Guided Grand Canyon Backpacking

This morning begins in lovely Flagstaff, AZ where we will have an early breakfast in the comfort of the host hotel before departing to Grand Canyon National Park.  We will head to Hermit’s Rest and descend the incredibly scenic trail towards Monument Creek.  We will take a quick side adventure to the unique and inviting Dripping Springs, a wonderful respite in this desert canyon where we will enjoy a freshly prepared and delicious picnic lunch.  Our camp tonight is at the beautiful Monument Creek, laying under an enormous and impressive spire in the middle of a gurgling creek.  

Hiking Miles: 9.3 miles

Elevation Change: 3000ft elevation loss

Drive Time: 2.5 hours

Today we will leave our basecamp behind to explore Monument Creek down to the indomitable Granite Rapids, where the intersection of the creek and the great Colorado River creates enormous rapids.  We may see some rafters navigating the torrent while we have lunch and explore the area.  After our fill of adventure we head back to camp.

Hiking Miles: 3.5 miles

Elevation: 1000 foot gain/loss

Our third day sees us back across the Tonto Divide into the Hermit Creek drainage down to Hermit Rapids.  This perspective on the canyon gives us enhanced understanding of the intricate network of drainages and side canyons that define small pieces of the greater whole – truly grand!

Hiking Miles:  6-12 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 500-100

Our third day sees us back across the Tonto Divide into the Hermit Creek drainage down to Hermit Rapids.  This perspective on the canyon gives us enhanced understanding of the intricate network of drainages and side canyons that define small pieces of the greater whole – truly grand!

Hiking Miles:  6-12 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 500-100

Today we will have a big breakfast in camp and head back up the trail toward Hermit’s Rest.  Our group can expect to reach our vehicle by mid-afternoon, and be back in Flagstaff by 5pm

Hiking Miles: 9.3

Elevation: 3500ft gain

Day 1

Breakfast – at the hotel prior to departure

Welcome Night Dinner

*wine and/or requested cocktails available during dinner service

Salad of Roasted Nuts, Beans, Sprouts, and Kale Chips

• CxC house dressing

NY Strip Au Poivre

• Pan-seared, pepper-crusted
• Demi glace, crispy potato

Backcountry creme brulee

• House-made toffee, cacao nibs, burnt turbinado

Day 2

Breakfast

CxC Chilaquiles

• Salsa Verde, crispy corn tortilla
• CxC dehydrated eggs, braised pork shank

Dinner

Camp-proofed sourdough toast points

• Seasonal jam

Yellow Curry w/ chicken and basmati rice

Mexican Chocolate-Caramel Kettle Corn

Day 3

Breakfast

Cowboys’ Breakfast

• Crispy potato, cured ham, pinto bean, cornmeal, pork belly

Dinner

Lentil-Tomato Stew

Lasagna w/ house-made noodles and ground ribeye

Backcountry Tiramisu

Day 4

Breakfast

CxC Pancake Bites

• Bacon, Apples, Berries, Protein
• Hot Maple

What Canyons and Chefs Provides

Guides/Staff

Your guide for this experience is a professional geologist and experienced wilderness guide with all requisite medical certifications and training.  Staff will facilitate the experience in camp, while traveling, and with various guest needs. 

Food

The food on your tour is of the highest quality, and prepared professionally in camp by professional chefs.  Meals will consist of multiple options and courses using fresh ingredients.  Dining takes place in a prepared, private dining area with lighting and table service.  Certain meals will include wine/drink pairings.

We accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. Special dietary requests may require an additional fee or other arrangements.

Breakfast includes freshly-brewed coffee and/or organic teas

Lunch – selection of healthy, protein-packed jerkies, cheese, nuts, meats, tasty trail snacks and GORPS

Canyons and Chefs provides the following gear:

• Osprey 65L Pack (Men’s/Women’s)
• Komperdell Trek Poles
• Klymit Stretch Sleeping bag (15-degree)
• Big Agnes Sleeping Pad
• 2-person MSR backpacking tent
• Raised Helinox cots
• Katadyn Water filtration system
• Personal first-aid kit

Camp accommodations are quite nice, with large tents, comfortable raised cots, dining area and access to amenities such as internet access (not guaranteed in canyons).