Backpacking: Fall Rim-to-Rim
OUR MOST POPULAR BACKPACKING TRIP!
Any trip into the canyon is awe-inspiring, but the uniqueness of this adventure is the opportunity to hike all the way across from one side to the other, experiencing the great diversity of each rim and everything in between!
Our journey begins at 8,000 feet above sea level in the cool forests of the north rim. Two full days will be spent descending to the bottom of the canyon along the North Kaibab Trail, followed by two days of climbing the world-famous Bright Angel Trail up to the south rim. Mesmerizing scenery awaits around every corner.
Along the way, we will visit iconic sights such as Ribbon Falls, a spectacular waterfall that provides a refreshing oasis in the desert, Phantom Ranch, the historic and rustic resort at the bottom of the canyon, and Plateau Point, which offers one of the most spectacular vistas you can find in the canyon! These are just a few of the many highlights of this incredible adventure.
Be sure to click the tabs above for additional trip details and information.
Trip Type: Backpacking
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 24 miles
Origin: Flagstaff, AZ
Cost: 2024 – $1,495 | 2025 – $1,595
Difficulty: 
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DATES
Questions? Send us an email or give us a call at 928-251-3000.
| Unbelievable vistas | Towering canyon walls | Beautiful creeks and streams |
| Wildflowers | Starlit skies | Historic trails |
| Desert oasis camping | Colorado River crossing | Waterfalls |
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Departure/Return Location
Flagstaff, AZ
From our gallery
Tour Plan
DAY 1
- Drive to North Rim: 4 hours
- Hiking distance: 7 miles
- Elevation loss: 4,160’
- Destination: Cottonwood Campground
After shuttling to the North Rim from Flagstaff, we begin our descent down the North Kaibab Trail. The scenery is absolutely stunning as we descend towering cliffs and navigate breathtaking gorges. Roaring Springs pours out from the rock and feeds into Bright Angel Creek, which we will soon be hiking alongside.
With an abundant water supply, the canyon floor here flourishes with vegetation, creating the perfect setting for our first night at Cottonwood Campground.
DAY 2
- Hiking distance: 7 miles
- Elevation loss: 1,600’
- Destination: Bright Angel Campground
Our second day will seem entirely different from the first. The drop in elevation is considerably less, but the views are no less astounding. Not far from camp, we will take a short side hike to the beautiful Ribbon Falls. From there we will eventually find ourselves entering The Box.
This section of the trail hugs the creek closely as it winds its way through the towering basement rock of the Grand Canyon. Massive folds and faults in the rock give evidence of powerful forces that molded these rocks like putty in the not-so-distant past. The Box will eventually lead us to our second camp at Bright Angel Campground adjacent to the Colorado River. Also close by is the historic Phantom Ranch where an ice-cold glass of delicious lemonade awaits!
DAY 3
- Hiking distance: 4.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,500’
- Destination: Indian Garden Campground
Today’s hike takes us along the Colorado River through a section of the impressive inner gorge before turning up the Pipe Creek drainage. The climbing will be tough, but we will be rewarded with refreshing pools and a beautiful oasis, Indian Garden, where we will camp for the night. Before settling in for the evening, however, we will not miss an opportunity for a side-hike out to Plateau Point to enjoy a spectacular sunset experience.
DAY 4
- Hiking distance: 4.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 3,000’
- Destination: South Rim
- Drive to Flagstaff: 1.5 hours
Our final day brings a challenging but rewarding climb back to the top, where we will celebrate our accomplishments and reflect on all that we have learned and experienced.
*Itinerary is subject to change and may occasionally be altered based upon weather, campsite availability, access restrictions, guest ability or injury, or other factors outside of our control.
DETAILS
What we provide
- A professional guide with wilderness medical training and a passion for the biblical message of the canyon
- All necessary equipment: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, crampons/microspikes in winter
- All cooking and eating equipment: bowls, cups, utensils
- Ten meals, starting with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day, all prepared by your guide (We can generally accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.)
- Snacks
- Entrance fees and backcountry permits
- A complimentary copy of Your Guide to the Grand Canyon, an excellent book on the geology of the Grand Canyon from a creation perspective
- Emergency equipment: first-aid kit and satellite phone
What we do not provide
- Transportation to and from Flagstaff
- Lodging before or after the scheduled dates of your trip
- Clothing, including raingear and footwear
- Personal items, including toiletries and sunscreen
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
- Headlamp or flashlight
What you should bring
- Clothing: we will provide a detailed list of recommended items when you register
- Toiletries, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Water bottles
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Personal items such as a Bible, book, writing or sketching materials
- Camera
- Cash if desired for purchases at Phantom Ranch or the South Rim
LOGISTICS
Meeting location
The evening before your trip we will meet for orientation at a convenient location in Flagstaff. The following morning we will pick you up at a predetermined location for the shuttle trip to the North Rim.Orientation
The orientation is an important time of preparation for our journey. We will check all equipment for proper fit, review important safety information, and discuss logistics. We will also examine some important passages of Scripture to set the stage for what we will be seeing over the coming days.Starting and ending time
Safety
It is impossible to eliminate all risk from any outdoor adventure. The Grand Canyon, in particular, is an extreme environment with many opportunities for illness and injury. Our guides are all certified Wilderness First Responders, which means they have gone through intensive training to prepare for a wide variety of emergency scenarios in a backcountry context. If you have specific questions about safety, medical conditions, or fitness requirements, please give us a call.Group size
A typical trip will consist of up to 5 guests and 1 guide. Larger groups of up to 9 guests can be accommodated, but may require more advanced planning.Age restrictions
Children must be at least 12 years old to participate in most backpacking trips. This may be negotiable for private trips or in special circumstances. Please contact us with any questions regarding this restriction.Weather
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