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Bright fall color aspen trees on North Rim Grand Canyon
Rim Based Hike & Camp , Ecology & Botany

Fall Colors Hike and Camp: North Rim

Immerse yourself in the majesty of the canyon during autumn's peak colors.

  • Dates:

    September, October

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Length: 4 Days
  • Cost: $800-$950
  • Group size: 9

Trip Highlights

  • Camp at the North Rim Campground and embark on day hikes to remarkable locations, which could include: Cape Final, Cliff Springs, Bright Angel Point, and Point Imperial (the highest rim point in the entire park)
  • Learn all about "sky islands" in the desert Southwest
  • Geology, pioneer and Native American history, archaeology, the various biotic life zones, and the role of fire in a healthy ecosystem
  • Experience a stunning view from the world-famous North Kaibab Trail

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

Meet your Grand Canyon expert

Marjorie 22 Slim22 Woodruff tour guide portrait Grand Canyon National Park

Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff

PhD

Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff was born in Arizona. Growing up in primeval desert, she became comfortable with things that crawl, sting, bite, and gnaw, which served her well when she started working with adolescents. While attending Northern Arizona University, she spent much of her free time exploring Grand Canyon. After graduation she led backpacking trips, taught cross-country skiing, drove a tour bus, and otherwise participated in outdoor education and recreation. Slim considers herself a lifelong learner, and employs her time researching Canyon history, anthropology, geology, and natural history. Her writing has appeared in the Grand Canyon anthology On Foot, and in High Country News Writers on the Range.

Additional notes

Participants will be driven to the various hiking locations on paved and gravel roads.

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

Family of 4 standing and smiling for photo on rock edge at Grand Canyon

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.”

Family of 5 standing and smiling for photo on rock edge at Grand Canyon

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!”

Five hikers standing on forest cliff edge overlooking Grand Canyon 2017

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!”

Group of hikers standing and smiling in front of canyon from ground level at Grand Canyon

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.”

Field Institute guide educating group of hiker tourists seated on beach with water and canyon in background

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.”