Iconic South rim hiking
dramatic, classic grand canyon scenery
private national forest campsite
off-the-beaten path south rim hiking
outrageous views
colors, sunsets, and natural drama
TRAVEL MODE
Chef-Styled Basecamping
TIME
5 DAYS
HIKING DISTANCES
Roughly 30 mi/63km total with optional side hiking
RATE
$2500/Person
POINT OF ORIGIN
Flagstaff. UT
GEOLOGIC ADVENTURER SKILL
undergraduate +
The Undergraduate geologist adventurer is capable of hiking 2-6 miles daily. Trails are generally maintained and have 1500 feet or less of change in elevation. Your backpack will weigh between 20-35 lbs. Undergraduate time traveling hikers must be healthy and relatively fit. Previous camping experience is a good idea, but not required.
The South Rim of Grand Canyon offers some of the grandest and most recognizable scenery in the world. Our chef-styled basecamp tour here is wonderful for folks looking to explore some of Grand Canyon’s finest scenery with the finer things in life
South Rim of Grand Canyon, with its bustling viewpoints, numerous lodges, paths and walkways, restaurants and gift shops, is perhaps the epicenter of the entire National Park system. Our tour here skips the madness with our private, luxury basecamp, and delves straight into the vast adventures with jaunts on three distinct trails. Top all of that with incredible chef-styled meals and delicious bites; is this a dream? Probably, but we make it a reality!
COMFORT RATINGS
FITNESS
COMFORT
Now this is camping! Many meals will consist of multi-course, freshly-prepared, restaurant quality meals with wine/drink pairings served on clothed tables. Accommodations are very comfortable with large tents, raised cots/beds, solar showers, and private bathrooms.
SOLITUDE
While hikers will pass through areas popular with tourists, they will spend most of the time in areas specially selected to be off the beaten path. There will be practically no wait time or crowds anywhere past the trail-heads. Overnighting is private and remote.
Trip Dates
Don’t see your dates?
Custom dates may be available!
Call 1-602-904-2536 or contact us for details.
2020 Trip Dates
TBD
2021 Trip Dates
TBD
TRAVEL PRIMER
DAY 1
Canyons and Chefs: South Rim Grand Canyon begins in Flagstaff, AZ at your host hotel. We will travel across northern Arizona through some of the most austere and spectaular scenery on the face of the planet. Our first stop will be Desert Watchtower, one of the most striking man-made features on the rim.
After exploring the area with expansive views, we’ll make our way to the fabulous Grandview Trail, a hand-hewn pioneer miner trail dating back to the late 1800’s. After soaring views and amazing photos, we will head to camp for the first of our fabulous multi-course dinners, prepared by Chef, of course!
Time in the car: 3-4 hours
Elevation & Distance: 4 miles,
Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 2-4
The next 3 days of our adventure will be jam-packed with incredible sights and memorable adventures. We will explore the fantastic Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs, and the famous South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. Each evening we will return to camp for some excellent dining, campfires, and unbelievable star-gazing, with optional moonlight-strolls on the rim of the world’s grandest canyon!
Elevation & Distance: variable each day, not more than 8 miles, up to 1000 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
On our final day in the Grand Canyon, we will wake up early to a fabulous breakfast and fresh coffee while our staff packs up camp. We will then head to our last grand adventure, one of our favorite spots on the South Rim, or anywhere in the southwest, for that matter. Our caravan will then head back to Flagstaff.
Elevation & Distance:4-8 miles, 300-600 foot elevation gain/loss per day
Breakfast, Lunch
Give me some details!
What is included in the Trip Rate?:
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Your geologist/guide with all professional, medical, and backcountry certifications
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Your professional chef with staff, multi-course meals and beverages
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Gear: backpack, tent, beds, sleeping pads, trek poles
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Kitchen: bowls, cups, utensils, full-scale professional kitchen
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Food: Chef-prepared meals and trail snacks
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Transportation: Roundtrip from the host hotel to all activities/attractions
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Fees: Permits, Entrance Fees, Camping Fees, all necessary trip fees
What is the Food Situation?:
Canyons and Chefs takes care of all meals on your tour. Starting with breakfast on your first day through lunch the final day, your professional chef will prepare a variety of 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 will include one main dish for breakfast and lunch, dinner will consist of multi-course meals with wine/drink pairings, all prepared by a professional chef and staff. All food options will be fresh, often farm-to-table. Trail snacks will include meats, cheeses, nuts, chocolate, and other filling, delicious, and varying backcountry food.
Is there anything that i need to provide myself?:
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Transportation to and from the host city/hotel
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Lodging prior to and following your trip
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Gear such as clothes, rainwear, and boots/shoes
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Personal items such as toiletries and sunscreen
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BMAG does not provide water bottles or Camelback-Style bladders
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Personal lighting such as headlamps or flashlights
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We suggest gratuities for your guide, typically 10-15% of the total trip cost
*Booked guests will receive a detailed information packet
What kind of group size can i expect?
Standard backpacking tours will accommodate 6 people plus one geologist/guide. The maximum group size is 10 guests and 2 guides.
Can I bring small children?
Children under 12 are generally not permitted on any of Canyons and Chefs scheduled trips due to insurance liabilities. This can be negotiable on private tours, please contact us to discuss this policy
I want to book a trip, how can i do that?
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.
Tell me more!
Where do tours start and finish?
This trip will begin/end in Flagstaff, Arizona and you will need to spend the night prior to your trip’s scheduled departure in Flagstaff. You will want to fly into Phoenix or Flagstaff.
Can I meet the guide before the trip?
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.
ummm, what should i do with all my luggage and whatnot?
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.
how should i plan my travel after the trip?
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.
Ready for an Adventure?
Join Canyons and Chefs for Chef-Styled and Geology-Focused hiking and backpacking adventures! Find the perfect Grand Canyon hiking tour, Wild Utah Hiking Tour, Vermillion Cliffs Backpacking or hiking.
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