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Classic Hike to the River

This is our most popular hiking trip that visits the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon

Discovery Treks, LLC
28248 N. Tatum Blvd.
Suite B1-#414
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 USA
Toll Free: 1-888-256-8731

www.discoverytreks.com

The first day of this adventure begins at the Bright Angel Trailhead for the 9.5 mile hike or the South Kaibab Trailhead for the 7.5 mile hike. The trail descends over 4800 down to the canyon floor of this spectacular gorge. Both trails have incredible view across the main corridor which is nearly 18 miles across. You will be carrying a backpack weighing 35 to 40 pounds. It will contain your personal belongings and the food and camping gear we provide.

Our expert guide will interpret the various rock layers for you during the descent in which the age of the earth is clearly outlined. The Grand Canyon is one of the very few places in the world where you can see rock layers that age back to over two billion years old, half the age of the earth!

Once we arrive at Indian Gardens, which is 3,000 feet down, it's time for a nice rest break under the shady cottonwood trees. A large spring gushes from a cliff face in this verdant oasis. After our rest, we continue down further, now joined by the stream formed by the spring. We wind down the Devil's Corkscrew, a series of exhilarating switchbacks and then on to the Colorado River. We cross the extension bridge to the north side and arrive at the Bright Angel Campground.

The next day we are up early and heading back to Indian Gardens to spend the evening at the campground there. We generally do a wonderful afternoon hike out to an overlook above the river after lunch. This day we cover three to six miles of ground. On the third day it's up early and headed to the rim and the Grand Canyon Village.

For this trip we include ground transportation round trip from Flagstaff, professional backcountry guides, all necessary gear including state of the art tents, sleeping bag systems, Thermarest camp mattresses, camp meals prepared by our guides, park entrance fees, camping fees, and tribal fees. Please read the What to Bring Checklist so you will have what you need with you.

Space on this trip is limited, so it is important to reserve well in advance. A deposit of $350.00 will hold your space, and final payment is due 60 days before travel. Your trip is non refundable, however we offer trip insurance which would over you if you had to cancel due to illness or injury to you or any immediate family members. The estimated cost for insurance is $50.00. We will also allow you to reschedule to another departure with advance notice. We offer a special rate at the Hilton Garden Inn in Flagstaff of $89.00 per night, double or single, including breakfast.

If you have any questions please call or email us. We look forward to providing you with a great experience "below the rim"!

© 2006-2009 Discovery Treks, LLC  |  28248 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite B1-#414, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 USA
Call Us 1-888-256-8731  |