Tanner to Little Colorado River Backpacking: Deep Canyon Exploration
The Little Colorado River Confluence is a sacred place to many indigenous communities who call Grand Canyon home, and this trip will explore dynamic stretches of trail along the South Rim and the Colorado River. Accessing the area from the South Rim following the Tanner and Beamer Trails, get ready for dramatic views of the canyon’s layers from Precambrian to Paleozoic Era time periods. Water and geology will be key topics discussed during the trip, where we'll dive into Colorado River water rights and the ongoing transformation of Grand Canyon.
Photo: L/Cisneros
- Dates: September 15–21, 2025
- Difficulty: Expert
- Trip Length: 7 Days
- Cost: $1,700
- Group size: 9
Trip Highlights
- Geology (Mapping, Sedimentation, Geomorphology, Mining)
- Colorado River Ecology
- Principles of Life Zones
- Native American connections to the canyon
- Damming of the Colorado River, water management and climate change of the region
What's included
Price for the class includes:
Education from expert 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:
Your backpacking equipment and gear
Food
Transportation to and from the canyon
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)
Little Colorado River at Grand Canyon National Park.
Close-up of the Confluence after a monsoon. PC: L/Cisneros
Panorama view of the Tanner Trail at Grand Canyon National Park PC: NPS J/Baird
Wide angle photo behind two hikers on Tanner Trail - PC: John Strother
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 expert
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 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.
Additional notes
Recent comparable backpacking experience is a prerequisite. 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 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!”
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.”