Description:
Spend four nights in the depths of the Grand Canyon. Anytime you want to camp inside the canyon, you have to plan ahead to obtain permits. You may visit the backcountry office, located in Grand Canyon village in the Park, or fax a request for permit form found on the National Park Website. Either way, the permits go quickly in the spring and fall, so plan early! It can also be difficult to reserve lodging in the Park for the night before and/or after your trip unless you act ahead of time. El Tovar is the finest of the lodges in the park. Bright Angel Lodge has historical charm and the Maswik Lodge is the most down-to-earth. Stay in Yavapai as a last resort. Since the point of your trip is to be outside, you may also want to opt for one of the campgrounds located on the rim. It's best to stay in the park the night before you head down into the canyon so that you can be sure to get an early start. In hot weather, plan to start walking before or at dawn, and plan on a siesta during the heat of the day. You can find shade under one of the cottonwoods planted in the more populated areas or under your tent shell. This trip is challenging and only for the experienced hiker. If you are traveling from sea-level, give yourself a few days to acclimate to the elevation before your start this rigorous hike. There are many easier backpacking trips in the surrounding area, but there is something magical and addictive about this canyon. You just have to see for yourself.
View Iternary mapDay Note:
Collect your stuff and collect yourself on the rim of the Grand Canyon and let your imagination travel down the canyon wall ahead of you.
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Canyon Village Marketplace & Deli
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2262
Location:
- Market Plaza Road & Village Loop Road
- Grand Canyon Village
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
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Map
Description:
When you are planning to spend the day hiking or sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, stop here first for refreshments and other outdoor supplies to take with you. The general store is a full-service supermarket, delicatessen and souvenir stand. It also sells and rents camping and backpacking equipment and supplies. Simple deli meat sandwiches and salads are great for taking along on the hiking trails or for spur-of-the-moment picnics in the Park. Not coincidentally, you may also know the owner's name from national politics: former President Clinton's Interior Secretary, Bruce Babbitt, is a descendent of this venerable Grand Canyon State family.
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Bright Angel Point
Contact:
- 928 638 7888
- visit website
Location:
- AZ State Route 67
- (Near Grand Canyon Lodge)
- Grand Canyon,AZ86022
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Map
- user rating
Description:
Bright Angel Point lies south of the Grand Canyon Lodge on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, a quarter mile south of Grand Canyon Lodge via a paved foot path. The point lies between The Transept, west, and Roaring Springs Canyon, east, on a narrow ridge that extends from the north rim. Immediately south of the vista is Bright Angel Canyon and the North Kaibab Trail that leads through it.
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El Tovar Dining Room
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2631
- visit website
Location:
- El Tovar Lodge
- P. O. Box 699
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
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Map
- user rating
Description:
You will feel like you are supping at a European hunting lodge at this fine dining venue. But make your dinner reservations early; these are the area's hardest-to-get tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, year-round. Hotel guests may make reservations up to 90 days in advance, non-guests up to 30 days in advance. Full bar service is offered.
Day Note:
Today is your descent, seemingly easy since it's all downhill, but it is steep and it is hot and dry, so be sure to take in a lot of water and salt during the day.
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South Kaibab Trail
Contact:
- 928 638 7888
- visit website
Location:
- Along the side road to Yaki Point
- (Short distance from East Rim Drive)
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
This steep, well-traveled South Rim trail is one of the most popular with day hikers and mule riders at Grand Canyon National Park. Many visitors make the day hike to Cedar Ridge, which offers great, expansive views and is recommended for hikers who only have a short time to spend in the park. The trail is steep and well-defined with little shade--hikers are advised to bring along plenty of water. Thee are no private vehicles allowed in this part of the park, so to get to the trailhead, take the shuttle bus to Yaki Point Road.
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Phantom Ranch Canteen
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2631
- visit website
Location:
- Phantom Ranch
- P.O. Box 699
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
This eatery is a refueling spot for the truly adventurous diner: you have to make the descent to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to eat here! The house specialty is hiker's stew, but the establishment also offers full American-style breakfasts, sack lunches and steak dinners. Vegetarian options are available by advance reservation. It is essential that you reserve your meals before you make your Grand Canyon descent.
Day Note:
Now that you're down, you've got a couple days of freedom. I recommend walking down to Clear Creek and finding a nice water hole to camp next to. Set down your packs there and explore.read more
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Clear Creek Trail
Contact:
- 520-638-7888
- visit website
Location:
- P.O. Box 170
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
From the junction with the North Kaibab Trail, the Clear Creek Trail climbs through a series of switchbacks to the southeast towards Phantom Overlook (a sharp switchback with a landing where there are a few stone benches; from this point there is a good view looking straight down at Phantom Ranch). After passing Phantom Overlook, the trail continues up to the base of the Tapeats and then traverses to the east for another mile to the Tonto Platform. While walking along the base of the Tapeats hikers are exposed to the Great Unconformity, a gap in the geologic record spanning more than 1 billion years. After a final ascent to the top of the Tapeats, the trail contours along the Tonto Platform, crossing Sumner Wash and two minor drainages. The trail turns to the north when it intersects with Clear Creek drainage below Demaray Point: When Clear Creek Canyon appears on the right, hikers are still only half way to their destination. From here, the trail crosses shallow Zoroaster Canyon and then continues over an unnamed drainage to the north. Finally, at the end of the Tonto traverse, the trail drops into a drainage by traversing a long slope of brilliantly orange-colored Hakatai Shale. The... read more
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Clear Creek Trail
Contact:
- 520-638-7888
- visit website
Location:
- P.O. Box 170
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
From the junction with the North Kaibab Trail, the Clear Creek Trail climbs through a series of switchbacks to the southeast towards Phantom Overlook (a sharp switchback with a landing where there are a few stone benches; from this point there is a good view looking straight down at Phantom Ranch). After passing Phantom Overlook, the trail continues up to the base of the Tapeats and then traverses to the east for another mile to the Tonto Platform. While walking along the base of the Tapeats hikers are exposed to the Great Unconformity, a gap in the geologic record spanning more than 1 billion years. After a final ascent to the top of the Tapeats, the trail contours along the Tonto Platform, crossing Sumner Wash and two minor drainages. The trail turns to the north when it intersects with Clear Creek drainage below Demaray Point: When Clear Creek Canyon appears on the right, hikers are still only half way to their destination. From here, the trail crosses shallow Zoroaster Canyon and then continues over an unnamed drainage to the north. Finally, at the end of the Tonto traverse, the trail drops into a drainage by traversing a long slope of brilliantly orange-colored Hakatai Shale. The... read more
Day Note:
Lodging for tonight depends on your schedule for departure. You could drive out of the park tonight or stay a night in one of the lodges inside the park (Yavapai, El Tovar, and Bright Angel). There are chain hotels just outside of the park that are slightly less expensive if all you're looking for is a shower and a bed.read more
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Bright Angel Trail
Contact:
- 928 638 7888
- visit website
Location:
- Between Bright Angel Lodge and Hermit Rd
- From W Rim Drive to Plateau Point
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
One of the most popular things to do at Grand Canyon National Park is to hike this popular, highly-trafficked South Rim trail that starts just steps away from the Grand Canyon Lodges, and ends at the bottom of the canyon. Day hikers, guests staying at Phantom Ranch, and mule riders all share this busy, scenic route, making for some interesting people- and animal-watching. Bright Angel Trail offers great views from the inner canyon--so great, in fact, that hikers can easily lose track of how far they've traveled. Although well-traveled and maintained, Bright Angel Trail is quite steep at some points, and hikers should expect to take twice as long to come back up. The 12-mile trail is not recommended for hikers seeking a one-day, round-trip adventure, but there are plenty of popular outlooks and switchbacks for easy turn-around.
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Bright Angel Restaurant
Contact:
- (928) 638-2631
- visit website
Location:
- Bright Angel Lodge
- P. O. Box 699
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Bright Angel Restaurant, located at Bright Angel Lodge, is a full-service dining room on the South Rim. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus favor hearty Southwestern dishes, perfect to fuel up for a full day of hiking and sightseeing. Also on site are the Bright Angel Fountain, a snack bar and ice cream fountain, The Bright Angel Bar and Lounge, and the Canyon Coffee House, offering a full coffee menu and a selection of continental breakfast items. The Restaurant and Bar are open year-round, while the Bright Angel Fountain and Canyon Coffee House maintain seasonal hours.
Grand Canyon National Park
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Yavapai Lodge
Contact:
- 928 638 2631
- visit website
Location:
- 499 Linger Lane
- Valle,AZ86023
-
Map
from $100- user rating
Description:
Yavapai Lodge is the largest facility in Grand Canyon National Park. It is is surrounded by pinyon and juniper woodlands, and is a half mile from the rim. It offers many services within a few steps, and is a convenient choice for families.
- Destination(s): Grand Canyon National Park
- Type: Active/Adventure
- 5 DAYS
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