Itinerary
- Day 1
Flagstaff to South Kaibab Trail
You'll start with a 1.5-hour shuttle from Flagstaff down to the South Rim. From there, it's a 7.5-mile hike down the South Kaibab Trail, dropping 4,800 feet to reach Bright Angel Campground at the canyon floor. This first camp sits near the Colorado River among cottonwood trees, with water access and Phantom Ranch facilities nearby for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Shuttle transportation from Flagstaff to South Rim
- Hike South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground (7.5 miles, 4,800 feet elevation loss)
Landmarks South Kaibab Trail Bright Angel Campground Colorado River Bright Angel Creek Phantom Ranch - Day 2
Bright Angel Campground to Cottonwood Campground
After breaking camp, you'll head uphill for 7.2 miles to Cottonwood Campground, gaining 1,600 feet along the way. The route includes a detour to Ribbon Falls, which makes a nice water break during the climb. Cottonwood serves as your staging area before tackling the North Rim hike tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike from Bright Angel Campground to Cottonwood Campground (7.2 miles, 1,600 feet elevation gain)
- Visit Ribbon Falls
Landmarks Cottonwood Campground Ribbon Falls - Day 3
North Rim Day Hike
Get an early breakfast, then start the 13.6-mile round-trip day hike to the North Rim. You'll gain and lose 4,161 feet while moving through semi-arid mid-canyon terrain into denser forest as you climb higher. The views get better the further up you go. Grab a snack at the top, then hike back to camp before dark. If weather turns bad, you can do Upper Ribbon Falls instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty early breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to North Rim (13.6 miles round-trip, 4,161 feet elevation gain/loss) with scenic views through multiple desert and forest zones
- Alternative: Hike to Upper Ribbon Falls if weather is not favorable
Landmarks North Rim Upper Ribbon Falls - Day 4
Cottonwood Campground to Bright Angel Campground
You'll reverse yesterday's route, hiking 7.2 miles back down to Bright Angel Campground and dropping 1,600 feet. It's the same trail you took heading up from here on Day 2, bringing you back to your earlier base near the river.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike from Cottonwood Campground to Bright Angel Campground (7.2 miles, 1,600 feet elevation loss)
Landmarks Bright Angel Campground - Day 5
Bright Angel Campground to Indian Garden Campground
Start with 4.5 miles on the Bright Angel Trail along the Colorado River toward Pipe Creek. From there, the trail angles upward past Garden Creek's junction to Indian Garden, a historic spring that the Havasupai used for seasonal farming plots long ago. Complete the short final push to Indian Garden Campground, which offers shade and water for another comfortable night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike Bright Angel Trail from Bright Angel Campground to Indian Garden Campground via Pipe Creek and Garden Creek (4.5 miles, 1,500 feet elevation gain)
- Visit historic Indian Garden spring site
Landmarks Bright Angel Trail Pipe Creek Garden Creek Indian Garden Indian Garden Campground - Day 6
Indian Garden Campground to South Rim
Have a relaxed breakfast before tackling the final 4.8-mile hike out to the South Rim via Bright Angel Trail, which means climbing 3,000 feet. Once you reach the rim, take time to reflect on what you've done over the past few days. Then it's the 1.5-hour shuttle back to Flagstaff.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Hike Bright Angel Trail from Indian Garden Campground to South Rim (4.8 miles, 3,000 feet elevation gain)
- Shuttle transportation from South Rim to Flagstaff
Landmarks South Rim Bright Angel Trail
