Guided Grand Canyon backpacking trip
South Rim to South Rim
- Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona
- Duration: 4 days · 3 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Season: Available year-round
- Price: $1,800 per person
- Dates: July 7, 2026, July 8, 2026, July 9, 2026, July 10, 2026, July 11, 2026, July 12, 2026, July 13, 2026, July 14, 2026, July 15, 2026, July 16, 2026, July 17, 2026, July 24, 2026, July 25, 2026, July 26, 2026, July 27, 2026, July 28, 2026, August 2, 2026, August 3, 2026, August 4, 2026, August 5, 2026, August 6, 2026, August 7, 2026, August 8, 2026, August 9, 2026
A 4-day South Rim to South Rim Grand Canyon backpacking loop: descend the South Kaibab Trail at dawn, camp two nights along Bright Angel Creek with a day hike to Ribbon Falls, then climb to Havasupai Garden for a Plateau Point sunset before hiking out.
Only a small fraction of Grand Canyon visitors ever drop below the rim, and fewer still spend three nights in the inner canyon. This South Rim to South Rim loop gives you time to actually live down there: cooling off in Bright Angel Creek, walking to a hidden waterfall, and watching the light change over the Colorado from one of the canyon's best viewpoints.
The trip is intentionally small and unhurried. After an early descent on the South Kaibab Trail, you'll have two relaxed nights at Bright Angel Campground, a day hike to Ribbon Falls, and an evening at Plateau Point before the final climb out. Your guide handles permits, route, meals, and group logistics so you can focus on the canyon.
Summer in the inner canyon is hot. We start early, rest through the heat of the day, and hike out before sunrise on the final morning. Strong fitness and comfort in the heat are required, but the reward is a side of the Grand Canyon most people never see.
Trip highlights
- Sunrise descent of the South Kaibab Trail into the canyon
- Two nights at Bright Angel Campground beside Bright Angel Creek
- Day hike to Ribbon Falls, one of the Grand Canyon's most beautiful waterfalls
- Sunset from Plateau Point, high above the Colorado River
- Small group: max 8 hikers with a 4:1 guide-to-hiker ratio
- All permits, group gear, and trail meals handled for you
Itinerary
- Descend the South Kaibab Trail Start down the South Kaibab Trail at 5:00 a.m. to catch sunrise over the canyon. Arrive at Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground by early afternoon, giving you the rest of the day to relax along Bright Angel Creek, cool off in the water, or visit the Colorado River.
- Bright Angel Creek and Ribbon Falls Enjoy a more relaxed day in the canyon. Stay close to the creek and hike to Ribbon Falls, one of the Grand Canyon's most beautiful waterfalls, before returning to Bright Angel Campground for a second night.
- Climb to Havasupai Garden and Plateau Point Get an early start and make the climb to Havasupai Garden Campground. Along the way, take advantage of opportunities to cool off in Bright Angel Creek before leaving the river corridor behind. After settling into camp, hike out to Plateau Point for spectacular sunset views over the Colorado River, then turn in early to prepare for the final climb out.
- Climb out to the South Rim Begin before sunrise and complete the hike out of the canyon while temperatures are still cool.
Included
- Wilderness First Responder-certified guide with deep canyon experience
- All National Park backcountry permits and campsite fees
- All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on the trail (dietary needs accommodated where possible)
- Group cooking, camping, and first-aid equipment
- Water filtration and resupply
- Human-waste bags where required
Not included
- Travel to the South Rim / meeting point
- Personal gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (pack list provided)
- Personal snacks and trail extras
- Lodging before or after the trip
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Guide gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Grand Canyon South Rim (South Kaibab trailhead). Most guests fly into Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), or Flagstaff (FLG) and drive to the South Rim.
Things to know
- How fit do I need to be?
- Good fitness is required. You should be comfortable hiking 6–10 miles per day with a 30–40 lb pack and several thousand feet of elevation change, in summer heat. Previous backpacking experience helps but isn't required if you've trained.
- How hot does it get?
- Very hot. Inner-canyon temperatures in July and August regularly exceed 100°F. We hike early, rest through midday near the creek, and climb out before sunrise on the final day. Comfort in the heat and good hydration habits are essential.
- What is the group like?
- Up to 8 hikers plus 1–2 guides. Most hikers travel solo or with one friend; the team comes together over the first day on the trail.
- When are permits confirmed?
- Grand Canyon backcountry permits are released a few months before departure and your guide handles the application. If the requested itinerary can't be secured, we'll work with you on an alternate route or refund any fees already paid.
- Can I do this as a private trip?
- Yes. Reach out and we'll plan a private departure for your group on dates that work.
- What's the cancellation policy?
- Full details are shared at booking. In general, deposits are refundable within 48 hours and trips are partially refundable up to 90 days before departure.