Hiking the Grand Canyon

9 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Set out on foot to discover the extraordinary beauty of Grand Canyon National Park. From the lush forests of the North Rim, hike along sinuous sandstone ribbons sculpted over millions of years. Explore the more arid terrain of the South Rim and witness the canyon’s shifting palette of red, orange, and gold. Then head to Havasu Canyon, a stunning oasis located...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

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?

    Set out on foot to discover the extraordinary beauty of Grand Canyon National Park. From the lush forests of the North Rim, hike along sinuous sandstone ribbons sculpted over millions of years. Explore the more arid terrain of the South Rim and witness the canyon’s shifting palette of red, orange, and gold. Then head to Havasu Canyon, a stunning oasis located just outside a remote section of the park, for a camping expedition. Hike through a red-rock labyrinth and feel the cool spray of waterfalls as they gush over travertine terraces. Swim in turquoise pools, delve into slot canyons, and sleep in tents beside a shaded creek. Explore the geological formations that make the Grand Canyon one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLas Vegas
End CityLas Vegas

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States

Attractions

  • Grand Canyon

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding & Equestrian
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

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

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Las Vegas, Nevada

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.

Day 2: Grand Canyon/North Rim

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...

Day 3: North Kaibab Trail

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...

Day 4: Vermillion Cliffs/Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend

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...

Day 5: South Kaibab Trail

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 ...

Day 6: Havasu Canyon/Havasu Falls

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...

Day 7: Mooney Falls/Beaver Falls

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)

Day 8: Carbonate Canyon

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...

Day 9: Havasu Canyon/Las Vegas

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

Price From $4,595
Price per day$511
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

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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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
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Meals Included

8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-hikthenat

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