Grand Canyon 2018
Grand Canyon 2018
- All Lodging
- Meals on Itinerary
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Trip Orientation at Mule Camp
- All Transportation after arrival in Phoenix
18-24 hiking miles total (6 days/5 nights)
A classic rim-to-river-to-rim hiking adventure with two nights at the historic Phantom Ranch including comfortable lodging amenities and full-service dining.
How do you visit our most popular national park and avoid the crowds? By going in deep. The Grand Canyon is a stunning scene from the rim, and people flock here from around the world to see it. Few hike in beyond a half mile.
On our Grand Canyon adventure, we will be exploring the depths, all the way down to the great Colorado River. We’ll also take advantage of “low-season” solitude, and more comfortable hiking conditions, by going in February. Locals know that winter is the best time to visit the Canyon, while the masses wait for summer months.
Not Included: Airfare; Private Rooms; Meals not on Itinerary; Sedona Sightseeing or Spa.
This exclusive itinerary is packed with hard-core adventure, yet offers plenty of soft touches too. Phantom Ranch is a rustic but welcome outpost at the bottom of the canyon. Once we descend the long and rugged trails from the canyon rim, we rest and refuel while enjoying such comforts as bedding, bathrooms and showers, and a world-renowned dining experience. Mules do the heavy lifting on this trip, carrying provisions – as well as guests (optionally) – into and/or out of the canyon. Your canyon excursion is bookended by a pre-trip stay at the South Rim Village (a historic, activity-filled destination perched on the canyon rim) and a post-trip stay in Sedona (a relaxing, upscale desert retreat nestled in a red rock amphitheater).
Day 1
Fly to Phoenix, AZ and ride Fit4Adventure van to Flagstaff. Welcome dinner at a local microbrewery with the group. Overnight at Embassy Suites in Flagstaff.
Day 2
Ride Fit 4 Adventure van to Grand Canyon South Rim Village (approx. 90-min drive). Explore the expansive visitor center, jaw-dropping viewpoints, and popular hiking trails. Overnight at the Thunderbird Lodge on the South Rim.
Day 3
Start descent into canyon on Bright Angel Trail, 10.5 miles to Colorado River. Mule ride option, or use your own hooves. Sack lunch provided. Dinner provided at Phantom Ranch Canteen. Overnight at our own group bunkhouse at Phantom Ranch.
Day 4
Day hiking along the river’s edge and into spectacular side canyons. Breakfast and sack lunch provided. Dinner provided at Phantom Ranch dining room. Overnight at our own group bunkhouse.
Day 5
Hike back to the South Rim on the South Kaibab Trail, 7.8 Miles (mule ride optional). Breakfast and sack lunch provided. Exit canyon mid-afternoon and ride Fit 4 Adventure van to Sedona, AZ (2 hours and 15 min drive). Explore Sedona or make a spa reservation. Overnight at Sedona Orchards Inn.
Day 6
Ride Fit 4 Adventure van to Phoenix for afternoon departures.
I say it after every trip but this time I believe it truly is my favorite group from one of Diane’s trips. Everyone was so welcoming, accepting and encouraging. To learn we were part of a milestone year celebration for Diane made it even more special. Until the next adventure. My best to you always.
I appreciate very much how welcome you all made me feel on this trip. Taking this trip was way, way, way outside of my comfort zone on a couple of different levels and your generous spirits and open hearts will give me confidence to move outside of my comfort zone more often in the future. I also appreciate Diane and Joe’s efforts to make this trip fun, organized and exceptional. I truly won’t forget this experience.
This trip is my new favorite trip of all time. Mind-blowing destination and fun people and outstanding organizers. Great job, Diane and Joe! This would have been a hard trip to organize even if the weather had been guaranteed to be perfect. You both did a helluva job adjusting on the fly and holding everything together. It's no wonder I've done fourteen trips with Golden Adventures and Fit4Adventures. Yes, you heard that right. FOURTEEN trips! I'm looking forward to filling my passport.
I want to state how grateful I was to be a part of this trip. It has been a long time in planning this trip, for me to do what I needed to do and I did it with a wonderful cast of new friends. To see and experience what we did was truly breath taking, we are 1%'s how cool is is that. Thank you Joe and Diane for a great time.
F4A GC friends, Thank You! Our GC cairn of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark that we were there 2/2/16. We each contributed a stone to the structure, on our lunch break, on the North Kaibab Trail, GC. Thank you, Diane Golden and Joe Dann for your leadership! Fellow hikers, I feel blessed to have shared the experience with each and every one of you. We laughed, at times wanted to cry, challenged our limits but best of all we bonded and worked as a unit! I loved rekindling old and forging new friendships. Hugs to all!
We'll plan the trip!
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