tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basix

Walking & Trekking

Winter Active

Winter Hiking and Backpacking in Grand Canyon: Rim to Rim

6 Days | Hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim in winter and sleep under the stars

6 days

Start

Flagstaff, United States

Finish

Flagstaff, United States

Trip Code

SKXWG

Min Age

Trip Size

2 - 9

Physical Rating

Meals

5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (5 nights)

From £1,825(6 days)

Trip Informations

Hike the Grand Canyon’s most famous trails, see both rims in winter and experience diverse micro-climates on an epic six-day hiking adventure. This trip takes you down the South Kaibab Trail, which has arguably the best views in the Grand Canyon, up the North Kaibab Trail to the North Rim and back to the South Rim via the spectacular Bright Angel Trail. Starting and finishing on the South Rim, you’ll see waterfalls, Native American ruins, box canyons and more – it’s an incredible adventure. Sleep under the stars, see all the best sights and take in spectacular Grand Canyon views without the crowds on this very special small group hiking trip.

Why you’ll love this trip

During winter at the Grand Canyon, there are less tourists and snow regularly dusts the ground and the dramatic canyon valleys and peaks, creating a spectacular sight.

See both the South Rim and the less-visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon and cross the Colorado River near Phantom Ranch.

Soak up the pristine natural surroundings in camping spots that put you right in the heart of stunning wilderness areas with top-of-the-line tents and all your camping gear provided.

Enjoy freshly prepared, delicious backcountry dinners prepared by your leader and admire sparkling stars overhead if the weather is clear.

Is this trip right for you?

This is a hiking and backpacking trip so a good fitness level is essential to participate in all the included hikes and activities. 

This trip involves hiking from 4.8 to 13.6 miles (8 to 22 km) per day with a total trip distance of 44 miles (71 km). The maximum daily elevation gain/loss is 4800 feet (1463 m). Please check the trip itinerary for more details.

On this trip, you’ll be required to carry a backpack weighing approximately 35-45 lb (16- 20 kg).

The Grand Canyon is prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. On winter trips, there can be snow and the temperature often drops to minus 7 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) in the evening. It is important to be fully prepared and follow the recommended clothing list closely.

Winter weather can be unpredictable in the Grand Canyon so we may need to make itinerary changes to keep the group safe and well at all times. If this occurs, we will do our best to find comparable activities and experiences.

Please Note: Due to a temporary trail closure of the Bright Angel Trail, this trip will be modified between December 1, 2023 and February 28, 2024. We will spend a layover day at Bright Angel Campground on Day 5, and then hike out the South Kaibab Trail on Day 6. You can still expect the same breathtaking views, time at the Colorado River, fascinating geology and amazing camping!

Itinerary

DAY 1
Flagstaff/Grand Canyon National Park - South Kaibab Trail Hike
Meet your guide between 4am and 7am at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff and begin your Grand Canyon adventure on the South Kaibab Trail, a popular hiking route that offers spectacular views both up and down the Grand Canyon. You’ll hike along a well-maintained trail to the Bright Angel Campground, your camping spot for the first night of the trip. This camp is one of the most charming in Grand Canyon National Park as it’s situated at the bottom of the Grand Canyon near the Colorado River and adjacent to Bright Angel Creek. Campsites are shaded by tall, spreading cottonwoods, piped drinking water is available, and nearby Phantom Ranch offers a snack bar if you feel like a treat. After you’ve settled into your tent, join your group for a hearty dinner.
Accommodation
Camping (1 night)
Meals
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
South Rim - South Kaibab Trail Hike
Special information
A pre-trip orientation meeting will take place at 5:00 PM on the day before trip starts at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. Early on the morning of day 1, between 4am and 7am, you will be picked up from that hotel and we also recommend you book a pre tour night there. This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.
Today’s driving time is approximately 1.5 hours and today’s hiking distance is approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) with an elevation loss of 1465 metres (4800 feet).
DAY 2
Grand Canyon National Park - South Kaibab Trail
After breakfast, break camp and join your leader and group for the hike via Angel Box Canyon to Cottonwood Campground. The box canyon's sheer granite walls rise hundreds of feet above us as we hike along the crystal clear Bright Angel Creek to reach our campground. After a delicious camp dinner you might want to turn in early to rest up for tomorrow's hike to the North Rim.
Accommodation
Camping (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Grand Canyon - South Kaibab Trail via Angel Box Canyon to Cottonwood Campground Hike
Special information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 11 kilometres (7.2 miles) with an elevation gain of 488 metres (1600 feet).
DAY 3
Grand Canyon National Park - North Rim Hike (ascent)
After a hearty early breakfast, you’ll start your hike towards the North Rim. This hike is fantastic for natural history buffs as you’ll hike up through a semi-arid High Sonoran desert environment at mid-canyon to a dense mixed conifer forest on the rim. If you think the views are incredible near the bottom of the hike, wait until you get to the top! Once you arrive, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the view before the hike back along the same route to camp.
Accommodation
Camping (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Grand Canyon - Cottonwood Campground to North Rim Hike
Special information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 22 kilometres (13.6 miles) with an elevation gain and loss of 1268 metres (4161 feet).
DAY 4
Grand Canyon National Park - Cottonwood Campground to Bright Angel Campground
After breakfast, you’ll break camp and retrace your steps to Bright Angel Campground. What goes up must come down so - unlike your previous walk along this trail - you’ll mostly be heading downhill this time around. Enjoy a different perspective on the stunning scenery that surrounds you as you hike to your camp for tonight.
Accommodation
Camping (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Grand Canyon - North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground Hike
Special information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 11 kilometres (7.2 miles) with an elevation loss of 488 metres (1600 feet).
DAY 5
Grand Canyon National Park -Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Garden Campground
After breakfast, break camp and set off on the Bright Angel Trail alongside the Colorado River and arrive at Pipe Creek where you’ll enjoy a rest. From here, you’ll hike up Pipe Creek past its junction with Garden Creek to Havasupai Garden – a spring site that watered seasonal Havasupai garden plots for centuries. After you’ve enjoyed a break, it’s a short final hike to our camp for the night – Havasupai Garden Campground – another enchanting Grand Canyon camp with shade and water.
Accommodation
Camping (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Grand Canyon -Bright Angel Trail via Pipe Creek to Havasupai Garden Campground Hike
Special information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 7 kilometres (4.5 miles) + a 4.8 km (3 mile) day hike with an elevation loss of 460 metres (1500 feet).
December 2023 - February 2024 Departures:
On Day 5, we will spend an extra night at Bright Angel Campground to rest and enjoy the bottom of the Canyon before a 1-day hike out on the South Kaibab Trail on Day 6 (7.5 miles, 4800 feet elevation gain). You can expect the same views, time at the Colorado River, and chance to hike across the Grand Canyon twice! This modified itinerary remains level 4 difficulty.
DAY 6
Grand Canyon National Park - Bright Angel Trail Hike & Flagstaff
A relaxed morning and delicious breakfast will precede a beautiful hike as we continue our ascent via the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim where we’ll look back over our trip and reflect on the beauty of this place and our accomplishment in achieving something that few hikers have experienced. On arrival, you’ll be transferred back to Flagstaff where your adventure began and your Grand Canyon hiking tour will come to an end at approximately 5 pm.
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Grand Canyon - Bright Angel Trail Hike
Special information
Today’s driving time is approximately 1.5 hours and today’s hiking distance is approximately 8 kilometres (4.8 miles) with an elevation gain of 915 metres (3000 feet).

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (5 nights)

Activities

South Rim - South Kaibab Trail Hike

Grand Canyon - South Kaibab Trail via Angel Box Canyon to Cottonwood Campground Hike

Grand Canyon - Cottonwood Campground to North Rim Hike

Grand Canyon - North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground Hike

Grand Canyon -Bright Angel Trail via Pipe Creek to Havasupai Garden Campground Hike

Grand Canyon - Bright Angel Trail Hike

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

No availability found

Important notes

It is strongly recommended to book your Grand Canyon backpacking trip 5 months in advance due to the Park’s permit system. Backpacking permits are issued on the first of the month 4+ months in advance. Permits for the most popular trips sell out very quickly during the initial lottery, so registering prior to the deadline of the month you’re interested in is highly beneficial.

1. Please note this trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 30 days out from departure. We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided of monies paid.

2. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.

3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.

4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.

5.This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking, an Tuuur company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Tuuur customers.

6. Please note, a pre-trip orientation meeting will take place at 5:00 PM day before trip starts at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. Early on the morning of day 1, between 4am and 7am, you will be picked up from that hotel and we also recommend you book a pre tour night there. This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.

7. A single tent is provided to all solo travellers at no extra cost.

8. Please Note: Due to a temporary trail closure of the Bright Angel Trail, this trip will be modified between December 1, 2023 and February 28, 2024. We will spend a layover day at Bright Angel Campground on Day 5, and then hike out the South Kaibab Trail on Day 6. You can still expect the same breathtaking views, time at the Colorado River, fascinating geology and amazing camping!

Reviews (0)

No review found