4-Day Rim to Rim Trek4-Day Rim to Rim Trek across the Grand 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 |
This is the trip you have always imagined doing at the Grand Canyon; to journey from one rim to another and in the process cross the mighty Colorado River! Your adventure begins with a 5:30 am pick up at the Hilton Garden Inn in Flagstaff, Arizona. We transport you around to the north rim on the five hour drive to the North Kaibab trailhead, passing over the Marble Canyon Gorge and through the Arizona Strip below the Vermilion Cliffs and up through the Kaibab National Forest. We begin our descent about 10:00 am starting at about 8000 feet elevation. The Phantom Ranch at the Colorado River is over a mile down in elevation and fourteen miles in distance. 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.
This is the only trail on the north rim that has packhorses and mules allowed on it and it is considered the main route to the river below. We hike down seven miles to our first campsite at Cottonwood Camp. Already at this point we have left the dense forest of the north rim far behind and descended into the semi-arid desert of the lower canyon environment.
On the second day we leave after an early breakfast and hike another seven miles down to the Bright Angel Campground adjacent to Phantom Ranch. There is so much to see here. The historic Phantom Ranch was built by the well-known architect Mary Colter back in the 1930s and is nestled into a canyon facing the river. Side canyons beg to be explored if you have the energy after a day of hiking, or you can sit by the river waiting for a raft to go by. This is a popular, well-traveled trail, so you will see many visitors from all around the world during our time here.
On the third day of our adventure, we cross the Colorado River on an extension bridge and hike four miles up the Bright Angel trail to our next camp at Indian Gardens. A large artesian spring gushes from a cliff at this verdant campsite. In the afternoon, we offer the option to hike out to a viewpoint above the Colorado River.
On our fourth day we finish up our trip with a four and a half mile hike up the trail to the south rim. By midday we arrive at the south rim at an elevation of 7000 feet. You will be transported from there to the Hilton Garden Inn in Flagstaff to arrive at approximately 4 pm.
We have a special rate of $89.00/night single or double at the Hilton Garden Inn in Flagstaff which we can book for you. Shuttle service from Phoenix to Flagstaff can be found at www.openroadtours.com or by calling 1-800-766-7117. Air shuttle is also available from America West Airlines to Flagstaff and the Hilton will pick up at the airport (only 4 miles away) or you can take a taxi. We can also rent a car for you if you like.
This trip is limited to five participants and one guide, so it is important to reserve well in advance. A deposit of $350.00 will hold your space. The balance is due 60 days before departure. Your trip is non refundable, however we offer trip insurance which would cover you if you had to cancel due to illness or injury to you or any immediate family members. The estimated cost for insurance is $76.00 per person. We will also allow you to reschedule to another departure with advance notice.
For this trip we include transportation from Flagstaff to the trailhead and back, a professional backcountry guide, gourmet nutritious meals prepared by our guides, all permits and fees, and all necessary gear including state-of-the-art tents, sleeping bag systems, camp chairs, Thermarest camp mattresses, trekking poles, and backpacks. Please read the "What to Bring" list after the description of your tour on the website so you will have all you need with you.
If you have any questions please call or email us. We look forward to providing you with a great experience "below the rim"!