Driving about 90 miles one way to Grand Canyon, approximately 1.5 hours. Hiking about 1-2 miles, approximately 2-3 hours with stops; well-maintained packed dirt trails. Elevation of 6,800 feet with change of about 150 feet.
At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet with choices such as waffles, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruits, pastries, bagels, cereals, and muffins, plus juices, milk, coffee, tea, water.
We’ll board our vans and travel to Grand Canyon National Park for a hike with our Group Leader. From the South Rim, we’ll enjoy sweeping canyon views from various vantage points and begin to gain a perspective of the canyon's immense size. We’ll also catch glimpses of the Colorado River that will be our home for the next three days. Our Group Leader will share and interpret the park's natural and historic features throughout the day as we walk.
During our hike, we’ll have sack lunches including a sandwich, fruit, chips, a cookie, and water.
Continuing to explore rim viewpoints, we’ll also see the historical Grand Canyon Village and other points of interest. Highlights of the village include the Kolb Brothers Photography Studio and the buildings of Santa Fe Railroad designer Mary Jane Colter including the Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio and the Hopi House. With our Group Leader, we’ll join back together at the east end of the village to visit the 100 year old El Tovar Hotel, one of the great hotels in the National Park System. From the village boardwalk, we’ll be able to see the North Rim and various spires and buttes rising from the canyon floor. We’ll also have time to explore rim trails and admire canyon vistas.
At a local restaurant with a variety of entrée choices, we’ll have plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
At leisure. Be sure to pack up your river gear and rest up for our early transfer in the morning for our rafting campout.