by The Goat | Aug 31, 2020
Hike a classic route in Grand Canyon with all the scenery, adventure, geology, and none of the crowds
The Hermit Loop Backpacking tour, consisting of a lariat around The Hermit Trail to the Boucher Trail, is an epic trip for beginning Grand Canyoners. The Grand Canyon will greet you in all its glory throughout this trip, with unique geologic features such as natural springs, outcrops of travertine, dramatic views of the Inner Gorge, and tremendous solitude with the feeling that you have the whole canyon to yourself. Lewis Boucher, “the Hermit of the Grand Canyon”, famously carved these two trails as part of his homestead and mining claims. The Santa Fe Railroad came through and made improvements to the Hermit Trail portion as a way to shuttle tourists into the Canyon, however, not much has changed on the Boucher Trail side, as it is as rugged and remote a trail as one will find on the South Rim. Adventurous canyoneers will absolutely love this trail, and beginning canyoneers will utterly appreciate the scenery, solitude, and epic granduer that is offered on this adventure.
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 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 | Jul 28, 2020
The North Rim of Grand Canyon offers and escape into a world you will not expect. Lush forests, wildlife, and the remote, peaceful, quiet rim await you on this incredible adventure
The North Rim of Grand Canyon could not be more different from its counterpart to the south. Here on North Rim, guests will be treated to an incredible experience of wild stars, privacy on the trails, and a feeling more in keeping with the wild, wide open, colorful expanse of Grand Canyon itself. Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons soar in the sky over such iconic sites as Point Imperial, Mount Hayden, and Bright Angel Point.
This tour explores the wild beauty of the Thunder River, the remote and exciting Widforss Trail, and a few special surprises that makes North Rim one of the most special places in the southwest. Top all of that with incredible chef-styled meals and delicious bites; is this a dream? Probably, but we make it a reality!
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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