Desert Southwest

Highlights include:

• Grand Canyon - sunrise on the South Kaibab Trail 

• Zion National Park - Hike the Narrows and Angel's Landing

• Kayaking and hiking in Antelope Canyon

• Horseshoe Bend

"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."

Summary

There’s no better place than the Grand Canyon to make one feel like a speck of dust in the continuum of the universe.  To hike into the canyon or watch a magnificent sunrise or sunset is to experience a sacred connection to a sacred place.

Intro

Strike out on an unforgettable rim-to-rim hike through the Grand Canyon, descending serpentine trails to the Colorado River before rising through the canyon’s spectacular geological layers to trail’s end.

What makes it great

A rim-to-rim hike in Grand Canyon National Park is an adventure of a lifetime, providing an intimate and unparalleled opportunity to explore this magnificent natural wonder in a way few visitors ever experience. Beginning on the North Rim, we hike down the 14-mile-long North Kaibab Trail to the canyon’s inner sanctum, enjoying awe-inspiring views the entire way with a mid-morning stop at the delightful and refreshing Ribbon Falls. At canyon bottom, the Colorado River and our campsite awaits.  We’ll sleep well before our early morning 4,300-foot climb up Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim. Upon reaching the rim, we’ll relish the feeling of accomplishment gained from having crossed the Grand Canyon on foot with our hiking companions and newfound friends.

Our rim-to-rim hike along this classic route is 24 miles of trail magic and breathtaking scenery. This is a fantastic and memorable desert escape suitable for very fit, very active hikers looking for an exceptionally rewarding challenge!

Who's going to love it?

The desert Southwest is perfect if you love stunning landscapes, warm temperatures, and clear night skies.  Physically fit hikers with a sense of adventure will love this trip and talk about it for the rest of their lives!

What's Included?

One night camping near Grand Canyon North Rim, one night in Bright Angel Campground at bottom of Grand Canyon, guide leadership; van transportation from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and return; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; park fees, camping fees and local taxes.

Itinerary

Full but not frantic. Active but not rushed. 

Day 1 - Early flight to Las Vegas then drive two hours to Zion National Park.   Hike the world-famous Narrows then camp at the Watchman campground.  Explore the town of Springdale.  (Dinner on your own).

Day 2 - Get on the first shuttle into the canyon and hike up Walter’s Wiggles to the dangerous and famous Angel’s Landing!  Drive two hours from Springdale to the Wire Pass trailhead. Hike into Buckskin Gulch (the longest slot canyon in the world) in the evening then sleep under the stars at the trailhead.

Day 3 - Early morning hike 3 miles to The Wave and back.  Drive one hour to world-famous Antelope Canyon.  Lunch in Page, AZ then visit Horseshoe Bend.  Drive 2+ hours to the Grand Canyon North Rim. Pick up Backcountry permits the camp near rim of canyon.  Enjoy a breath-taking sunset from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. (Dinner on your own)

Day 4 - Early morning (4am!) hike down into the Canyon on the iconic North Kaibab trail!  Mid-morning cool off at Ribbon Falls.  Evening arrive at the bottom, cool off in the creek and dip your toes in the Colorado River.  Camp at Bright Angel Campground under the stars.

Day 5 - Moonlit, pre-dawn departure.  Hike up the iconic Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim.  Nap during the shuttle van ride back to the North Rim, arriving 6pm.  Drive to Cape Royal for Sunset.

Day 6 -   Enjoy a magnificent sunrise at Cape Royal. Drive 5 Hours to Las Vegas, possibly stopping at Valley of Fire State Park on the way.  Stay one night in a nice hotel to remind yourself of the luxury you've lived without for a week!

Day 7 - Fly home after a leisurely morning

Group size: 5-10 guests plus your guide, Sam.  :-)

Activity Level:  5 - Strenuous (Rating System)

This trip is rated Strenuous. Participants will carry daypacks weighing 15–25 pounds for 14 miles (6,000' elevation loss) from the North Rim down to Phantom Ranch and 10 miles (4,300' elevation gain) back up to the South Rim of the canyon the very next day. There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike.

Both the descent and ascent to/from Phantom Ranch are challenging for even very fit hikers. I recommend a conditioning regimen beginning at least 3–6 months prior to departure which includes hiking with as much elevation gain and loss as possible with a weighted daypack, layering in as much additional cardiovascular exercise as manageable.  Review your personal health and preparation plan with your physician prior to traveling.

Cost: TBD

Dates TBD. Email sam@605adventure.com to be notified when dates are announced.