Summer Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon
Guided Backpacking Trips
4 Days, 3 Nights 24MI / 39KMReroute 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.
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Hike Across the Grand Canyon
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Mighty Colorado River
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Desert Oases
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Historic Navajo Bridge
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Breathtaking North Rim Views
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Phenomenal Geologic History
Book This Trip
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
6-8 mi -
Group Size
1-9 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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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.
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
Scroll horizontally to view all dates
Pre-Permit Trip Dates
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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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.
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Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona to the Grand Canyon and back
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Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees and wilderness permits
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Grand Canyon
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear
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Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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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
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