Backpacking Tours of the Grand Canyon

If you're fairly new to backpacking, some tour operators offer tours geared just to your needs and abilities. Several of these tours leave the Grand Canyon South Rim from the South Kaibab Trail, hike into the canyon, spend the night at Phantom Ranch in the bottom of the canyon, and return to the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail.

This means about 16 miles of rigorous hiking in two days. If you are not in good physical shape, this hike can be brutal. However, if you're looking for a unique Grand Canyon South Rim tour, this is one way to see the canyon from a completely different viewpoint – below the rim – with an experienced hiker and guide along to help you over the rough spots.

Hiking in the spring or fall means lower temperatures inside the canyon and an easier hiking experience, so plan your Grand Canyon South Rim tour accordingly.