Hiking the Grand Canyon
Overview
Highlights
- Hike into the Grand Canyon’s spectacular chasm on the less traveled trails of the North Rim.
- Explore Havasu Canyon and its spectacular red-rock formations while camping for three nights beside a tranquil creek.
- Swim in turquoise pools at the foot of gushing waterfalls, surrounded by sandstone cliffs.
- Hike into a slot canyon with a Navajo guide, and meet members of the Havasupai tribe.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Pre-departure information
- Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
- Ground transportation during the expedition
- Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
- Services of an adventure consultant, guides and any other staff, and on designated “Photography” departures, a National Geographic Photographer
- Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
- For itineraries that include camping, camp and cook staffs, tents, kitchen and dining tents and necessary Trip equipment (e.g., sea kayaks, rafts, personal floatation devices, etc.) are provided.
- Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in the itinerary
Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Las Vegas
Arrive in Las Vegas and transfer to our hotel. Gather for a trip orientation and welcome dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
Cross the desert and canyons of the Arizona Strip en route to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim’s higher altitude supports dense forests of pine, fir, and aspen, a...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
After breakfast, descend below the canyon rim on the North Kaibab Trail. Pass through several geological layers and ecological zones, and hike beneath a dramatic Redwall Limeston...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Thunderbird Lodge
Drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, stopping at several scenic points along the way. At the Vermillion Cliffs, look for reintroduced California condors among the sandstone waves. At Antelop...
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Thunderbird Lodge
We have two hiking options today. Descend the steep switchbacks of the South Kaibab Trail, passing ancient strata layers and panoramic viewpoints on our way to Cedar Ridge. Or hike the West Rim Trail ...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning drive brings us to Hualapai Hilltop (4,849′) where we embark on a 10-mile hike into Havasu Canyon. Red-rock walls rise overhead as we descend through a series of switchbacks. Near the canyon floor, the rocky terrain ope...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awaken to the sun rising over the canyon. Embark on a hike to the spectacular Mooney Falls, which drop about 200 feet into travertine-lined pools. This area is home to desert bighorn sheep, Gila monsters, and rare bird species including peregrine falcons. Relax on the shore or, if you wish, continue hiking to Beaver Falls. (3-9 miles hiking, 2-5 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set out on a morning hike through Carbonate Canyon, looking for fossils among its narrow slots. The afternoon is free to relax at our camp or hike to two newer falls formed by a flood in 2008. At the base of the falls, swim in bl...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, begin our ascent back to the canyon rim, passing whimsical rock formations and sculpted red cliffs. An optional helicopter or horseback ride can also be arranged for those who would rather not make the steep climb. Return to Las Vegas this afternoon and depart on your flight home. (10 miles hiking, 4-5 hours)
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.
An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration
National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.
Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.
As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.
National Geographic Adventures
National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.
National Geographic Student Expeditions
National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.
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Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.
The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.
Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- The “Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner” notations apply to the period during the expedition only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the Trip.
- International airfare
- Optional gratuities
- Personal items
Accommodation
8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 7 Dinners
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