4-Day Backpacking Trip

Grand Canyon Backpacking: North Rim

$1,179 per person
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trip dates
May-Sep
Trip Dates
May 22-25
Sep 04-07

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
4 Days
trip difficulty
Advanced
Difficulty Level: Advanced
This trip is rated Advanced. Training for this trip is REQUIRED and not optional. You are required to engage in backpacking-specific training sufficient for you to complete this trip as safely and as comfortably as possible. Your training program must include backpacking with a weighted backpack, in the hiking footwear you will wear during the trip, over long and steep trails. Further training guidelines will be sent by email after you have registered for the trip. You will be carrying about 35 pounds in your backpack and hiking on rocky, steep, and unmaintained trails through remote areas of the Grand Canyon backcountry. Sections of the trail will be exposed and pass near cliff edges. This trip is not recommended for those with vertigo or an extreme fear of heights. Daily mileage can be up to 10-12 miles with elevation change in excess of 5,000’ gain or loss in a single day. There may be brief sections of scrambling up or down. In addition to your own gear, you will be asked to carry 8-10 pounds of group gear/food. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian participating on the trip and are subject to manager approval.
trip difficulty
4-9 PEOPLE

Description

Backcountry solitude far from the crowds, breathtaking views at every turn, unexpected waterfalls, unparalleled stargazing, and the very best guides in the desert southwest. This will be your adventure into the remote and spectacular wilderness backcountry on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It's a challenging but extremely rewarding 4 day backpacking trip that shows off the very best that the Grand Canyon has to offer.

Please note that minors under 18 need prior approval to join this trip. We are happy to answer any questions through email or phone listed below.

Have a question about this trip? Email us at [email protected].
Sports Basement has partnered with Backcountry Found for this trip.

You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.

Itinerary

Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

DAY 1

Meet your guides at 8am MST (Mountain Standard Time) in Kanab, Utah. Before we begin our journey the guides will hold a brief orientation, distribute group gear, and perform a pack check. Then a 90 minute drive to the trailhead, hike into the canyon and camp in Surprise Valley.

Backpacking: 8 miles. Elevation start: 7,200'. Elevation end: 3,800'.

DAY 2

Explore Deer Creek and Colorado River corridor. Camping on river at Tapeats Rapids.

Backpacking: 8 miles. Elevation start: 3,800'. Elevation end: 2,000'.

DAY 3

Explore Tapeats Creek and Thunder River. Camp on Esplanade.

Backpacking: 8.5 miles. Elevation start:2,000'. Elevation end: 5,200'.

DAY 4

Hike up and out of canyon, getting back to the trailhead at about 2pm. Drive back to Kanab.

Backpacking: 5.5 miles.

Packing List

Included:
  • Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
  • All necessary permits for backpacking in the Grand Canyon
  • Tents and ground cloths
  • Trekking poles
  • Three breakfasts and three dinners
  • Cooking equipment
  • Water filters
  • First aid kits and other group gear
  • An amazing wilderness experience
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from Kanab, Utah
  • Personal backpacking gear (see gear list below; rentals available)
  • Trail snacks and lunches
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Guide gratuities
  • Backpack
  • 4-5 liters water capacity
  • Headlamp (no spare batteries)
  • Bowl/cup
  • Eating utensil (only one)
  • Clothing (no more than 2 of anything)
  • Sunscreen (travel size)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Lunch food & snacks
  • Electrolytes (minimum mix to make 4 liters)
  • Toilet paper/wet wipes (bring only what you’ll use; must pack out used tp)
  • Personal items (meds/vitamins/etc - quantity for 4 days)
  • Zip locks for toilet paper and personal trash

A complete, detailed gear list will be sent after registration.

  • Tent
  • Sleeping pad
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm
  • Personal hand sanitizer
  • Bandana
  • Hiking poles
  • Camp shoes/sandals
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste (travel size or share)
  • 1 luxury item (book, cards, journal, pillow)
  • Soap
  • Rain pants
  • Compass
  • Knife
  • Lighter
  • 1st aid kit
  • Towel
  • Bathing suit
  • Wallet (just bring ID, insurance, credit card)
  • Full set keys (just take car key)
  • Bug spray
  • Cosmetics
  • Deodorant
  • Trowel
  • Extra warm layers or accessories (fleece, hats, gloves)
  • Anything else
Interested in a private trip? Click here for info.
Sports Basement Outdoors Cancellation Policy

For our Ski Bus trips:

Cancellations for the Tahoe Ski Bus must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time in order to receive a refund of 97%. After that, refunds will not be given, but we will accommodate rescheduling of reservations up until noon the day before the trip.

For all overnight trips or multiple day courses:

If we cancel a trip:
While we make every effort to run our scheduled trips, our current climate reality means that some trips may not be safe to run due to circumstances beyond our control. At our sole discretion, we may choose to postpone, reschedule or cancel these trips. If we decide to cancel,  postpone or reschedule a trip,, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. If participants are unable to reschedule to another date, a full refund will be provided.
Please note: Rain, snow, nearby fires or smoke are not necessarily reasons we will cancel a trip. 

If you cancel a trip:
For all overnight trips or multiple-day courses, you can cancel more than 30 days before the start of the trip/course and receive a full refund.  Between 30 and 14 days before the start of the trip, you can reschedule your trip for a future date, but no refunds are given. If you cancel within 14 days of the start of the trip,, there are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling. **
**Exceptions may be available for severe illnesses, injuries, or a death in the immediate family. A medical note from a licensed physician or death certificate will be required. If an exception is made, a fee of  50% of the total trip cost will be charged .
We're proud to add the Grand Canyon as a marquee destination to our Sports Basement Outdoors guided trip lineup.

With the expertise of our SoCal Regional Director Eden Slezin, who has been guiding and coordinating overnight backpacking trips to the Grand Canyon for nearly 20 years, you're sure to have the best backpacking experience possible in one of the world's most beloved and awe-inspiring landmarks.