Backpacking: Grand Canyon Classic
The Grand Canyon Classic loop is a hiker favorite.
A great way to get into the heart of the canyon.
Hike down the spectacular South Kaibab Trail and back up the famous Bright Angel Trail. Relax in a desert oasis at Bright Angel and Indian Garden campgrounds. Enjoy incredible vistas, amazing sunsets, and starlit skies.
This trip is packed full of adventure yet short enough to fit into a long weekend. Opportunities abound for exploring side canyons, creeks, a sandy beach on the Colorado River, archaeological ruins, and even the historic Phantom Ranch.
Perfect for families, individuals, or small groups, this hike serves as a terrific introductory adventure into the Grand Canyon!
Be sure to click the tabs above for additional trip details and information.
Dates
Important Note: Camping below the rim of the Grand Canyon requires a permit from the National Park Service. We will take care of all the details of applying for those permits, but understanding how the process works can be helpful when planning a trip.
Permits are issued 4 months in advance. That means any trip you see on our calendar within the next 4 months has already been issued a permit.
Trips that are 4 months or more in advance have not yet been issued a permit. You will find them listed as starting on the first day of the month, but that date is just a placeholder and will change once we have a confirmed permit. Due to the high demand for this trip, we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your spot. We will let you know the confirmed dates as soon as a permit is issued. If our permit application is denied you will have an opportunity to switch to a different itinerary or receive a full refund of your deposit.
Classic trips are typically scheduled in the spring, fall, and winter months.
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 | Indian Garden |
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Departure/Return Location
Flagstaff, AZ
From our gallery
Itinerary
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
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
Travel
