I

Wild packrafting adventure

I

Ruins, Petroglyphs

I

Mysterious Abandoned Pioneer Relics

I

Lose the crowds

I

exciting, unique route from north rim

I

Rim to Rim bucket list

GEOLOGIC TIME TRAVEL MODE

BACKPACKING

TIME

6 DAYS

SPACE

Roughly 30 mi/63km with optional side hiking

RATE

$1750/Person

POINT OF ORIGIN

Flagstaff, AZ

GEOLOGIC ADVENTURER SKILL

GRADUATE +

The Graduate geologist adventurer will be capable of hiking 4 – 10 miles daily. Trails are generally maintained and have 5000 feet or less of change in elevation. Your backpack will weigh 30-45 lbs. Graduate time traveling hikers should be in good health, and exercise regularly. Previous backpacking experience is advised.

Explore one of the original pioneer routes into Grand Canyon with a unique chance to raft the Colorado River

Looking for something besides the standard, crowded Grand Canyon Rim to Rim route?  Behold!  This exciting and incredibly unique tour offers a chance to check several items off the Grand Canyon adventure bucket list:  Rim to Rim?  Check.  Ancient Ruins and petroglyphs?  Check.  Relics from one of Grand Canyon’s great mysteries?  Check.  Thrilling rafting experience?  Check.  No crowds?  Check.  Are you in?  You’d better be!

COMFORT RATINGS

FITNESS
Hikers should have the ability to hike on and off marked trails, to scramble over obstacles and/or barriers with frequent changes in elevation for up to 14 miles per day, carrying medium sized packs of gear. All hikes are one-way, except in case of emergency, and are traveled at a steady walking pace with breaks.
COMFORT

A real back-packing trip, comfort is what you carry with you. There are no showers or electricity on the trail and restrooms are primitive. Backpackers can expect to sleep on a sleeping pad outdoors or in a small tent. Food consists of single-entrée meals, some food are freeze-dried or dehydrated with a few fresh food selections. Meals are prepared by your guide and served “group-style” out of pots and usually eaten out of personal meal-kits while sitting on the ground.

SOLITUDE

Hikers will visit the remote frontier. Guides will take you to the hard-to-reach and hard-to-find attractions that remain completely untouched by the crowds. Groups will see few, if any, other hikers through the trip. Overnighting is private and secluded.

Trip Dates

Don’t see your dates?
Custom dates may be available!

Call 1-602-904-2536 or contact us for details.

2019 Trip Dates

TBD

2020 Trip Dates

May 28- June 1

GEOLOGIC TIME TRAVEL PRIMER

DAY 1

The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Bass Trail Tour begins in Flagstaff, AZ where we make final preperations and head towards the North Rim of Grand Canyon.  We will spend the day sightseeing on our way to the trailhead, which is approached via a wild 4WD drive road.  Our group will spend the evening overlooking the rim of Grand Canyon as we contemplate the absolutely epic journey ahead of us.

Time in the car: 5-6 hours
Elevation & Distance: None
Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAYS 2-4

This morning we will begin our descent of the North Bass Trail, first carved out by William Wallace Bass.  Mr. Bass was one of the first to recognize the Canyon’s potential as a tourist attraction, and bushwhacked this trail down to the river where he would host folks from around the world.  Today, the trail is rocky and adventurous, so there’s no hurry.  Our descent to the Colorado River will take 3 days, giving us great opportunities to explore the secret gems of Grand Canyon.

Elevation & Distance: 22.5 miles, 6000 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAYS 5 & 6

We will reach the Colorado River, where our adventure truly begins!  We’ll take out our packrafts and paddles, navigating the mighty Colorado down to Bass Camp and its fabulous beach.  After drinking in the stunning scenery and reflecting on our descent, we begin the trek to the South Rim.  We’ll spend our final night on the Esplanade before going topside, where our shuttle will be waiting.  

Elevation & Distance: 6-12 miles each day, 300-600 foot elevation gain/loss per day
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Give me some details!

What is included in the Trip Rate?:

  • Your geologist/guide with all professional, medical, and backcountry certifications
  • Gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trek poles
  • Kitchen: bowls, cups, utensils, backcountry kitchen
  • Food: Full meals and trail snacks
  • Transportation: Roundtrip from the host hotel to all activities/attractions
  • Fees: Permits, Entrance Fees, Camping Fees, all necessary trip fees

What is the Food Situation?:

 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.

Is there anything that i need to provide myself?:

  • 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

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 Blue Marble’s 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 Kanab, Utah and you will need to spend the night prior to your trip’s scheduled departure in Kanab. You will want to fly into St. George or Las Vegas. 

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 Blue Marble Adventure GeoTourism on geology-themed hiking and backpacking adventures! Find the perfect Grand Canyon hiking tour, Utah Canyon Country Tour, Vermillion Cliffs Backpacking or hiking.

Explore Further, Be Wild, See Through Time.