Day 1: Grand Canyon - South Kaibab Trail
Welcome to Arizona! Early this morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Flagstaff and drive the scenic route to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon where your adventure starts straight away. As you drive, catch your first glimpse of the landscapes that await you in the days ahead. On arrival, lace up your hiking boots, grab your included hiking poles and daypack and set off on your first moderate-rated hike along the South Kaibab Trail. This route follows the narrow ridgeline of Cedar Ridge, offering incredible panoramic views of the Canyon as the ridge drops away on either side. Late in the afternoon you’ll check into your Feature Stay accommodation at the iconic El Tovar Hotel, right on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. This historic landmark will be your home for the next two nights so kick off your hiking boots, relax and take in the charm of a hotel that has hosted an impressive list of guests from Albert Einstein to Oprah Winfrey. Round the evening off with dinner before watching the sun set over the Canyon.
Day 2: Grand Canyon - Bright Angel Trail
After breakfast, you’ll hike in the footsteps of Native Americans on a winding trail below the canyon rim and along the Bright Angel Fault – a visible fracture in the Earth’s crust. As you hike, your leader will share insights into the fascinating history, geology and ecology that shape this incredible landscape. This is the most accessible trail that goes far below the crater rim and there are two potential turn-around points which can make the hike 3 miles or 6 miles round trip depending on how you are feeling. Stop for a picnic lunch with a five-star view before continuing back up to the rim, this time taking in the towering cliffs above. Tonight, sit down for an included dinner at the historic El Tovar Hotel overlooking the Grand Canyon.
Day 3: Grand Canyon - Grandview Trail
This morning, set off on your final inspiring hike on the Grandview Trail – a name that says it all. Today’s hike offers some of the most breathtaking views of the entire tour, with panoramic views over the Grand Canyon and the winding Colorado River far below. With numerous switchbacks the view is constantly changing as you head down the trail. As you hike, your expert tour leader will tell you about this historic trail carved by hand in the late 1800s by miner Pete Berry, who once used to extract some of the richest copper ore in the world along this very trail.
After the hike you’ll leave the park through the East Entrance, stopping at the famous Desert View Watchtower. This impressive four-story historic stone building is a replica of a Native American tower found in the exact location by early explorers centuries ago, and the perfect place to take in one last panoramic vista of the Grand Canyon before travelling back to Flagstaff, where your hiking adventure comes to an end. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
