Wonders of the Grand Canyon
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Overview
Highlights
- Camp on a spectacular sandstone terrace called The Esplanade
- Hike to the base of Thunder River - a dramatic river/waterfall
- Hike the amazing, water-sculpted Tapeats Canyon
- Traverse an amazing portion the Colorado River
- See Deer Creek Spring and Deer Creek Falls - 2 spectacular waterfalls!
- Return to the Esplanade for one more reflective night before hiking out
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Trip includes
- Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and technical backpack
- Use of trekking poles and Microspike Crampons if necessary
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- A professional, knowledgeable, certified Grand Canyon hiking guide
- Roundtrip transportation from origin to the Grand Canyon and back
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
- You will receive a Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and kids to a lifetime discount of 10% off any Wildland Trekking hiking trip after your first one!
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Itinerary
Shuttle to the North Rim: 3.5-4.5 hour drive
Hiking Mileage: 4.0 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,200 feet
We begin this classic Grand Canyon backpacking tour off the North Rim and hike downhill to a broad slickrock terrace known as the Esplanade. We spend our first night at the edge of the Esplanade where we have expansive views into the inner Grand Canyon.
Hiking Mileage: 6.0 miles
Elevation Loss: 3,200 feet
This day begins with a descent to Surprise Valley. Here we turn west and begin a steep, steady descent across debris from an enormous landslide that changed the course of the Colorado River. We’ll pass...
Hiking Mileage: 5.2 miles
Elevation Loss: 450 feet
We’ll get up and start working our way upstream along the Colorado River to the dramatic Tapeats Rapid. From here we’ll follow Tapeats Creek upstream where potential stream crossings and some exposure ma...
This is a layover day (if a 6-day trip) to absorb the tremendous scale of this area. Willing members of the group will join the guide on a spectacular day hike upstream and off trail along Tapeats Creek. It is a remote and beautiful canyon that will be the highlight of the trip for many. Once back in camp we can swim, read, explore, or do nothing at all!
Hiking Mileage: 6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Today’s hike takes us past Thunder Spring again and back to Surprise Valley. From here we’ll head up through the Redwall to our Esplanade camp from the first night.
Hiking Mileage: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Shuttle: 3.5-4.5-hour drive
On our final day we’ll retrace our route from day one, which means crossing the Esplanade and climbing through the Canyon’s uppermost rock formations to gain the trailhead and civilization once again...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Wildland Trekking.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Unforgettable Hiking Vacations
What we offer is specific - unforgettable hiking vacations - but our focus is broad in terms of destinations and trip styles. We have a tour that fits nearly anyone who loves to hike in world-renowned, breathtaking landscapes. For people seeking solitude, wildness and adventure, a backpacking trip is a sure choice. Folks interested in a backcountry experience but without the heavier packs should consider one of our stock/porter supported trips. For people seeking an outdoor experience but with showers and comfortable amenities, a basecamp trip is an excellent choice. And for guests interested in really living it up while getting great hikes in, our inn-based trips are wonderful options. Regardless of what you're looking for, it's very likely we have a trip for you!
Exceptional Guest Reviews:
With more than 7,000 people joining our tours annually, we have a proven track record of providing quality trips that exceed our guests' expectations. You can read reviews on Trip Advisor, Facebook, and on our website.
Highly Acclaimed Guides:
Our absolute commitment is to hire and train the best guides in the industry. Our philosophy is that our guides, gear, food and logistics comprise our product, and the guides are the most important ingredient!
Top-Notch Meals And Gear
Concerning gear: every guest travels with as much as $1,000 retail value of top-of-the-line gear we provide. As for meals: we carry real ingredients and the guides create the menus specifically for each group!
Wild land Trekking Today
Today we accommodate more than 8,000 guests annually. We operate hiking and backpacking tours in over 20 parks and wilderness areas in 9 different U.S. states, and in 9 countries. We run a variety of "trip styles" including hiking tours, backpacking trips, llama-supported treks, and ski and snowshoe tours. We employ more than 120 staff and have 5 offices in Arizona, Utah, Montana, California and North Carolina. And we donate more than tens of thousands of dollars annually to conservation and non-profit efforts worldwide.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups) 10 and older to join private tours, with final approval on a case by case basis
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware sleeping bags
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki or Black Diamond trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Satellite phone
What Gear To Bring
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are three 1-liter water bottles per person and either a headlamp or flashlight per person. Basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important. All of these items are available online at Wildland Trekking Outfitters.
What Clothes To Bring
Please refer to the trip packet for a recommended clothing list (we email you a detailed trip packet when you inquire and when you register). All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots (reliable brands include Montrail, Lowa, Merrell, Vasque, and Salomon), rain gear, and non-cotton and cotton clothing layers. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required. All of these items are available online at Wildland Trekking Outfitters.
Meals: What To Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
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