BACKPACKING: HAVASUPAI GARDENS
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
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DATES
Questions? Send us an email or give us a call at 928-251-3000.
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Departure/Return Location
Flagstaff, AZ
From our gallery
Tour Plan
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
DAY 2
- Hiking distance: 7 to 11 mile day-hike
- Elevation loss: 1,500’
DAY 3
- Hiking distance: 4.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 3,000’
- Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5 hours
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
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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