Natural History Hike and Camp: North Rim
Camp at the less frequently visited North Rim and spend your days hiking and exploring its many wonders. Discover the myriad ecosystems of this high elevation ‘sky island’ and learn about Grand Canyon from expert guides on day hikes and trips to stunning vistas.
- Dates:
June 8-June 12, 2025 and June 20-24, 2025
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trip Length: 5 Days
- Cost: $800
- Group size: 9
Trip Highlights
- Camping at the North Rim of Grand Canyon, with daily hikes and visits to dramatic overlooks to explore the canyon’s natural history
- Learn all about "sky islands" in the desert Southwest
- Discover the geology, archaeology, and biotic life zones of Grand Canyon
- Visit stunning North Rim locations, including: Cape Final, Cliff Springs, Bright Angel Point, and Point Imperial (the highest rim point at Grand Canyon)
- Learn about the tribal communities that call the canyon home
- Learn Leave No Trace ethics
What's included
Price for the class includes:
Our expert instructor
Daily hikes/learning geology, ecology, and history of the canyon
Camping on the Rim at the North Rim Campground. We can only support tents or vans. No RVs or trailers
Transportation to various hiking locations during class
Park entrance fee waiver
What's not included
You are responsible for:
All of your day hiking and camping equipment (if choosing to stay at the North Rim Campground)
Food
Transportation to and from the North Rim of Grand Canyon
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
Sherri O’Neil
Canyon Experience Specialist, Grand Canyon ConservancySherri 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
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.
Special Gear Requirements
This trip is scheduled during the ‘dry’ season, however you should still be prepared for rain. Itinerary may change according to high winds, lightning danger, and trail or road closures due to forest fires.
If you opt to camp for free at the North Rim Campground, you will need to bring all your own camping equipment. North Rim Campground has bathrooms, picnic tables, and running water.
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!”
Joe Sweeney
“I've brought many school groups to the Field Institute and the quality of instruction provides them with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, diverse ecology, and geologic history. Students leave with a stronger sense of self-confidence, an intimate connection to nature, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
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.”