Compare Rim to Rim by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
Rim to Rim
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0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 4 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,310 | $ 1,926 |
| Price Per Day | $ 328 | $ 385 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Our Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Tour is a Grand Canyon legend and deservedly so! 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. (Because Rim to Rim permits are quite competitive we recommend checking out the Hermit Loop and Grand Canyon Classic as backup options, or the Winter Rim to Rim from November 15 to February 28.) |
Deserts, canyons, lakes and valleys await on a five-day adventure through western USA’s most spectacular national parks. Hike through the diverse scenery of Zion National Park, marvel at sandstone spires in Bryce Canyon National Park, join a Navajo guide to learn about the history of Monument Valley and take in one of the natural wonders of the world at Grand Canyon National Park. Let an expert local guide share stories of the landscape and discover there’s more to each destination than what meets the eye. |
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’ll do a side hike to a fantastic waterfall - Ribbon Falls). 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 Indian 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 - Indian Garden Campground, another enchanting camp with shade and water. On this last evening in the Grand Canyon we'll cap off the trip with a hike out to Plateau Point to enjoy a sunset at one of the most breathtaking viewpoints you'll ever experience.
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!
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.
Day 1 Las Vegas / Zion National Park
Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.
Day 2 Bryce Canyon National Park / Page
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3 Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend
Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.
Day 4 Monument Valley / Grand Canyon
Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.
Day 5 Route 66 / Las Vegas
This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66. You’ll arrive back in Las Vegas at approximately 4 pm where your adventure will come to an end.
