Arizona

Hiking the Grand Canyon: Adventures On and Below the South Rim

Program No. 6112RJ
Gain a deeper understanding of the Grand Canyon as you join experts for hikes on and below the South Rim. Naturalists provide insight into the canyon’s epic natural and human histories.

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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
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At a Glance

Hike through stands of pinyon-juniper and around yucca and agave, as you venture along and below the rim of the Grand Canyon. Travel back through geological time, with naturalists providing insights into the landscape’s epic natural and human histories. Descend below the canyon’s rim on the historic Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. See more of this natural wonder than you ever imagined, with hikes along the western rim viewpoints and others at some of the park’s eastern most points, Desert View Watchtower and the Palisades of the Desert.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hike 3-6 miles daily over uneven terrain, high steps, desert vegetation, rocky areas, elevation changes up to 1,200 feet. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Venture out on hikes on and below the rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
  • Learn from experienced naturalists about an array of topics ranging from the surrounding landscapes to current park management issues.
  • Enjoy an “off-the-beaten-path” hike at the Palisades of the Desert, the eastern Grand Canyon’s sherbet-colored cliffs with distant views of the historic Desert View Watchtower.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Mike Masek
Mike Masek is a wilderness skills instructor, herbalist and ethnobotanist living in Flagstaff, Ariz. In addition to his current work with Road Scholar, he is adjunct faculty at Northern Arizona University where he teaches traditional uses of native plants and outdoor survival skills. He also teaches programs at the National Parks and Coconino Community College. He has spent a lifetime exploring the canyons and deserts of the American Southwest and loves to share these treasures with others.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Mike Masek
Mike Masek View biography
Mike Masek is a wilderness skills instructor, herbalist and ethnobotanist living in Flagstaff, Ariz. In addition to his current work with Road Scholar, he is adjunct faculty at Northern Arizona University where he teaches traditional uses of native plants and outdoor survival skills. He also teaches programs at the National Parks and Coconino Community College. He has spent a lifetime exploring the canyons and deserts of the American Southwest and loves to share these treasures with others.
Profile Image of Eric Kee
Eric Kee was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation in Tuba, City, Ariz. In addition to sharing his Navajo culture, Eric enjoys spending his spare time building Native American flutes, working with silver and enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping with his family. He met his wife in Florence, Italy during his three years teaching English and working Italian camps for kids. He, along with his wife and three children, currently reside in Tuba City, Arizona.
Profile Image of Kristin Hooten
Kristin Hooten View biography
Kristin Hooten has spent the majority of her life in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona. She earned a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis in Outdoor Education and Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Kristin has worked in the outdoor industry in different capacities and enjoys her ongoing education with the surrounding region. When not in the office or field, she is found enjoying the great outdoors either on a paddleboard or in her camper.
Profile Image of Kyle Storey
Kyle Storey View biography
Kyle Storey is an urban planner with a passion for creating sustainable and livable communities. He possesses a love for nature and agriculture and is committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. Kyle works towards implementing cutting-edge technologies to reduce our carbon footprint and transition towards a more sustainable future. Kyle is also a seasoned outdoor group leader who is deeply in touch with the natural world. He has led numerous outdoor adventures, from hiking and camping trips to wildlife expeditions and nature exploration.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5 B 4 L 4 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Grand Canyon - South Rim
D
Yavapai Lodge West

Activity note: Lodge check-in from 3:00 p.m. See your program’s GETTING THERE information regarding transfers.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the dining area to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions in our private meeting area. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. Educational content will be provided by our knowledgeable Group Leaders. Transportation will be primarily via passenger vans and free Park Service shuttle buses, unless otherwise specified. Field trips go rain or shine. There are typically no restroom facilities on the trail. Breakfasts and most dinners will be at the lodge restaurant; sack lunches. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Dinner at the Yavapai Lodge Restaurant dining hall.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
West Rim Trail Hike, Bright Angel Trail Hike
Grand Canyon - South Rim
B,L,D
Yavapai Lodge West

Activity note: Getting on/off park shuttles; driving about 12 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Hiking 4 to 5 miles throughout the day; well-maintained trails; elevation change of about 700 feet. No restroom facilities on the trail.

Breakfast: At Yavapai Lodge Dining Hall.

Morning: We will hop onto the National Park Service shuttle and ride to the trailhead, where we’ll set out with our Group Leaders on a three-mile hike along the Rim Trail from Mohave Point to the Village. We will stop for short trailside talks at appropriate vantage points to learn about Grand Canyon geology, ecology, and human history. Excellent views of the Colorado River are a highlight on this mostly level hike that will end at the Bright Angel Trailhead in Grand Canyon Village.

Lunch: At Maswik Lodge Food Court.

Afternoon: We’ll take a short walk to the trailhead, then hike down the Bright Angel Trail with our Group Leaders to get a feel for hiking on an inner canyon trail below the rim. Hiking leaders will describe the details, length, and destination of the hike they will lead. Road Scholars will subdivide into smaller groups and venture on the hike of their choosing. At the conclusion of the field trip, we’ll return to Yavapai Lodge via the National Park Service shuttle.

Dinner: At Yavapai Lodge Dining Hall.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to take the park shuttle to a viewpoint for a Grand Canyon sunset, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.

DAY
3
Palisades of the Desert Hike, Desert View
Grand Canyon - South Rim
B,L,D
Yavapai Lodge West

Activity note: Getting in/out of vans, driving about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Hiking about 6 miles, approximately 5 hours; first 1/2 mile mostly level terrain on old road bed, descends 700 feet to Palisades Rim then rocky trail, side-hill contouring, minor elevation changes. No restroom facilities on the trail.

Breakfast: At Yavapai Lodge Dining Hall.

Morning: We’ll ride with our Group Leaders to the Desert View area on the eastern end of the South Rim for our Palisades of the Desert hike. This is a true “off the beaten path” hike, not found in guide books. Beginning on an abandoned rocky road and ending up on a massive escarpment of the eastern Grand Canyon known as the Palisades of the Desert, there is a 700-foot elevation loss and then gain on this six-mile round-trip hike. Highlights will include remote and quiet hiking locations, colorful views of the distant Painted Desert, potential wildlife sightings, and striking views of the eastern portion of the Grand Canyon.

Lunch: Along the trail, we’ll have sack lunches.

Afternoon: After completing our hike, we’ll walk back to the vans in the Desert View parking lot. We will have some time for independent exploration of Desert View and the famous Watchtower designed by architect Mary Colter at the Park’s east entrance. We’ll have sweeping views of the Colorado River and distant views of the Painted Desert. Group Leaders will be available to answer questions. We’ll ride back to the lodge after our field trip.

Dinner: At Yavapai Lodge Dining Hall.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to take the park shuttle to a viewpoint for a Grand Canyon sunset, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.

DAY
4
Red Mountain Volcano, Free Time
Grand Canyon - South Rim
B,L
Yavapai Lodge West

Activity note: Getting in/out of vans; driving about 87 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Hiking about 3 miles round-trip, approximately 2.5 hours; well-established trail with good footing, fine volcanic cinder, gradual incline climbing/descending approximately 300 feet. No restroom facilities on the trail.

Breakfast: At Yavapai Lodge Dining Hall.

Morning: We will hop into vans and ride outside the park boundary to experience a less-visited but awesomely exceptional hike in the Kaibab National Forest. The Red Mountain hike offers great scenic and geologic rewards. A massive steam explosion in the flank of the Red Mountain cinder cone volcano late in its eruption, followed by subsequent erosion, have resulted in a geologic fairyland of spires, pinnacles, and hoodoos. Upon completion of our hike, we’ll return to the lodge.

Lunch: In the field, we’ll have sack lodges.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions. If you would like to explore independently, some of the available activities include riding the park's Hermit Road shuttle to various viewpoints and Hermit’s Rest, exploring the many interesting buildings in the historic Grand Canyon Village, visiting Yavapai Geology Museum and walking the Trail of Time, renting a bicycle and riding the Greenway Trail, and more.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please refer to the list of South Rim Dining Options.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to take the park shuttle to a viewpoint for a Grand Canyon sunset, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.

DAY
5
South Kaibab Trail Hike to Cedar Ridge & Skeleton Point
Grand Canyon - South Rim
B,L,D
Yavapai Lodge West

Activity note: Getting on/off park shuttle; riding about 3 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Hiking choices from 3-6 miles throughout the day depending on route preference; steep but well-maintained trail, approximately 4 to 5 feet wide, numerous water bars, step pads. Elevation changes from 1,100 to 2,000 feet depending on route preference.

Breakfast: At Yavapai Lodge Dining Hall.

Morning: With our Group Leaders, we will ride to the South Kaibab Trailhead for our hike to Cedar Ridge, which features vast, sweeping inner canyon views. We will divide into smaller groups with separate hike leaders and stagger groups along the trail as we descend. This will aid in the dissemination of information along the trail and make passing by other hikers easier and safer. This hike will be among the highlights of the program. We’ll traverse several of the geologic layers of the canyon, including the Coconino Sandstone, which contains fossilized reptile tracks. Along the way, we’ll encounter amazing inner canyon views, watch out for California condors soaring overhead, and enjoy trailside talks by our Group Leaders at various points of interest and at Cedar Ridge.

Lunch: Along the trail, we’ll have sack lunches.

Afternoon: Our South Kaibab Trail hike will continue. Weather permitting, those who wish to extend the route farther into the canyon to Skeleton Point are welcome to do so (an additional 1.5 miles and 1,000 foot loss of elevation one-way). Those who choose not to go farther into the canyon will hike back up to the rim at their own pace. After the hike, we will take the park shuttle back to the lodge, with time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: At a nearby restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At the restaurant with our Group Leader, we will have a program wrap-up and reflect on our experiences. Returning to the lodge, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
Grand Canyon - South Rim
B

Activity note: Lodge check-out 11:00 a.m. Road Scholar shuttle departs for Flagstaff at 7:30 am.

Breakfast: At Yavapai Lodge Dining Hall. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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