Itinerary

DAY 1: DRIVE FROM SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX TO THE GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM LODGE
8:00am Today we shuttle from Scottsdale/Phoenix to the Grand Canyon North Rim with some interesting stops along the way. We break at
Cameron Indian Trading Post, established in 1916 it is a famous showplace for fine Native American art and Southwest art. Then, after crossing
the Colorado River near Lees Ferry (the launch point for rafting the Grand Canyon), we stop for lunch at the base of the Vermillion Cliffs. Days end
will find us settling into the Cabins at Grand Canyon’s North Rim Lodge before enjoying a sunset stroll and dinner in this spectacular setting.
Hiking: 0‐2 miles Meals: Breakfast on own, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 2: HIKE DOWN THE NORTH KAIBAB TRAIL TO PHANTOM RANCH
Get ready to burn off that big breakfast! Today’s descent is 14 miles and 5,700 feet into the grandest of canyons and through nearly every
biological life zone in the North America. As we drop from the alpine to the desert, each step takes us thousands of years back in geologic time
through ancient oceans, deserts, lakes, and swamps. With mind blowing vistas, fascinating trail design and workmanship, 100 foot waterfalls, plus
green spring fed oases, the North Kaibab Trail is a national treasure. At trails end, we find Phantom Ranch nestled on the banks of Bright Angel
Creek just before its confluence with the mighty Colorado River. Phantom Ranch was originally founded in 1903 as a hunting camp and named by
Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter after nearby Phantom Creek. This will be our home for the next two nights.
Hiking: 14 miles (Trailhead is at 8,241 feet – Phantom Ranch is at approximately 2,500 feet – TOTAL elevation loss of nearly 6,000 feet)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 3: A DAY TO ENJOY PHANTOM RANCH AND THE PEACEFULNESS OF THE CANYON WALLS
Today we hike the beautiful Clear Creek Trail and River Trail. However, many participants choose to use this day for relaxation, cheering on the
Rafters, socializing with other adventurers, or stretching out in the shade with a book and a cold beer. All our meals will be at Phantom Ranch and
a day in the very bottom of Grand Canyon is all yours with the canyon walls blocking out the rest of the world affording a feeling of tremendous
peace and tranquility. Photographic and bird watching opportunities abound in this lush green riparian habitat fenced in by sheer walls of rock.
Your guides will be available all day to share with you the secrets of one of the world’s most special places.
Hiking: 3‐5 miles Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 4: ASCEND THE BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL TO THE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM VILLAGE
The rising sun finds us preparing to conquer the canyon. Our exit is the Bright Angel Trail, one of the classic treks in Grand Canyon. After crossing
the Colorado River, the trail snakes its way up out of the inner gorge to the shady oasis of Indian Gardens. Here we will refuel and refill with water
before tackling the steep ascent up Jacob’s Ladder through the Redwall layer. While always a tremendous challenge, your guides will provide you
with helpful hints, strategies, techniques, and their insider knowledge of the keys to a successful ascent. With proper preparation, hydration, and
diet, the entire group will soon be high‐fiving and hugging on the rim. We walk just a few more steps to our lodge perched right on the rim of the
canyon. Tonight we celebrate our shared accomplishments at historic El Tovar before retiring to our rooms for some well deserved rest.
Hiking: 10 miles (Phantom Ranch is at approximately 2,500 feet – Trailhead is at 6,785 feet ‐ TOTAL elevation loss of nearly 4,300 feet)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 5: TOUR THE SOUTH RIM AND RETURN TO SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX
For those who can’t get enough of the canyon the fantastic Rim Trail awaits. Using the shuttle system you can hike one
way along the rim and it is a great way to stretch your legs and get a birds‐eye view of the route you traversed in the days
prior. Other interesting cultural sites include Hopi House, condor talks, and the many interpretive centers. Following this
relaxing morning we will begin driving back to Scottsdale/Phoenix with a stop for lunch en‐route. We will return between 3:00pm‐5:00pm.
Hiking: 0‐3 miles optional Meals: Breakfast on own, Lunch included

More information from Arizona Outback Adventures:

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