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© Canyon Ministries
Flagstaff, Arizona
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Colorado River Sunrise near Phantom Ranch

Backpacking: Havasupai Gardens

Perfect Introductory or Weekend Retreat Trip

Backpacking: Havasupai Gardens

$1105 per person
3 Days + 2 Nights
12+ Age
Activity Level: 5 Peak
Backpacking Trip

Indian Garden Backpacking Trip

OUR EASIEST GRAND CANYON BACKPACKING TRIP

Desert oasis camping at its finest!

 

Looking for an “introductory” backpacking experience in the Grand Canyon? Our Havasupai Gardens (formerly known as Indian Garden) adventure offers the perfect introduction to backpacking God’s magnificent canyon, combining accessibility with awe-inspiring beauty in a spiritually refreshing 3-day, 2-night experience.

Your journey includes:

  • Two nights at the verdant Havasupai Gardens oasis
  • A spectacular sunset dinner at Plateau Point overlooking the Inner Gorge
  • Day hike to the mighty Colorado River without heavy packs
  • Rich teaching about Biblical creation along the historic Bright Angel Trail
  • Opportunities to explore hidden side canyons and peaceful creek beds

This adventure serves as an ideal first Grand Canyon backpacking experience, offering comfortable camping beneath rustling cottonwood trees near flowing springs.

The first evening we will enjoy a sunset dinner at the stunning Plateau Point on the edge of the Granite Gorge. The second day takes us on a hike into the gorge to the Colorado River. This is a rare opportunity to venture to the bottom of the Grand Canyon without a full pack on! Following the famous Bright Angel Trail, opportunities abound for exploring side canyons, creeks, a sandy beach on the Colorado River, and more!

You’ll witness stunning views that showcase God’s artistry in creation, while enjoying a perfect balance of physical challenge and restful exploration. As evening falls, experience rich fellowship under star-filled skies in God’s outdoor cathedral.

Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or seeking a shorter canyon experience, this trip offers the perfect blend of challenge and comfort. Watch the sunrise paint the canyon walls, discover evidence of the Biblical flood in ancient rock layers, and experience the refreshment of God’s living waters in a desert oasis.

Join us for this transformative journey where every step reveals new wonders of God’s creation. Perfect for families, individuals, or small groups seeking both adventure and spiritual renewal in the heart of Grand Canyon’s magnificent testimony.

 

Be sure to click the tabs above for additional trip details and information.

 

   Trip Type: Backpacking

   Duration: 3-4 days

    Distance: 15 miles

    Origin: Flagstaff, AZ

  Cost: 2025 – $1,105   |   2026 – $1,205

   Difficulty: Details

   Solitude: Details

 

DATES


 

Questions? Send us an email or give us a call at 928-251-3000.

 

Grand Canyon Bright Angel Trail Header

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  • Departure/Return Location
    Flagstaff, AZ

From our gallery

Grand Canyon Bighorn Sheep on Bright Angel Trail
Grand Canyon Prickly Pear Cactus
Grand Canyon Devil's Corkscrew with Backpacker

Tour Plan

1
DAY 1
  • Shuttle to South Rim: 1.5 hours
  • Hiking distance: 4.5 miles plus a 3-mile day hike to Plateau Point
  • Elevation loss: 3,000’
  • Destination: Havasupai Gardens Campground
Following an ancient Native American path, the Bright Angel Trail twists and turns through a myriad of switchbacks as it descends to Havasupai Gardens.  This lush oasis, created by a perennial spring that once watered the gardens of the Havasupai natives, will be our home for two nights. We will set up camp and take some time to relax in this beautiful setting. By mid-afternoon, we will head out on a 1.5-mile, mostly flat day hike to Plateau Point. This breathtaking spot offers the perfect setting for dinner as we watch the sun go down over the canyon. The day ends with a peaceful stroll back to camp under a star-filled sky.
2
DAY 2
  • Hiking distance: 7 to 11 mile day-hike
  • Elevation loss: 1,500’
Without the burden of heavy packs, today we make our way down two creek beds into the basement of Grand Canyon. Garden Creek cuts a remarkable path through towering sandstone cliffs, and the reliable water source continues to provide a lush riparian environment. We depart the creek to descend a dramatic series of switchbacks known as “Devil’s Corkscrew,” then join up with Pipe Creek for the final descent to the river. If time allows, we may continue as far as the historic Phantom Ranch area on the opposite side of the river, or we may enjoy lunch at Pipe Creek Beach before reversing course back up to camp.
3
DAY 3
  • Hiking distance: 4.5 miles
  • Elevation gain: 3,000’
  • Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5 hours
Our final day brings a challenging but rewarding climb back to the South Rim, where we will celebrate our accomplishment 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
  • Seven 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

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 South 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

At orientation, your guide will inform you of your start time for the next morning.  This may vary depending upon several factors, but we generally will get started on the first day between 5 am and 7 am. End time will also vary based upon hiking speed, weather conditions, and other factors.  We will typically be back to the rim on the final day by mid-afternoon.

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

Temperatures vary greatly at the Grand Canyon, and popular weather apps can often be misleading.  When looking up a weather forecast, be careful to determine whether your source is providing information for the top of the canyon or the bottom; it is not always clear at first glance.  The temperature at the bottom of the canyon is typically 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than at the top. When you register, we will provide a list of recommended clothing, and your guide will address season-specific weather expectations with you ahead of time. For detailed weather information, please visit the park service’s weather page: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/weather-condition.htm

Travel

Flagstaff is the closest large town to the Grand Canyon and offers many hotels if needed, as well as outfitter shops for last-minute gear purchases.  The drive from Flagstaff to the canyon is approximately 1.5 hours.  An airport is available in Flagstaff; however, many guests find it more economical to fly into Phoenix. From the Phoenix airport, you can rent a car and drive approximately 2 hours to Flagstaff.  Alternatively, Groome Transportation offers daily shuttle service from the Phoenix airport to Flagstaff and from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Rim Trail Rainbow  

Canyon Ministries

Havasupai Gardens Backpacking Difficulty

Difficulty Level 3

All ratings are on a 1-5 scale. 1 is least difficult, 5 is most difficult.

The Havasupai Gardens route follows well-developed trails that experience significant travel. Elevation change is significant on the first and last day. On day 2 we hike with only a light day pack, but the distance could be up to 10 miles. Though the trails are well maintained, uneven surfaces and tall steps are common. There will be some shallow stream crossings that can normally be managed without getting feet wet. There are a few areas of height exposure where the trail comes within about six to eight feet of the cliff edge.

Max Daily Hiking Distance 4

Up to 10 miles
Backpack Weight 3

25 to 35 pounds
Terrain 3

Well-developed trail with frequent uneven surfaces and tall steps
Elevation Change 3

3,000 feet daily max
Heights Exposure 3

Some large drops at edge of trail

Learn more about trail ratings.

 

Weather

Grand Canyon temperatures can be a contributing factor to the difficulty level of any trail. Summer highs regularly exceed 105°. Winter brings freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Plan on an additional level of difficulty in these conditions.

Solitude Level 1
1 is least solitude, 5 is most solitude.

The Havasupai Gardens route follows highly trafficked trails. Expect to frequently see other hikers, trail runners, mules, and park employees each day. Campgrounds in the canyon are often crowded, as well as popular destinations such as Phantom Ranch.

Learn more about trail ratings.

Join Availability Notification List Sign up, and we will inform you when this trip has openings for the number of seats you need.