Compare Grand Canyon Backpacking – North Rim by REI Adventures vs Enchanting Canyonlands - Classic Group, 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Route Variation: This itinerary is subject to change based on permit availability. We may reverse days, use different trails, and/or change campsites. Final trip materials will indicate our determined route.

Day 1: Hike down "50 Switchbacks" and over the Esplanade to our inner canyon camp.

Meals: Dinner

Backpacking: 6-11 miles; Elevation loss: 2,000-5,000'

Rise early and be sure to eat a hearty breakfast before meeting with your group at Honey's Marketplace in Kanab, Utah, at either 7AM or 8AM (depending on route). There will be an orientation and backpack check before we caravan in our personal vehicles to the trailhead. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours along paved and gravel roads that pass through beautiful forests. With a few final adjustments, we leave the trailhead to begin our descent into the canyon. Marine fossils can be found in the Kaibab and Toroweap Limestones as the trail drops through the Coconino layer. The notorious "50 Switchbacks" deposits us onto the Esplanade, where a long flat traverse takes us to our amazing campsite overlooking the inner canyon.

Day 2: Hike along the Thunder and Colorado Rivers to our camp.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

We will continue our journey today by following a break in the Redwall and making a steep descent further into the canyon. The stunning Tapeats Amphitheater comes into view to the east, and we quickly find one of the most amazing sights in the canyon: Thunder River, one of the steepest and shortest rivers in the world. The trail continues to follow the river to its confluence with Tapeats Creek and we soon have the opportunity to study the rare Grand Canyon Super Group layers as we hike to the Colorado River and our campsite for the night. We'll take many opportunities to cool off in the falls and creeks along the way with a final great plunge in the Colorado at the day's end.

Backpacking: 7 miles; Elevation loss: 3,200'

Day 3: Hike to Deer Creek past rock formations and traces of past civilizations.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Backpacking: 8 miles; Elevation gain: 1,800'

An early rise sets us on the trail for the hike to Deer Creek, considered by many to be the most beautiful spot in the canyon. The trail travels above the ancient basement schist and granite of the inner canyon with expansive views of the river and soaring rock formations. See remnants of the canyon's previous inhabitants, ancient Cambrian fossils, and lush springs and waterfalls.

Day 4: Make the challenging climb out for a last, scenic view from the rim.

Meals: Breakfast

Backpacking: 9 miles; Elevation gain: 3,200'

We rise early and are rewarded with a beautiful, early morning hike in the coolest part of the day as we tackle the day's first difficult uphill climb. We retrace our steps across the Esplanade, back up the Switchbacks, with a final push through the Kaibab to the rim. Our finishing time varies due to many factors, so we recommend making return travel plans for the following day.

Note: Trip members will need to bring a variety of quick foods for snacks and lunch each day. Granola bars, drink mixes, trail mix, bagels, hard cheeses, salami, jerky, tuna packets (not cans), crackers, packets of nut butter (not jars), apples, etc. are all good choices.

Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix and Travel to Scottsdale

Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel in Scottsdale where you can enjoy the facilities and grounds of this striking desert oasis. Why not head out and explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state? Here, you’ll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at Zuzu, where you will have the opportunity to mingle and get to know one another.

Day 2: Sedona and the Wonders of the Mighty Grand Canyon

Travel through world-renowned Red Country along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of only 20 designated All-American Roads nationwide. Explore bohemian Sedona with its shops and galleries, or simply take in the exceptional beauty of Red Rock Country before you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America. On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert Canyon Tim at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll discover the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the bountiful flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them.

Day 3: Monument Valley and Lake Powell

Early risers will take advantage of the lodge location to witness one of Mother Nature's grandest shows on earth: a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Travel along the South Rim Desert View Drive, skirting the southern rim of the canyon until you exit the park.  Head to the Cameron Trading Post, one of the oldest and most historic general stores in Arizona. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Monument Valley Tribal Park, where Navajo Local Experts guide you through the history, culture and heritage of the tribes. This carefully prepared tour keenly exemplifies the relationship of respect with the land in the valley and the importance placed on preserving the natural treasures found here.  Enjoy a Navajo cookout amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lakefront resort where you will enjoy dinner.

Day 4: Leisurely Lake Powell Relaxed Start

Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Partake in one of our popular optional experiences, explore on your own, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool with views of Lake Powell. As an optional activity this morning, let yourself be tempted by a gentle float trip down the Colorado River. Calmly float down the Colorado, past some of the most awe-inspiring sites, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Petroglyph Beach. In the evening, enjoy dinner with wine at the Red Heritage.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas.

Day 6: Zion National Park Relaxed Start

Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning, as you have a full day to explore the park. After a leisurely breakfast, you will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon. Explore Zion National Park with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Travel Director for a guided hike to the Emerald Pools. Alternatively, visit the Zion Human History Museum.

Day 7: Depart Salt Lake City

This morning you’ll bid farewell to the beautiful national parks and your fellow travellers.  You will be taken to Salt Lake City International Airport, where you will arrive at approximately 15:00. Please be aware when arranging your flights. Alternatively,  a transfer to the Hilton Salt Lake City Center hotel is also provided should you wish to extend your stay.