Rim to Rim Backpacking
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with a Grand Canyon Rim to Rim trip! Join our expert guides to learn about the incredible diversity of the canyon, from lush boreal forests on the North Rim to cactus-filled deserts at the bottom. It's a bucket list item that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
- Dates:
May, September, October
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trip Length: 7 Days
- Cost: $1,700 - $1,800
- Group size: 9
Trip Highlights:
- Explore Grand Canyon geology, natural history, and flora and fauna with expert guides
- Learn about the tribal communities that call the canyon home
- Discover the importance of water management and how changing climate affects this desert ecosystem
- Experience the awe of hiking and sleeping below the rim, with dark skies at night and unforgettable views along the trail each day
- Logistics and transportation between the North Rim and South Rim provided
What's included
Price for the class includes:
Expert and educated instructors
Comprehensive gear list
Food and menu planning ideas
Receive a comprehensive 60-day workout schedule from GCCFI, with mobility, strength, and cardio exercises
Expedition First Aid kits
Rat sacks
Group water filter
Satellite phone
Backcountry permits for backpacking into Grand Canyon
What's not included
You are responsible for:
All of your backpacking and hiking equipment
Your food
Transportation to and from the canyon
Hotel lodging in the park before or after your trip
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
Melissa Giovanni
PhDMelissa Giovanni has been exploring the southwest for over 20 years, considers herself a true desert lizard, and loves the heat! She first visited Grand Canyon during her undergraduate geology field camp at the University of Arizona, where she ultimately earned her B.S. in geology. Melissa then moved to UCLA for her Ph.D., also in geology. While her doctoral studies focused on the geological evolution of the Peruvian Andes, she discovered her passion for teaching and while still a graduate student, led her very first field trip to Grand Canyon.
During a decade of teaching geology at two different universities, Melissa was able to develop her field teaching skills in locales all around Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Currently a professor at the College of Southern Nevada, she teaches both environmental science and geology. She has been invited to speak at public seminars and for private groups all around the Grand Canyon region.
Since joining the Field Institute in 2016, Melissa's love for the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, public lands, and conservation continues to grow exponentially. She comes out to hike the canyon as much as possible - her favorite spots are, well, everywhere she has been so far. When at home in Las Vegas, she can be found climbing and hiking in Red Rock Canyon, training as a competitive Masters swimmer, playing guitar, and serving as a Board member for the Southern Nevada Conservancy.
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.
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.
Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff
PhDMarjorie “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
Recent comparable backpacking experience is a prerequisite for all rim-to-rim backpacking programs
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!”
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.”