Bright Angel Loop: Canyon Backpacking Classics
A perfect introduction to backpacking in Grand Canyon, the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails make their way through a diverse cross section of geology and ecology. Enjoy spectacular river views and hikes to side creeks and canyons, and camp at iconic Bright Angel Campground and Havasupai Gardens along the route.
- Dates:
May, November
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trip Length: 5 Days
- Cost: $1,200
- Group size: 9
Trip Highlights
- The "Art" of Backpacking - This session will be devoted to the basics of backcountry travel, with a focus on proper equipment, food, and preparation
- Explore Grand Canyon geology, natural history, and flora and fauna with expert guides
- Learn tips and tools for hiking in hot desert regions along with prevention of common backpacking injuries and illnesses
- Discover trail etiquette and principles of low impact backcountry travel and camping
- Explore the geology, plants, animals, ecology, and human history of Grand Canyon with an expert guide
What's Included
Price for the class includes:
Expert instructors
Comprehensive gear list
Food and menu planning ideas
Comprehensive 60-day workout schedule from GCCFI with mobility, strength, and cardio exercises
Expedition First Aid kits
Food containers are provided in the campgrounds
Group water filter
Satellite phone
Backcountry permits for backpacking into Grand Canyon
What's Not Included
Transportation to and from the canyon
All of your food and gear
Hotel lodging in the park before or after your trip if you would like
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation 15-20% of trip cost, read this article to receive more guidance)
Itinerary
Please note that itinerary details are subject to change. Specific trails and distances traveled may be adjusted due to weather, trail maintenance or closures, or other factors outside our control. We will communicate any adjustments to the itinerary details during orientation.
Meet your Grand Canyon experts
Melanie Miles
BEdMelanie Miles, originally a native of England, was a teenager when she first visited the Grand Canyon and immediately fell in love with its landscape, geology, and natural & cultural history. From her home base of Prescott, AZ, she has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher and naturalist. Melanie leads groups throughout the world, teaching natural history, earth science, climbing, environmental education, and backcountry skills.
John Begay
John Begay is a dedicated Diné instructor with three years of experience at the Field Institute. Holding education in Geology and Climate Science from Northern Arizona University, John has also been guiding at the Grand Canyon for six years. He is one of the few Indigenous locals who not only shares the rich history of the Grand Canyon but also provides an authentic perspective on Indigenous heritage. Through his thoughtfully curated hikes, John invites clients to experience the canyon through a unique lens, emphasizing both geological wonders and Native American history.
Sherri O’Neil
MASherri has worked for Grand Canyon National Park as an interpretative ranger and backcountry information officer. She began working for GCCFI in 1998 and has continued to work for the Field Institute and other Grand Canyon Outfitters in the years since. She has a BA in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University and a MA in Outdoor education from Prescott College. Her focus areas for her MA were interpreting Indigenous Cultures and creating stewardship and connection through education. She has published multiple articles in Legacy, the Magazine of the National Association for Interpretation. She specializes in designing custom experiences to help participants create a meaningful connection to Grand Canyon
Additional Notes
This is an introduction program, no previous backpacking experience is necessary. Previous camping and hiking experience is encouraged
Age Restrictions: Participants must be 17+ years older for this backpacking program
Cancellation Policy
Please notify our office as soon as possible should you need to cancel your registration. If you cancel or leave a trip for any reason:
- 60+ days of program start date: full refund, minus a $100 administrative fee will be issued
- 59 - 45 days prior start date: 50% refund will be issued
- Less than 45 days to start date, or once trip has begun: we will retain your entire program fee with no exceptions.
Reserved spots are non-transferable to different programs. However, you may substitute members of your party, specific to the trip date with GCCFI approval, with no penalty, up to 30 days prior to departure date.
GCCFI reserves the right to cancel all, or a portion, of a trip for circumstance beyond our control. Circumstances might include, but are not limited to—public land closures, road closures, weather events, fires, or other natural events. Refunds are not offered in these situations. A full trip credit will be issued, minus any non-refundable expenses occurred by GCCFI if the program is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. GCCFI staff will work to change itinerary to another trail or move hiking locations to a safer area.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip if sign-up is inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate. In this event, we will give a full refund of the trip price.
GCCFI is not responsible for: air tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear, medical expenses, clothing, and any expenses occurred while preparing for this trip.
We HIGHLY encourage the purchase of trip insurance to help offset any costs incurred if cancellation occurs
Testimonials
The Zelkovic Family
“Our day with the Field Institute exceeded all our expectations and we came away with a great respect for the canyon and for the work of the Conservancy. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end and hope we can return in the not so distant future to participate in one of your multi-day programs.”
The Jankowskis
“Our family’s experience was nothing short of amazing! Slim (our guide) provided a perspective we would have never been able to get on our own and we learned so much. Her passion for the canyon and what she does came through too, which made our time something we’ll never forget!”
Amy Waits
“The guides were awesome – so educational and patient!!! Encouraging & helpful in every way. Such an amazing first visit to the canyon – Life changing to have experienced the GC up close & personal… Thank you so much!”
Andy M.
“Top to bottom, the Field Institute exceeded all of my expectations .... they ensured we packed wisely for our trip and saved me from lugging around 5 lbs. of junk I didn't need. Overall, it's packed with value that I don't think commercial outfitters would provide and delivered a deeply rich experience.”