Our second day will see us into the portion of the Little Colorado River Gorge wherein the Little Colorado River becomes less of a trickle, and more of a river.  We will pass several natural springs that gush from the canyon walls and add more and more volume to the swell that becomes the Little Colorado River, turning an alluring blue-green from dissolved carbonate minerals.  Today’s hiking will consist of several crossings and some route-finding as we pick our way to and fro from bank to bank.  Tonight’s camp will be near Big Canyon, and we will have time to explore Emerald Pools, a tremendously scenic spring in Big Canyon. 

Elevation & Distance: 9 miles, 1000 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On day 3, after a good breakfast we willl again begin hiking, reaching the confluence of the Little Colorado and Colorado Rivers, and Grand Canyon’s Beamer Trail.  Though the last couple of days have been excellent and spectacular, this confluence is quite impressive, with thundering rapids and sweeping views from the Tapeats Sandstone ledges traversed by the Beamer.  We will camp at the Palisades Creek drainage, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the Lava Canyon Rapids in Grand Canyon National Park.

Elevation & Distance: 9 miles, 350 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your fourth day will continue our hiking traverse of the Beamer Trail from Palisades Creek towards Tanner Beach.  Look out for Chuar Butte and Temple Butte as we cruise along this exciting trail, which will present us with some exposure and sweeping views down to the Colorado River.  We will camp tonight at Tanner Beach, a gorgeous spot with excellent view to the Palisades of the Desert, a 4000 foot sheer cliff unique to this part of Grand Canyon.

Elevation & Distance: 9 miles, 300 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will split our ascent to Lipan Point into two days.  Today we will take our time in camp, and explore some old copper mining claims and Seth Tanner’s abandoned cabin, a testament to the search for riches in this wondrous place.  We will ascend Tanner Canyon beginning in the Dox Sandstone, and will end atop the Redwall limestone at our scenic, but dry camp where our water caches will come in handy.

 
Elevation & Distance: 5 miles, 2500 ascent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our sixth day begins like many final days of our backpacking yours; with a nice, lazy morning in camp, then a continuation of our ascent to the South Rim of Grand Canyon.  We will enjoy a pleasant traverse along the Esplanade before we climb past the Seventyfive Mile Canyon Viewpoint with views out to Zoroaster Temple.  After coming topside, we will meet our shuttle and celebrate like geologists, with libations at a local watering hole before we travel back to Flagstaff.

Elevation & Distance: 4 miles, 2500 ascent
Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: 1.5 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.