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: 4 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
MASherri has been an outdoor educator since 1996, bringing nearly three decades of expertise in fostering meaningful connections with the natural world. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s degree in Outdoor Education from Prescott College, where her studies focused on interpreting Indigenous cultures and promoting stewardship through education.
A published author, Sherri has contributed multiple articles to Legacy, the magazine of the National Association for Interpretation. She is passionate about designing customized experiences that inspire participants to form deeper bonds with their surroundings, blending her academic knowledge and practical expertise to create impactful educational opportunities.
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.
Additional notes
Participants will be driven to the various hiking locations on paved and gravel roads. Participants must be 17+ years older for this 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 early for any reason:
- 60+ Days prior to trip start date: full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 59-45 Days prior to the trip start date: 50% refund will be issued.
- Less than 45 days prior to trip start date: no refund.
Reserved spots are transferable to different trips, if there is availability. This transfer can occur up to 45 days prior to the trip's start date.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip due the following circumstances; failure to meet the participant minimum and loss of scheduled staff due to injury or illness. In this event, participants will receive a full refund. In addition, Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute may cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather events, natural disasters, park closures, and health emergencies, and there is no alternative trip is available to you. If GCCFI cancels the trip due to unforeseen circumstances 15 days or more prior to departure, the customer will receive a full refund. If the trip is a multiday program and GCCFI cancels 14 days or less the customer will receive trip credit.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute is not responsible for: flight tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear, medical expenses, clothing, and any expenses occurred while preparing for this trip.
We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance to help offset any cost incurred if cancellation occurs.
Payment Policy
To secure your booking, a 10% deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking. This deposit confirms your reservation and guarantees your spot on the tour. An additional 50% payment of the balance is due 90 days before departure.
The remaining 40% of the balance is due 45 days before departure. Please ensure the final payment is made by this deadline to avoid any delays or complications with your tour.
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the payment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Timely payments ensure we can provide the best possible experience, and we look forward to welcoming you on your tour.
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.”