3-Day Grand Canyon Classic Hike to the Colorado River

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Day 1⌄

   Make your way to the departure point in Scottsdale begin the drive to the South Rim. Day 1 of this adventure begins at the South Kaibab Trailhead for a 7.5 mile hike. The trail descends over 4,800 feet down to the canyon floor of this spectacular gorge. Enjoy incredible views from the trail across the 18 mile wide corridor. You will be carrying a backpack weighing approximately 35 pounds. It will contain your personal belongings and the food and camping gear provided. Your guide will interpret the various rock layers for you during the descent in which the age of the earth is clearly outlined - over 2 billion years! The Grand Canyon is one of the very few places on earth where you can see this! After a rest, continue down further, now joined by the stream formed by the spring. Wind down the Devil's Corkscrew, a series of exhilarating switchbacks.

   After the switchbacks, you'll make your way to the Colorado River. Here, you will cross the extension bridge to the north side and arrive at the Bright Angel Campsite for the remainder of the day and night.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Camping at the Bright Angel Campground

2. 2Day 2⌄

   Awake to fresh coffee and breakfast before heading to Indian Gardens, the site of your second night. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon hike out to an overlook above the river after lunch. This day you will cover three to six miles of ground. A delicious dinner concludes the day.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Tent Camping at the Indian Garden Campground

3. 3Day 3⌄

   On your last day, you'll be up early for a nutritious breakfast before heading to the rim and the Grand Canyon Village. Once back at the trailhead, take a last look at the canyon's vastness while enjoying a deli lunch. A quick souvenir stop or two and then you'll be on the road back to Flagstaff by mid-afternoon.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch