Day 2 will begin with a sunrise breakfast, and hitting the trail on our epic hiking route to the Colorado River.  As we descend, we will first see a plaque dedicated to the trail’s namesake, Mr. Bill Hall, who was a ranger at the North Rim for many years.  There will be sweeping views of gorgeous Tapeats Amphitheatre and to the faraway South Rim.  A delightful traverse of the Esplanade follows, with more excellent views and an exciting downclimb, and a couple fords of Tapeats Creek.  We will then reach Thunder Springs and its River, a truly awesome sight.  A few more miles winding down the Tapeats Creek drainage will see us reach the Upper Tapeats camp and our excellent campsite, where your geologist/guide will set up camp and prepare and excellent dinner.

Elevation & Distance: 10.4 miles, 4500 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your third day offers a tremendous hiking traverse to, and then above the Colorado River, with excellent views of the Inner Gorge, and some exciting route-finding, scrambling, and downclimbing on the way to our second night’s camp at Deer Creek.  After arriving at Deer Creek, we will doff our packs in favor of something lighter, to hike explore the narrows of side canyons and tributaries.

Elevation & Distance: 7 miles, 1000 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s exciting ascent will see us through excellent narrows to Deer Creek, similar to its partner Thunder River in that it issues as a wonderful waterfall from a groundwater spring on the side of the canyon walls.  Though less voluminous, the area is incredibly charming and lush, with spectacular views.  As we ascend through Deer Creek drainage, we will reach Surprise Valley, then on to the Esplanade where we will make camp and prepare for our ascent to the North Rim.

Elevation & Distance: 7 miles, 4000 foot ascent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final day on the trail is shorter and somewhat less demanding hiking than our last couple of days, as we traverse the pleasant topography of the Esplanade before we make our final push to the North Rim, retracing the steps from our descent.  More sweeping vistas, dramatic and unique scenery, and excellent adventure are in store.  After we come up topside, we will celebrate our Grand Adventure in the geologist’s tradition: with libations at a local watering hole before we head back to Flagstaff.
Elevation & Distance: 4 miles, 1200 ascent
Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: 4 hours​

 Blue Marble takes care of all meals on your tour.  Starting with breakfast on your first day through lunch the final day, your geologist/guide will prepare a variety of chef-inspired meals on the trail and in camp.  All dietary needs are accommodated, so please get in touch with us to give us details of your requirements. There may be times where special needs necessitate a small rate increase.

Meals with include one main dish, which is prepared by your geologist/guide. Fresh options may be limited, as backpacking typically requires lightweight, non-perishable foods. Trail snacks will include meats, cheeses, nuts, chocolate, and other filling, delicious, and varying backcountry food.

• Transportation to and from the host city/hotel

• Lodging prior to and following your trip

• Gear such as clothes, rainwear, and boots/shoes

• Personal items such as toiletries and sunscreen

• BMAG does not provide water bottles or Camelback-Style bladders

• Personal lighting such as headlamps or flashlights

• We suggest gratuities for your guide, typically 10-15% of the total trip cost

*Booked guests will receive a detailed information packet

Standard backpacking tours will accommodate 6 people plus one geologist/guide.  The maximum group size is 10 guests and 2 guides.

Children under 12 are generally not permitted on any of Blue Marble’s scheduled trips due to insurance liabilities. This can be negotiable on private tours, please contact us to discuss this policy

Tour bookings can be completed through our online booking platform or through our office.  A 50% deposit is required, and the full trip rate will be due 90 days prior to trip departure.  Bookings within the 90-day window require payment in full.  Trip rates are payable through our online booking platform or over the phone by Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover.  Checks by mail are fine as well, as are bank transfers ($35 transfer fee).

Call our office Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Arizona time. 1-602-904-2536, or contact us for more information.

A pre-trip briefing is held at the host hotel the evening before trip departure.  Any questions will be answered, and you will have the opportunity to discuss anything you wish with your geologist/guide. Most trips will depart between 6am and 9am the following morning.

BMAG provides all transport throughout the trip.  Our guests staying at the host hotel may choose to leave their car at the hotel. Our designated host hotels will typically store your luggage if necessary.  In the event that this cannot be arranged, BMAG is more than happy to store luggage and personal belongings in a private and secure location during your tour.

In general, most trips can expect to be back to the host hotel by 6pm on the final day of the trip. Some trips may return earlier.  BMAG typically recommends that you do not plan to fly home on the same day your trip finishes. Each trip has its own particular set of circumstances and logistics, so please  contact us with any specific questions you may have.