Experience the Best of 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 |
Day 1 - Depart early for spectacular Sedona. Spend the first day of this great trip experiencing the red rock country of Sedona. We start with a 4x4 Jeep Tour - one of the most popular four wheel drive tours in the Southwest. Eyes open wide on this fun-filled adventure over the red rocks. We conclude with a spectacular ascent offering panoramic views of the Sedona red rock area. We follow the jeep tour with backcountry sightseeing. We visit the Red Rock State Park and wrap up with a visit to the Oak Creek Canyon scenic overlook then on to Flagstaff for the night.
Day 2 - We pick you up early at the Hilton Garden Inn in Flagstaff for our trip to Havasu (pronounced "Have-a-Sue") canyon. Havasu Falls is home to the Havasupai tribe. Havasupai means "people of the blue-green waters". This tiny Indian Nation of 600 people lived here before the arrival of the first Europeans. The steady water source here is the result of Havasu Springs, which drains a huge underground aquifer at the rate of 28,000 gallons per minute. The blue-green color of the water is created from suspended solids of calcium carbonate, which eventually forms a limestone layer in the streambed, giving Havasu its distinctive look. You really feel like you are in the "heart of the Grand Canyon" in this deep isolated part of the world.
We embark on scenic drive to the top of Hualapai Canyon, and then begin our trek walking down to the Canyon and then slightly further to our camp. The trail drops deeper and deeper as we watch the rock layers change and become older. Rock formations at the bottom of the Grand Canyon are over two billion years old, half the age of the earth. This trip is a packhorse assisted hiking trip. The packhorses will transport your duffels with your personal belongings and the food and camping gear we provide. You will carry only water and a day pack for camera and personal items.
Eight miles down we enter the Havasupai Tribal village of Supai before heading on to the campgrounds where we will spend the evening under the stars. After unloading the gear and food brought down by the packhorses, we'll begin preparations for a delicious dinner. After a long day of driving followed by the journey down the canyon, a restful evening is well earned by all.
Day 3 - You awaken to the smell of fresh coffee and breakfast being prepared by your guide. Then we are off for a day of exploring the canyon and the incredible waterfalls. We will visit Fifty Foot Falls, Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. Mooney Falls, the largest of the three main falls by our lodge, is over 200 feet high, and what a sight it is! To reach the bottom is a challenging descent down a chain ladder through rock tunnels. Of course, for the faint of heart this is considered an option. The view from the top is just as beautiful.
We have a deli lunch back at the falls and then either an afternoon of exploring another waterfall or just relaxing by the creek side. Maybe this is your time to meditate and just look at the beautiful rock faces above you, take a swim or enjoy a little siesta. Another wonderful dinner is prepared before the shadows deepen. The night skies are a myriad of stars you have maybe never seen before. Arizona skies are renowned for their stargazing and several astronomical observatories are spread throughout the state. Eventually it’s time to burrow away for another evening of deep sleep. You may find your dreams take you to places you would never have imagined. Being here in the "canyon" seems to do that...
Day 4 - Our last day in the canyon and we begin preparations for the return to the top. It seems going back up the canyon that the views are always different than on the way down. There is so much to see and so many memories you will have once you are home again. We reach the trailhead by early afternoon, and arrive back at the Flagstaff Hilton Garden Inn by about 4 pm.
Day 5 - We leave early for our visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The South Rim offers spectacular views of the main corridor of the Grand Canyon, spanning over 20 miles from one side to the other, and along the length of the Colorado River far below. We hike down the South Kaibab trail to Skeleton Ridge where you can see the Colorado River or down Bright Angel trail to Indian Gardens. We return to the top and then travel along the rim trail for more spectacular views of the canyon before returning to Flagstaff.
If you have any questions please call or email us. We look forward to providing you with a great experience.