Grand Canyon Hiking, South Rim Hightlights (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Hiking Grade: 4 (Introductory to moderate)
This adventure touring trip features day hikes on well-defined trails, typically lasting 4-6 hours over rocky, uneven terrain. Days 2 abnd 3 are more demanding with 2,000 ft / 700m descent and ascent. Trekking poles are recommended, particularly for those with back or knee issues. To fully enjoy the experience, we recommend training with regular cardio exercise (walking, swimming or cycling) three times a week for at least three months, along with day hikes in hilly terrain while carrying a day pack. Shorter hiking options may be available on some days if needed.
Description:
The breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest offer an unforgettable experience, featuring some of the most dramatic geological wonders imaginable. Begin your adventure amidst the iconic red rocks of Sedona, then venture to the towering cliffs and rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon. Hike beloved trails like Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and the Trail of Time, each offering its own sublime vantage points. As we explore, our expert guides share the fascinating natural history of one of the seven wonders of the world, deepening our appreciation for its grandeur. In the evenings, retreat to our cozy accommodations, just a short walk away from the canyon’s edge.
Departure Dates:
2026:
12th Feb - 15th Feb
23rd Mar - 26th Mar
6th Apr - 9th Apr
13th Apr - 16th Apr
12th Oct - 15th Oct
9th Nov - 12th Nov
23rd Dec - 26th Dec
30th Dec - 2nd Jan 2027
*Please inquire directly through our site together with your preferred date and number of people and one of our team will respond with your total price and availability.
Rate Type (Per Person, USD): From $2899.00 per person based on 2 people sharing - Inquire for single supplements
Meal Inclusions:
- 3 Dinners
- 4 Lunches
- 3 Breakfasts
Trip Highlights:
- Hike iconic Grand Canyon trails such as Bright Angel and South Kaibab
- Learn about the incredible geology and human history of the Grand Canyon
- Unwind in comfortable accommodations near the South Rim of the canyon
- Gaze at the Milky Way in the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated Dark Sky Park
Day 1: Phoenix Arrival
Your guides welcome you and your fellow travelers at our meeting location in the Phoenix area. After introductions and an outline of the day ahead, we depart the diverse Sonoran Desert on our way to Sedona, where we embark on a hike among the iconic red rocks, followed by lunch in the shade. Along our hike, we experience the striking contrast between lush riparian habitat and otherworldly multi-hued rock formations. We continue on our journey and shuttle to the crown jewel of the National Park system – the Grand Canyon. We stop at the Desert View Watchtower as your guides reveal the marvels that have shaped this surreal landscape over millennia. Once we settle into our accommodations along the rim, we gather for our first delicious dinner together, sharing the experience with new friends.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Maswik Lodge, Grand Canyon or similar
Drive time: 4 Hours
Hiking: Up to 3 mi / 5 km, Elevation difference: +/- 230ft or 70m
Day 2: High Bright Angel Trail
We start our day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel us for the vigorous hike down the Bright Angel Trail. As one of the major geologic fault lines bisecting the Canyon, the Bright Angel Fault has allowed animals and humans access into and out of the Canyon for centuries. Havasupai people, pioneering miners, entrepreneurial businesspeople, the National Park Service, and the Civilian Conservation Corps all played vital roles in the history of this trail. As you hike, you experience the immense scale of the canyon, with towering cliffs and deep ravines stretching out in every direction. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day brings out the ever-changing colors of the canyon walls. After another amazing day, we return to our cozy hotel and savor our time together, gathering for another wonderful dinner. • Due to permit restrictions, if the group size exceeds seven guests, guides will split the group in half between the Day 2 and Day 3 trails to ensure compliance.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Maswik Lodge, Grand Canyon or similar
Hiking: Approx. 6 mi / 9.7 km, Elevation difference: +/- 2,100 ft / 640 m. Permit requirement: If the group exceeds 9 guests, guides will split the group in half and alternate between the day 2 and day 3 trails.
Day 3: South Kaibab Trail
Today’s adventure takes us to the iconic South Kaibab Trail. Following a ridgeline into the canyon, this trail offers unparalleled views of the Inner Gorge, the distant silhouettes of the North Rim topography, and the sprawling plateaus that tease the limits of our vision. As we descend the trail, each layer of rock reveals a chapter of the earth's history. From the ancient Vishnu Basement Rocks, some of the Grand Canyon's oldest exposed rock dating close to 2 billion years old, to the relatively youthful Kaibab Formation, at only 270 million years old. The Colorado River has sculpted the landscape, carving an unmistakable image of itself through the heart of the canyon. We reach our turnaround point and can glimpse the Colorado River far below before returning the way we came. We enjoy dinner tonight, celebrating our time together. • Due to permit restrictions, if the group size exceeds seven guests, guides will split the group in half between the Day 2 and Day 3 trails to ensure compliance.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Maswik Lodge, Grand Canyon or similar
Drive time: 1 Hour
Hiking: Approx. 6 mi / 9.7 km, Elevation difference: +/- 2,070 ft / 630 m. Permit requirement: If the group exceeds 9 guests, guides will split the group in half and alternate between the day 2 and day 3 trails.
Day 4: Farewell to the Grand Canyon
This morning, we head to the quiet western reaches of the South Rim. A scenic shuttle ride takes us to Hermit’s Rest, a National Historic Landmark situated at the end of the Canyon Rim Trail, commissioned by the Fred Harvey Company in 1914. From sweeping vistas to hidden geological wonders, this trail is a visual journey through time, made all the richer by our guides, who share captivating stories that bring the Grand Canyon’s layered past to life at every stop. Frequent shuttle stops along the route give us the freedom to explore at our leisure, hopping on or off whenever we choose. This afternoon marks the end of our unforgettable journey through the Grand Canyon. As we travel south, the landscape shifts from pine forests to saguaro-studded desert, arriving in Phoenix by evening with vivid memories in tow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive time: 4 Hours
Hiking: Approx. 6 mi / 9.7 km, Elevation difference: +/- 830 ft / 253 m.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive time: 4 Hours
Hiking: Approx. 3–5 mi / 4.8–8 km, Elevation difference: +/- 1,750 ft / 533 m.
Inclusions:
- 3 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 3 dinners
- 3 nights accommodation
- Private transport
- Guide services
- National park entry fees & sightseeing as specified
- Traction devices for your shoes on the winter departures
Exclusions:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Flights, airport taxes, and airport transfers
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Visas
- Medical treatment
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions
- Tour leader tip (10 - 15% of tour price)
About Your Leader
All of our tour leaders are certified in First Aid and CPR and registered as official guides with the national parks. Most are bilingual and many of our departures are conducted in English as well as one other language (typically German or Spanish). Your tour leader is from the USA and may have grown up here or may have moved here from another country - As many Americans do!