Summer Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon

Summer Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon

Guided Backpacking Trips

4 Days, 3 Nights 24MI / 39KM
Trip Notice

Reroute Alert!

Due to the Dragon Bravo Fire, we are unable to create any new Summer 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

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.

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.

  • Check Mark Hike Across the Grand Canyon
  • Check Mark Mighty Colorado River
  • Check Mark Desert Oases
  • Check Mark Historic Navajo Bridge
  • Check Mark Breathtaking North Rim Views
  • Check Mark Phenomenal Geologic History

Book This Trip

View Dates

Trip Details

  • Trip Type

    Trip Type

    Guided Backpacking Trips
  • Trip Length

    Trip Length

    4 Days, 3 Nights
  • Hiking Distance

    Daily Hiking Distance

    6-8 mi
  • Group Size

    Group Size

    1-9 Guests
  • Trip Begins

    Flagstaff, AZ
  • Trip Ends

    Flagstaff, AZ
  • Permit Info

Receive a PDF info packet via email which includes:
  • day by day itinerary
  • logistical and travel information
  • gear and clothing lists and more

"*" indicates required fields

Receive Emails about Wildland Trekking Promotions, Updates, and Discounts:

Is This Trip Right For me?

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.

Difficulty Level
4 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Solitude Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Hiking Distances
3 of 5

6-8 mi

Backpack Weight
3 of 5

25-35 lbs

Terrain
2 of 5

Lightly Rugged

Max Daily Elevation
4 of 5

3000 ft

Height & Exposure
3 of 5

Moderate

Trip Itinerary

Please Note: a portion of the Bright Angel Trail is closed May 15 through September 30, 2025. On Day 3 we will hike up the South Kaibab Trail, then over on the Tonto Trail to Bright Angel Trail and Havasupai Gardens. This change adds 2.5 miles of hiking to Day 3, with little change to the elevation gain.

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 of the Grand Canyon: 4-hour drive from Flagstaff

Hiking Mileage: 6.8 miles

Elevation Loss: 4,161 feet

We begin our Grand Canyon Rim to Rim backpacking trip at 8,000 feet and hike downhill approximately 7 miles to our first camp at Cottonwood Campground. This is a fantastic hike for the natural history buff as we descend through a dense mixed conifer forest on the North Rim to a semi-arid High Sonoran desert environment inside the Grand Canyon. Also en route we hike through the ominous and stunning Red Wall Limestone and past Roaring Springs – a cascading stream erupting from the side of an adjacent slope.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 7.2 miles

Elevation Loss: 1,600 feet

On day two we’ll break camp and hike another 7 miles down to Bright Angel Campground. En route we traverse the amazing Bright Angel Box Canyon. With sheer granite and schist walls rising hundreds of feet above us, we hike along the crystal clear, spring-fed desert oasis of Bright Angel Creek. Our camp is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon adjacent to the Colorado River and historic Phantom Ranch.

Day 3

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 and up Pipe Creek we’ll arrive at Garden Creek. From here we’ll hike upstream past its junction with Pipe Creek to Havasupai Garden – a spring site that watered seasonal Havasupai garden plots for centuries. From here it’s a short final hike to our camp for the night – Havasupai Garden Campground, another enchanting camp with shade and water.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 4.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet

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

A casual morning breakfast will precede a beautiful hike out as we continue our ascent to the rim via the Bright Angel Trail. This trail is the most hiked in the Park because of its endless views, availability of water, and its steady grade taking us out of the Grand Canyon. It’s a finish to a hike you’ll never forget!

Trip Dates

Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.

Scroll horizontally to view all dates

Pre-Permit Trip Dates

May 2026 (Book Before January 1, 2026)
Start End
Tue, May 12, 2026 Fri, May 15, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, May 13, 2026 Sat, May 16, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, May 14, 2026 Sun, May 17, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, May 15, 2026 Mon, May 18, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, May 16, 2026 Tue, May 19, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, May 17, 2026 Wed, May 20, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, May 18, 2026 Thu, May 21, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, May 19, 2026 Fri, May 22, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, May 20, 2026 Sat, May 23, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, May 21, 2026 Sun, May 24, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, May 22, 2026 Mon, May 25, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, May 23, 2026 Tue, May 26, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, May 24, 2026 Wed, May 27, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, May 25, 2026 Thu, May 28, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, May 26, 2026 Fri, May 29, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, May 27, 2026 Sat, May 30, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, May 28, 2026 Sun, May 31, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, May 29, 2026 Mon, Jun 1, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, May 30, 2026 Tue, Jun 2, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, May 31, 2026 Wed, Jun 3, 2026 Request Reservation
June 2026 (Book Before February 1, 2026)
Start End
Mon, Jun 1, 2026 Thu, Jun 4, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Jun 2, 2026 Fri, Jun 5, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Jun 3, 2026 Sat, Jun 6, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, Jun 4, 2026 Sun, Jun 7, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jun 5, 2026 Mon, Jun 8, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Jun 6, 2026 Tue, Jun 9, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, Jun 7, 2026 Wed, Jun 10, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Jun 8, 2026 Thu, Jun 11, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Jun 9, 2026 Fri, Jun 12, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Jun 10, 2026 Sat, Jun 13, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, Jun 11, 2026 Sun, Jun 14, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jun 12, 2026 Mon, Jun 15, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Jun 13, 2026 Tue, Jun 16, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, Jun 14, 2026 Wed, Jun 17, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Jun 15, 2026 Thu, Jun 18, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Jun 16, 2026 Fri, Jun 19, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Jun 17, 2026 Sat, Jun 20, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jun 19, 2026 Mon, Jun 22, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Jun 20, 2026 Tue, Jun 23, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Jun 23, 2026 Fri, Jun 26, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jun 26, 2026 Mon, Jun 29, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 Tue, Jun 30, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Jun 30, 2026 Fri, Jul 3, 2026 Request Reservation
July 2026 (Book Before March 1, 2026)
Start End
Wed, Jul 1, 2026 Sat, Jul 4, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, Jul 2, 2026 Sun, Jul 5, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jul 3, 2026 Mon, Jul 6, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, Jul 5, 2026 Wed, Jul 8, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Jul 7, 2026 Fri, Jul 10, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, Jul 9, 2026 Sun, Jul 12, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jul 10, 2026 Mon, Jul 13, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, Jul 12, 2026 Wed, Jul 15, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Jul 15, 2026 Sat, Jul 18, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jul 17, 2026 Mon, Jul 20, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 Tue, Jul 21, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, Jul 19, 2026 Wed, Jul 22, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 Thu, Jul 23, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 Fri, Jul 24, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 Mon, Jul 27, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 Thu, Jul 30, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Jul 29, 2026 Sat, Aug 1, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 Sun, Aug 2, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Jul 31, 2026 Mon, Aug 3, 2026 Request Reservation
August 2026 (Book Before April 1, 2026)
Start End
Sun, Aug 9, 2026 Wed, Aug 12, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Aug 10, 2026 Thu, Aug 13, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Aug 11, 2026 Fri, Aug 14, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Aug 12, 2026 Sat, Aug 15, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Aug 14, 2026 Mon, Aug 17, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Aug 17, 2026 Thu, Aug 20, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Aug 21, 2026 Mon, Aug 24, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 Tue, Aug 25, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 Thu, Aug 27, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Aug 26, 2026 Sat, Aug 29, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Aug 26, 2026 Sat, Aug 29, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, Aug 27, 2026 Sun, Aug 30, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Aug 28, 2026 Mon, Aug 31, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Aug 29, 2026 Tue, Sep 1, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, Aug 30, 2026 Wed, Sep 2, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 Thu, Sep 3, 2026 Request Reservation
September 2026 (Book Before May 1, 2026)
Start End
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 Fri, Sep 4, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Sep 2, 2026 Sat, Sep 5, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 Sun, Sep 6, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Sep 4, 2026 Mon, Sep 7, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 Tue, Sep 8, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, Sep 6, 2026 Wed, Sep 9, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Sep 7, 2026 Thu, Sep 10, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Sep 8, 2026 Fri, Sep 11, 2026 Request Reservation
Wed, Sep 9, 2026 Sat, Sep 12, 2026 Request Reservation
Thu, Sep 10, 2026 Sun, Sep 13, 2026 Request Reservation
Fri, Sep 11, 2026 Mon, Sep 14, 2026 Request Reservation
Sat, Sep 12, 2026 Tue, Sep 15, 2026 Request Reservation
Sun, Sep 13, 2026 Wed, Sep 16, 2026 Request Reservation
Mon, Sep 14, 2026 Thu, Sep 17, 2026 Request Reservation
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 Fri, Sep 18, 2026 Request Reservation

What's Included

  • Trip Included
    Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
  • Trip Included
    High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
  • Trip Included
    Use of trekking poles
  • Trip Included
    All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
  • Trip Included
    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.
  • Trip Included
    Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona to the Grand Canyon and back
  • Trip Included
    Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees and wilderness permits
  • Trip Included
    Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
  • Trip Included
    Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Grand Canyon

What's Not Included

  • Trip Not Included
    Clothes, raingear, and footwear
  • Trip Not Included
    Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
  • Trip Not Included
    Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
  • Trip Not Included
    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.

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.

What is the Start/End Time?

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).

Are there any 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.

Are there any 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

Reviews

0.0 (0 reviews)
add a review

You Might Also Like...

"*" indicates required fields

Receive Emails about Wildland Trekking Promotions, Updates, and Discounts:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

*