4-Day Backpacking Trip

Grand Canyon Backpacking: South Rim (Hermit Trail Loop)

$1,179 per person
trip image 1trip image 2trip image 3trip image 4trip image 5trip image 6trip image 7trip image 8trip image 9
trip dates
May-Sep
Trip Dates
May 15-18
Sep 18-21

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
4 Days
trip difficulty
Advanced
Difficulty Level: Advanced
This trip is rated Advanced. Participants will be carrying backpacks of 30-45lbs over steep and rocky terrain for up to 11 miles per day. Participants should be prepared to hike over steep, rocky and sometimes exposed terrain, with constant and dramatic elevation gains and/or losses of up to 3,700'-5,000' per day on most days. Sections of the trail will be exposed and pass near cliff edges. This trip is not recommended for those with vertigo or an extreme fear of heights. We strongly recommend practicing with 30-45lbs in the pack you intend to use for the trip and making sure your hiking boots are broken in before departure. This is not a beginning backpacking trip. Previous experience is highly recommended and we ask you to review your personal health and preparation plan with your medical physician prior to traveling.
trip difficulty
4-9 PEOPLE

Description

A challenging 4-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon's South Rim brings extraordinary views and exceptional feelings of personal accomplishment.

The Grand Canyon—with its rugged trails and unforgettable scenery—is truly one of America's greatest natural wonders. Avid backpackers around the world seek out its mystic depths in search of a true personal challenge. This strenuous trip is designed for experienced and fit backpackers. We hike on steep, rocky trails with dramatic elevation gains and losses. Our reward is the time spent below the rim—an experience unlike any other, and a milestone accomplishment for avid backpackers.

Along our way from the South rim to the Colorado River at the Canyon's floor, we see astounding rock formations, springs and waterfalls, and fossils and relics revealing the immense history of the region. During rest stops, we take in awe-inspiring views and cool off in the canyon's waters. Camp beneath starry skies, enjoying delicious meals and good stories with new friends.

Please note that minors under 18 need prior approval to join this trip. We are happy to answer any questions through email or phone listed below.

Have a question about this trip? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.
Sports Basement has partnered with Backcountry Found for this trip.

You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.

Itinerary

Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

DAY 1

Meet your guides and the other group members this morning inside Grand Canyon National Park at 7:30am AZ time. Before we begin our journey the guides will hold a brief orientation, distribute group gear, and perform a pack check. Shortly thereafter we'll transfer to the trailhead where stunning views await. Our legs warm up quickly as we begin our descent along the steep and rocky trail into the canyon. At camp, guides prepare our meal. A canopy of stars rewards us after a long day. Dinner included.

Backpacking: 8-10 miles; Elevation loss: 4,400'

DAY 2 & 3

After a hearty breakfast each morning, we pack up and hike to our next camp. Depending on our route, we'll see spectacular sites like Hance Rapids, the Grand Canyon Supergroup Layers, Redwall Cliffs, Vishnu Temple, and the Colorado River - amazing examples from 1.7 billion years of Earth's geological history. Scenery includes beautiful river views, other-worldly rock formations, and ample stargazing. We end our days at a comfortable camp and recharge with a freshly-prepared dinner. Breakfast and Dinner included.

Backpacking: 5-11 miles; elevation gain/loss varies depending on route.

DAY 4

Today we make our exit ascent to the canyon rim. An early start takes advantage of the coolest part of the day as we climb up the rocky trail. Depending on time, we may make a brief side trip for more views of the canyon. At the rim, we take in a final view of this dramatic chasm and say our goodbyes. Finishing time is generally in the late afternoon but can vary greatly based on trail and weather conditions, hiking speed of the entire group and other circumstances beyond our control. As a result, we recommend postponing travel plans until the following day. Breakfast included.

Backpacking: 8-9 miles; Elevation gain: 3,500-4,000'

Note: Trip members will need to bring a variety of quick foods for snacks and lunch each day. Granola bars, drink mixes, trail mix, bagels, hard cheeses, salami, jerky, tuna packets (not cans), crackers, packets of nut butter (not jars), apples, etc. are all good choices.

Packing List

Included:
  • Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
  • All necessary permits for backpacking in the Grand Canyon
  • Tents and ground cloths
  • Trekking poles
  • Three breakfasts and three dinners
  • Cooking equipment
  • Water filters
  • First aid kits and other group gear
  • An amazing wilderness experience
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from Grand Canyon National Park
  • Personal backpacking gear (see gear list below; rentals available)
  • Trail snacks
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Guide gratuities
  • Backpack
  • 4-5 liters water capacity
  • Headlamp (no spare batteries)
  • Bowl/cup
  • Eating utensil (only one)
  • Clothing (no more than 2 of anything)
  • Sunscreen (travel size)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Lunch food & snacks
  • Electrolytes (minimum mix to make 4 liters)
  • Toilet paper/wet wipes (bring only what you’ll use; must pack out used tp)
  • Personal items (meds/vitamins/etc - quantity for 4 days)
  • Zip locks for toilet paper and personal trash

A complete, detailed gear list will be sent after registration.

  • Tent
  • Sleeping pad
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm
  • Personal hand sanitizer
  • Bandana
  • Hiking poles
  • Camp shoes/sandals
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste (travel size or share)
  • 1 luxury item (book, cards, journal, pillow)
  • Soap
  • Rain pants
  • Compass
  • Knife
  • Lighter
  • 1st aid kit
  • Towel
  • Bathing suit
  • Wallet (just bring ID, insurance, credit card)
  • Full set keys (just take car key)
  • Bug spray
  • Cosmetics
  • Deodorant
  • Trowel
  • Extra warm layers or accessories (fleece, hats, gloves)
  • Anything else
Interested in a private trip? Click here for info.
Sports Basement Outdoors Cancellation Policy

For our Ski Bus trips:

Cancellations for the Tahoe Ski Bus must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time in order to receive a refund of 97%. After that, refunds will not be given, but we will accommodate rescheduling of reservations up until noon the day before the trip.

For all overnight trips or multiple day courses:

If we cancel a trip:
While we make every effort to run our scheduled trips, our current climate reality means that some trips may not be safe to run due to circumstances beyond our control. At our sole discretion, we may choose to postpone, reschedule or cancel these trips. If we decide to cancel,  postpone or reschedule a trip,, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. If participants are unable to reschedule to another date, a full refund will be provided.
Please note: Rain, snow, nearby fires or smoke are not necessarily reasons we will cancel a trip. 

If you cancel a trip:
For all overnight trips or multiple-day courses, you can cancel more than 30 days before the start of the trip/course and receive a full refund.  Between 30 and 14 days before the start of the trip, you can reschedule your trip for a future date, but no refunds are given. If you cancel within 14 days of the start of the trip,, there are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling. **
**Exceptions may be available for severe illnesses, injuries, or a death in the immediate family. A medical note from a licensed physician or death certificate will be required. If an exception is made, a fee of  50% of the total trip cost will be charged .
We're proud to add the Grand Canyon as a marquee destination to our Sports Basement Outdoors guided trip lineup.

With the expertise of our SoCal Regional Director Eden Slezin, who has been guiding and coordinating overnight backpacking trips to the Grand Canyon for nearly 20 years, you're sure to have the best backpacking experience possible in one of the world's most beloved and awe-inspiring landmarks.