Grand Canyon - RIM 2 RIVER 2 RIM

  The North Rim is closed for the remainder of the 2025 season due to impacts from the Dragon Bravo Wildfire.
 

In July 2025, the Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed or severely damaged approximately 106 structures, including the historic Grand  Canyon Lodge, the North Rim Visitor Center, and many guest cabins.  Additionally, the North Rim water pipeline, electrical utilities, and  the wastewater treatment plant were severely damaged. 

The park is currently focused on emergency stabilization to protect remaining infrastructure and natural resources. Planning is underway for the recovery and rebuilding of visitor facilities, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, although this process will take time.

Grand Canyon National Park may be one of the most visited National Parks by tourists of every kind, but venturing down into the canyon is stepping into a different world than one sees from the rim. Of the approximately 6 million visitors who come to the Grand Canyon each year, less than 1% venture below the rim; by doing so you get to revel in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon from both above and below. Hiking rim to river in a day is a challenging yet rewarding journey that will humble you and fill your soul at the same time.

SAMPLE Itinerary

Day 1

Phoenix to Grand Canyon, AZ:

Distance: 232 miles, (373km) 3:30hrs, Elevation: 6,864′ (2092m)

Your trip can begin in Phoenix or Flagstaff, which ever fits your travel plans. With a stop in Flagstaff to pick up trail food and eat lunch, we head on to the Grand Canyon. When we arrive at the village, we’ll find a bustling atmosphere filled with fellow adventurers eager to soak in the stunning vistas. Due to its strategic location as the major entry point with access to the canyon’s famous viewpoints and hiking trails, the village is always bustling with tourists. From your first glance into the canyon, you can feel the excitement and anticipation as we prepare for our hike and the exploring to come. Depending on our arrival time, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to walk along the Rim Trail or relax after your travels. As our day turns to evening, we’ll take a short walk for the first of two group dinners.

Day 2 

South Kaibab trail – Bright Angel Trail

Distance: 18 miles (29km), Elevation Gain: 4,846′ (1477m)

One of the most epic hikes in the United States is the Grand Canyon Rim-to-River-to-Rim hike. This is the one of the most strenuous hikes you can complete in a day on the south side of the Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab trailhead to Bright Angel trailhead involves thousands of feet of descending and ascending in possibly all types of weather. When we hike down the South Kaibab, we basically follow a ridge line with amazing views all along the way. When we ascend Bright Angel trail, the hiking pace typically slows down as we follow a drainage up the canyon. Water is more abundant on Bright Angel, so is the vegetation and wildlife. When we hike down the South Kaibab Trail and back up the Bright Angel Trail, we get the best of both worlds by experiencing two unique and different corridor trails on the same hike. 

Day 3 

After a well earned nights sleep, we get together for breakfast before heading to Flagstaff to enjoy a cup of coffee, the historic downtown and together, celebrate our amazing "Walk through time!" 

If Possible:

Please schedule all home bound flights from Flagstaff or Phoenix after 2 pm.