WONDERS OF THE GRAND CANYON

This tour is truly a journey into the wonder and magic of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s the most memorable and rewarding loop hike in the Grand Canyon and features excellent streamside camps, thundering waterfalls, an enormous landslide that changed the course of the Colorado River, an enchanting slickrock narrows section, and a layover day to relax and absorb the magic of the place. The hike beautifully illustrates some of the most distinctive and scenic characteristics of the western Grand Canyon, and continues to be an all-time North Rim favorite.

We'll begin by hiking down to the Esplanade, a fantastic camp perched above the deeper layers of the Grand Canyon. From there we'll hike past Thunder River (appropriately named as it literally erupts from the side of a mountain) and follow Tapeats Creek to the Colorado River. After traversing part of the Colorado River we'll head back up Deer Creek, make camp, and explore its beautiful terraces, narrows, and the magnificent Deer Creek waterfall. The following two days will be spent returning to the North Rim.

Day 1

Shuttle to the North Rim: 3.5-4.5 hour drive
Hiking Mileage: 4.0 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,200 feet

We begin this classic Grand Canyon backpacking tour off the North Rim and hike downhill to a broad slickrock terrace known as the Esplanade. We spend our first night at the edge of the Esplanade where we have expansive views into the inner Grand Canyon.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 6.0 miles
Elevation Loss: 3,200 feet

This day begins with a descent to Surprise Valley. Here we turn west and begin a steep, steady descent across debris from an enormous landslide that changed the course of the Colorado River. We’ll pass Deer Spring, a waterfall that flows out of a cliff wall and the source for Deer Creek, before descending another 1,000 feet to the Deer Creek Valley where we’ll make camp. Deer Creek is one of the most beautiful spots in the canyon. We’ll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting Deer Creek Narrows and hike to Deer Creek Falls, where the creek flows out of a narrow Tapeats Sandstone canyon and forms a large waterfall next to the Colorado River.

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 5.2 miles
Elevation Loss: 450 feet

We’ll get up and start working our way upstream along the Colorado River to the dramatic Tapeats Rapid. From here we’ll follow Tapeats Creek upstream where potential stream crossings and some exposure make for exciting hiking as the trail alternates between flat, sandy stretches next to the creek and short, steep climbs over the Hakatai Shale. Eventually we’ll reach the Upper Tapeats camp at the junction of Tapeats Creek and Thunder River, a beautiful spot located in a cottonwood riparian zone adjacent to the creek. Once camp is set up we’ll explore upstream along the white waters of Thunder River to Thunder Spring, a waterfall that erupts from large fissures at the Muav Limestone, Bright Angel Shale contact.

Day 4

This is a layover day (if a 6-day trip) to absorb the tremendous scale of this area. Willing members of the group will join the guide on a spectacular day hike upstream and off trail along Tapeats Creek. It is a remote and beautiful canyon that will be the highlight of the trip for many. Once back in camp we can swim, read, explore, or do nothing at all!

Day 5

Hiking Mileage: 6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet

Today’s hike takes us past Thunder Spring again and back to Surprise Valley. From here we’ll head up through the Redwall to our Esplanade camp from the first night.

Day 6

Hiking Mileage: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Shuttle: 3.5-4.5-hour drive

On our final day we’ll retrace our route from day one, which means crossing the Esplanade and climbing through the Canyon’s uppermost rock formations to gain the trailhead and civilization once again. Having just experienced five or six days below the rim you’ll certainly have a different perspective on this place than you did on the first day!