Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Expedition

You'll arrive at Flagstaff Airport, where your transfer will be waiting. After checking into your hotel, take some time to relax before the evening’s welcome dinner.

Over dinner, we'll go over the exciting journey ahead. Don't forget to step outside and catch the desert sunset—it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel in Flagstaff

Please plan to arrive at Flagstaff Airport by 6 PM.

We kick off our Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim adventure at 8,000 feet, winding our way down nearly 7 miles to Cottonwood Campground. This stretch is a dream for geology buffs and nature lovers alike, as we move from the cool, shady conifer forests of the North Rim into the warm, high-desert landscapes of the inner canyon. Along the way, we navigate the dramatic Redwall Limestone and pass Roaring Springs—an awe-inspiring cascade gushing straight from the rock face.

Miles Hiked: 6.8
Elevation Loss: 4,161 ft
Accommodations: Backcountry Camping

On day two, we pack up camp and continue our descent, trekking 7 miles down to Bright Angel Campground. Along the way, we pass through the awe-inspiring Bright Angel Box Canyon, where towering granite and schist walls rise dramatically above us. The trail follows the lush, spring-fed waters of Bright Angel Creek—a true desert oasis. Our campsite for the night sits at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, just steps from the Colorado River and the historic Phantom Ranch.

Miles Hiked: 7.2
Elevation Loss: 1,600 ft
Accommodations: Backcountry Camping

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll break camp and set out early to make the most of the cool morning hours. Our route follows the Bright Angel Trail along the Colorado River before ascending Pipe Creek to Garden Creek. From there, we hike upstream past its confluence with Pipe Creek to Havasupai Garden, a lush spring site that has sustained seasonal Havasupai gardens for centuries. A short final stretch brings us to our home for the night—Havasupai Garden Campground, a peaceful oasis offering shade and fresh water.

Miles Hiked: 4.5
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
Accommodations: Backcountry Camping

A casual morning breakfast will precede a beautiful hike out as we continue our ascent to the rim via the Bright Angel Trail. This trail is the most hiked in the Park because of its endless views, availability of water, and its steady grade taking us out of the Grand Canyon. It’s a finish to a hike you’ll never forget!

Hiking Mileage: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5-hour drive from the South Rim

*Option to add hotel overnight in Flagstaff

We provide a full service experience. Included in your trip cost:
Premium Gear Provided: Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad, and multi-day backpack.

• Sleeping Bag: High-quality synthetic sleeping bag, professionally cleaned after each use—or bring your own.

• Trekking Poles: Complimentary use for added stability on the trail.

• All-Inclusive Meals: Enjoy delicious meals from breakfast on day one through lunch on the final day.

• Expert Guides: Led by experienced hiking guides with extensive wilderness knowledge, medical certifications, and a passion for adventure. [See Guide Bios]

• Roundtrip Transportation: Convenient pickup and drop-off from your Flagstaff hotel to the Grand Canyon.

• Permits & Fees Covered: Includes Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees and wilderness permits. [Learn More About Permits]

• Emergency Preparedness: Outfitted with a company-issued first-aid kit and a communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone).

• National Park Fee: A mandatory 5% fee that directly supports Grand Canyon National Park.

• Individual pre-trip support as needed

• 3 month pre-trip physical and mental preparation guide

• 2 pre-trip calls

• 2 post trip calls

• Access to our Director of Traveler Experience who can help answer all your questions!

• All tips/gratuities

• 6 Week Post-Trip Meditation Series to help integrate your experience

• Lifetime access to the Root Community

• Airfare

• travel insurance

• souvenirs

• alcoholic beverages

• Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost to $50 per person, per day)

• anything not detailed in the itinerary.

North Rim (8,000 feet)

• September: Highs around 70-75°F (21-24°C), lows in the 40s°F (4-9°C)

• October: Highs drop to 60-65°F (15-18°C), with lows in the 30s°F (0-4°C)

• Cooler temperatures and occasional early-season snow by late October.

South Rim (7,000 feet)

• September: Highs around 75-80°F (24-27°C), lows in the 40s°F (4-9°C)

• October: Highs near 65-70°F (18-21°C), lows in the 30s-40s°F (0-6°C)

• Crisp fall air, great for hiking with mild days and chilly nights.

Inner Canyon (Phantom Ranch, 2,400 feet)

• September: Highs can still be 95-105°F (35-40°C), with lows in the 70s°F (21-24°C)

• October: Highs cool down to 85-90°F (29-32°C), with lows in the 60s°F (16-20°C)

• Much warmer than the rims, but cooling down significantly in the evenings.

General Notes:

• September: Can still feel like summer, especially in the Inner Canyon.

• October: Much more comfortable, but early mornings and nights can be quite chilly.

• Layering is key! Mornings and evenings are cool, while mid-day can still be warm.

Arrive in Flagstaff, AZ by 6pm on Day 1 of the trip.

Depart from Flagstaff any time after 4pm on Day 5.

We Rate this hike a 5 out of 5. Prior hiking and backpacking experience required. Backpackers must be able to carry a 35+ lb pack for multiple days on trail for sustained daily time regardless of terrain and weather conditions. For non backpacking trips, expect significant elevation gain and variable terrain.

See our difficulty rating here.

NIGHT 1: Accommodations on night one are in a 3-4 star hotel in double accommodations.

NIGHTS 2-4: TENT CAMPING

Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.

You will be carrying a backpacking pack (35+ lbs) with everything you need for camping for 4 days. You will be carrying individual gear as well as a portion of the distributed shared group gear provided by the local guides. We recommend keeping your personal gear to about 15lbs as shared group gear will be added.

The key in backpacking is to pack as light as possible! We will talk about this much more and will make sure you are prepared!

We will provide a packing list once booked.  We will also go over gear in much more detail on our two pre-trip calls.

We include a group welcome dinner at a restaurant on Day 1 .

Meals from breakfast Day 2 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS:

Yes! Most dietary requests can be arranged in advance.

Incredible meals are provided by the local guides and will help be prepared by all participants.

On the days you’ll be camping there is no access to electricity and minimal to zero access to cell phone service.

During the backpacking portion of the trip there will be no access to showers or toilets. Your guides will show you how to practice “leave no trace” practices for elimination on trails and outdoors.

Yes! It is absolutely recommended that you do practice hikes, walks, or strength and cardio conditioning to prepare for this trip. Three months before the start of your trip you will receive a pre-trip preparation series that includes a training plan.

Please email info@rootadventures.com or schedule a call. We would love to hear from you!