rim – the challenge of the treks will vary to allow for recovery and relaxation in between. We’ve hand-picked the hikes specifically for their uniqueness, adventure and scenic beauty. Some of the highlights include breathtaking views, incredible natural and cultural history, views of the Colorado River, stunning conifer forests, ancient fossils, and dripping desert oases.
Each night you’ll return to your hotel in the cool pine forests of the rims. You’ll finish each day with a hot shower, tasty dinners (restaurant and outdoor meals) and relaxing evening. Your guide will also lead moon-lit walks along the edge of the Canyon for those interested. Don’t miss this overall experience of the Grand Canyon – give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) to learn more!
$760 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip follows well maintained trails that can be a little rugged in places, mostly due to logs that lead to large steps up or down. We tackle significant elevation gains and losses over moderate distances. Like all Grand Canyon hikes, there is heights exposure (moderate on this trip.)
Hiking Distances:
Up to 6 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2500 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Hiking in 95+ degree fahrenheit temperatures (May-Sept)
- Hiking with moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time while hiking.
MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
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 2
- 4 People: Rate x 1.5
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle to the North Rim: 4-hour drive from Flagstaff
- Hiking Mileage: 1.5-4.0 miles
- 1-way Elevation Change: 600-1441 feet
- Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge
On this Grand Canyon hiking tour, we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Flagstaff and begin our drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. En route we’ll cross the Little Colorado River and then the Colorado River near Lee’s Ferry, where the Old Navajo Bridge (built in the 1920’s) is suspended 467 feet above the water. Your guide will drop you off so you can walk across the historic bridge and snap pictures of this amazing spot, which marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon. Occasionally we see California Condors perched on the rafters beneath the bridge.
After eating breakfast at the Old Navajo Bridge, we’ll continue on our journey to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and the famous Grand Canyon Lodge. We’ll check in to our rooms, then enjoy the lodge and its massive picture windows before hiking to Bright Angel Point, one of the most impressive views in the Canyon. After a hearty lunch we’ll hike down the famous North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook, another one of the most impressive overlooks in the Canyon.
Once the hiking is done we’ll continue back to the Grand Canyon Lodge, where we’ll shower and meet up for a wonderful dinner overlooking the depths of the Grand Canyon from the Lodge restaurant’s spectacular picture windows.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 2-6 miles
- Elevation Change: Minimal
- Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge
Today will be a highlight tour of everything the North Rim has to offer. We’ll take the drive to Angel’s Window and Point Imperial stopping along the way. Today will feature several shorter hikes, with some of the most breathtaking views the Grand Canyon has to offer. For more active groups that wants to add more mileage to the day, we’ll have the opportunity to hike one of the beautiful trails that winds its way through the coniferous forest along the rim.
Day 3
- Shuttle to the South Rim: 4-hour drive from the North Rim
- Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles
- 1-way Elevation Change: 1,200 – 2,500 feet
- Accommodations: Historic El Tovar or The Grand Canyon Squire Inn
We’ll check out of our rooms and drive again over the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry. We’ll turn west and enter 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.
After driving along the famous Desert View Drive, we’ll reach the jumping off point for our amazing hike on the Grandview Trail! As the name implies, phenomenal views abound on this hike! You can see for more than 100 miles on a clear Grand Canyon day from the top. Originally used by native peoples of the Grand Canyon, the Grandview Trail as we know it today was built as access to the Last Chance Mine when copper was discovered on Horseshoe Mesa in 1890. Along with prehistoric sites, much of the old mining operation remains, including the original miner’s cabin walls and fireplace.
After our hike we’ll check in to our hotel, have another hearty dinner at one of the South Rim’s historic rim-side restaurants, enjoy showers, and relish in some much-deserved relaxation time.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles
- 1-way Elevation Change: 1000-2000 feet
- Accommodations: Historic El Tovar or The Grand Canyon Squire Inn
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.
We’ll enjoy a short walk along the Rim either before or after our meal as the sun dips behind distant ridgelines and the Canyon’s shadows grow long across the landscape.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles
- 1-way Elevation Change: 1200-2000 feet
- Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5 hours
On our final morning we’ll get an early start, check out and head to the South Kaibab Trail, which descends the spine of the 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. Possible sightings of California Condors and truly fascinating geologic history will round out the day.
It’s a relatively short shuttle drive back to Flagstaff after today’s hike, during which time you can relax and reminisce over the last 5 amazing days.
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.
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
- 4 nights of double occupancy lodging: 2 nights at the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, 2 nights at the Grand Hotel or the Squire Inn near the South Rim (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
- Dinners including ones at Grand Canyon Lodge, El Tovar and a sunset dinner on the Rim (weather permitting)
- Breakfasts, picnic lunches prepared by your guide, and trail snacks
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- 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.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour originating and concluding in Flagstaff
- 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
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (Oboz hiking shoes and boots recommended)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Alcoholic beverages
- 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
This tour features a combination of restaurant meals and meals prepared by your guide. We’ll have dinner at the famous and historic Grand Canyon Lodge and El Tovar Hotel, as well as a sunset dinner on the Rim (prepared by your guide) if weather permits, plus one more additional at a local restaurant.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. 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
- Leki trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Satellite phone
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.
Grand Canyon Conservancy
By traveling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs. Learn more about this partnership!
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.
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 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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
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)
- 5 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
Grand Canyon Lodge
2 nights
Famous and historic Grand Canyon Lodge sits literally at the edge of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, with spectacular picture windows and incredible access to the Canyon. It is a wonderful treat to stay at this stunningly situated lodge.
(views, heat, A/C)
El Tovar Hotel
0-2 nights
This legendary hotel is Grand Canyon’s premier lodge. A celebrated, historic hotel right on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, El Tovar first opened in 1905. Staying here offers a unique lodging experience that in many ways takes us back in time.
(views)
Grand Canyon Squire Inn
0-2 nights
A short drive from the edge of the Canyon, this modern, appealing hotel puts us right in the action where we can make the most of our Grand Canyon adventure! Expect a very comfortable lodging experience with all the modern amenities.
(pool, spa)
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Marcy J
Good Trip
The fall season is the perfect time for hiking on the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We hiked through gorgeous golden aspens and red vine maples up North, and had fantastic sunsets on the S. Rim. Staying at historic El Tovar on the S.. Rim was the icing on the cake!
Robin A
Positive Experience
Overall, the experience was positive, and we enjoyed the trip very much. I highly recommend staying at the Little America Hotel before and after the trip, and thought it was an excellent hotel for the price. Even though we unexpectedly ended up having two Guides during the trip instead of one, it was a positive experience. My husband and I really enjoyed Carlos with his enthusiasm and energy. Moshe was great too although lower key and self-contained. As a con, my husband is 6'2" tall and thought there wasn't sufficient leg room in the Ford Transit van for comfort on the longer drives. There were two tall men on the trip, and my husband was always in the middle row. Lastly, at least one member of the trip was insufficiently conditioned which was a drag for those of us who could do more. This is a relatively minor issue but made the trip good instead of great.
Maddison P
Honestly Amazing
Our guide, Tolman, was incredible! He was so friendly and welcoming, and taught us so much about the Canyon, its history, the natives and more. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide or a better experience it was honestly amazing. I would recommend this company to anyone and everyone
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