by The Goat | Aug 30, 2020
Venture along one of Grand Canyon’s most unique, varied, and interesting trails from the remote solitude and grandeur of the North Rim
The Thunder River/Deer Creek Loop Backpacking tour is possibly one of the most epic trips on a developed trail in all of Grand Canyon. True to its name, Thunder River thunders forth from a limestone cavern, cascading spectacuarly onto the cliffs below before channeling itself into a swift creek, an incredibly unique and magical sight and peice of geology in this wonderful place. The adventure itself is no less epic, as we traverse through the Esplanade, through slot canyons, camp at excellent sights, and are afforded numerous opportunities for exciting scrambles and downclimbs. Even the drive to the trailhead will make you feel like you’re in a world of your own, as it is far removed from even the far removed North Rim developments, making this adventure truly special.
by The Goat | Aug 30, 2020
Witness the southwest’s premier display of the power of water, wind, and time
The Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness is a playground for the adventurer, and the Vermillion Cliffs Loop Backpacking tour celebrates it all. Home to some of the most spectacular, varied, and photographed places in the southwest, this loop of the Vermillion Cliffs’ greatest features is not to be missed. Starting in the northern part of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, we will visit Water Pockets with sweeping views to the famous Wave and Grand Canyon in the distace, down to Coyote Buttes where we will see twisted and wild rock formations, into White Pockets, which many say is the ultimate photography spot in the American Southwest, and into the heart of Vermillion Cliffs. From our deep wilderness basecamp, we will have the fabulous opportunity to hike and explore this outstanding wilderness, which houses some of the most fascinating and phenomenal geology, scenic vistas, and remote solitude in the American Southwest.
by The Goat | Aug 4, 2020
Check off every Grand Canyon dream you ever had on a historic Spanish exploration route
Named by Backpacker Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Backpacking Trips of a Lifetime”, the Escalante Route Backpacking tour from Tanner to Grandview offers just about everything you could ask for on a Grand Canyon backpacking adventure, plus a bit more. Ridiculous views, remote solitude, thundering rapids, fascinating geology that ranges from the wide open eastern Canyon to the Inner Gorge, a class 3 scramble over the vaunted Papago Wall, a jaunt through a slot canyon, and memories that will last a lifetime are all on the itinerary here.
by The Goat | Mar 26, 2020 | Backpacking, Grand Canyon, Hiking, National Parks, Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon
What are the Best Backpacking Trips in Grand Canyon?
Grand Canyon National Park can be a nearly overwhelming place. What do I do? Where should I go? Even for seasoned backpackers, the choices can be endless and exhausting. The Goat has compiled a list especially for you, outlining backpacking trips in Grand Canyon for all skill and experience levels. Enjoy!
5. The Hermit Loop
Time: 3 days, 2 nights
Distance: 18 miles
Difficulty: Undergraduate+ (Check out our difficulty ratings)
The Hermit Loop is a truly classic Grand Canyon backpacking trip that can be easily accomplished over a long weekend. It is a great hike for those who are looking to take their first backpacking foray into the big ditch, and truly hits all the highlights. Sweeping vistas, interesting side trips, and excellent canyon history await on a trail forged originally by the “hermit of the Grand Canyon”, Mr. Louis Boucher. The route was later improved by the Santa Fe Railroad Line in an attempt to bring mining, then tourism, into the area.
4. Tuckup Canyon via the Stairway to Heaven
Time: 7 days, 6 nights
Distance: 45 miles
Difficulty: PhD+ (check our difficulty ratings)
Get your defibrillator, this one is not for the faint of heart. Located in one of the most remote parts of Grand Canyon, this long, challenging loop is meant for experienced cannoneers only. This route takes ambitious hikers down Tuckup Canyon, past Shaman’s Gallery (recognized as one of the most spectacular rock art etchings in the American Southwest), through a traverse along the mighty Colorado River, and then up Stairway Canyon. Along the way, there are exciting climbing, route-finding, and scrambling challenges, and . Strap in!
3. Thunder River to Deer Creek
Time: 4 days, 3 nights
Distance: 28 miles
Difficulty: Graduate+ (check our difficulty ratings)
The Thunder River to Deer Creek Loop is perhaps the North Rim’s most fabulous backpacking trip. Multiple water sources, outstanding scenery, and a truly thunderous river. Geologically speaking, Thunder River is one of the most unique features in Grand Canyon. It begins as an underground river (aquifer) up on the Kaibab Plateau. It flows along various fault lines and crustal weaknesses until it breaks loose at the contact of the permeable Esplanade Group (mostly shales) and the impermeable Redwall Limestone, quite literally thundering onto the rocks below.
2. Rim-to-Rim via Phantom Ranch
Time: 3 days, 2 nights
Distance: 19 miles
Difficulty: Graduate (check our difficulty ratings)
This is the true Grand Canyon classic backpacking trip. Starting at the North Rim, your descent begins on the North Kaibab Trail as it winds it way down to the Colorado River. Along the way hikers are treated to unspoiled views, soaring eagles, and a well-developed trail. Thru-hikers may camp at Bright Angel Campground, or stay in the lodge at the famed Phantom Ranch. From here hikers may choose to ascend either the South Kaibab Trail (shorter, steeper) or the Bright Angel Trail (more miles) and stay the second night on the Esplanade. After cresting on the South Rim, be sure to gaze upon your North Rim starting point. This is one of the most popular trips in Grand Canyon, so be sure to make your reservations early!
1. The Escalante Route
Time: 5 days, 4 nights
Distance: 35 miles
Difficulty: PhD (check our difficulty ratings)
Carved by early Puebloan explorers of Grand Canyon, this long traverse of Grand Canyon from the Tanner Trail to Horseshoe Mesa and Grandview is perhaps one of the finest backpacking trips on the planet. There is a little bit of everything Grand Canyon here, as hikers will encounter outrageous views of the Great Unconformity, sandy beaches, a class 3 scramble over the famous Papago Wall, and a spectacular slot canyon carved from billion-year-old Shinumo Quartzite. This route confronts with hikers with the unimaginable scale of Grand Canyon, as it will seem as though you are climbing mountains in a canyon. Grand!
Going Guided
Hiking and exploring The Wave, or any of our public lands, is a special experience. Although it is possible to see these places yourself, hiring a guiding outfitter is a great idea. For instance, guiding services provide logistical support, and plan everything for your best possible trip. They provide a great safety net on the trail, and are trained in backcountry medicine. Above all, they provide a depth of knowledge of the region that turns a walk into a true adventure.
Canyons and Chefs provides all of the support you need, and pairs that with professional chefs and expert geologist/guides. Our meals use fresh ingredients and are inspired by local farms, culture, and cuisine. We utilize a mobile professional kitchen as a backbone for cooking over the fire. Furthermore, we provide top-of-the-line gear and passion for the places we explore. In conclusion, you can these wild places, but going with a guide can create an even more memorable experience. Don’t be shy, and call us!
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by The Goat | Dec 14, 2019
Venture into Robbers Roost, Fable Plateau, and Bears Ears to explore of America’s last wilderness frontiers
The Dark Canyon Wilderness and Primitive Area Complex is truly one of America’s last frontiers. Our Sundance to Dark Canyon Backpacking tour explores Robbers Roost, Fable Plateau, and Bears Ears in this Grand Canyon-like setting that has a little bit of everything; sweeping views of the Dark Canyon Country, cross-country hiking and exploration, deep and spectacular narrows, fascinating geology, and utterly remote solitude. Just getting here is an adventure in and of itself, as we take our shuttle off the beaten path along thrilling 4wd trails to the Sundance Trailhead where this epic hiking adventure begins. We will have the opportunity to hike and explore much of Dark Canyon’s outstanding wilderness, and see some of the finest views in Utah or the American Southwest. The best thing is, you just might have Robbers Roost, Fable Plateau, and Bears Ears all to yourself!
