Treks With Openings

Winter Rim to Rim 6 days/ 5 nights January 6-11, 2004
Starting at the South Rim we drive, on the first day, through the Navajo Reservation to Buffalo Range north of Grand Canyon where we put on the snowshoes and climb the Saddle Mountain Trail. Although we camp on the snow the first 2 nights, previous snow camping experience in not necessary. On the second day we continue up on the Nankoweap Trail to the North Rim. We snowshoe about 7 miles following the high country of Bright Angel Canyon to camp near the North Rim. On the third day we head down the Old North Kaibab Trail. Little used and somewhat overgrown, this section of trail was replaced in 1928 by the route in Roaring Springs Canyon that is used today. We meet the current North Kaibab Trail at Roaring Springs and continue down to camp at Cottonwood Campground. We stay at Cottonwood Campground for a second night taking plenty of time to explore the upper reaches of Bright Angel Creek’s tributaries. On day 5 we head down to the Colorado River and Bright Angel Campground having dinner at historic Phantom Ranch. We hike up to the South Rim on either the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails on the last day. This Rim to Rim itinerary is extended 3 additional days on this extra extreme trek.

Escalante Route (east to west) 9 days/ 8 nights February 1-9, 2004
This trek has all the best the Grand Canyon has to offer from the open feeling along the river near Tanner rapids to the slot canyon of 75 mile Creek. We hike down the Tanner Trail on the first day camping near the Colorado River. The second day we day hike up river and enjoy the views along this open area. On day three we get an early start as we hike west on the Escalante Route. We camp near 75 Mile Canyon on the third night and near Hance Rapids on the fourth night. Here we meet the eastern terminus of the Tonto Trail, easy hiking compared to the Escalante. We camp at Hance Creek on night five and head into Grapevine Canyon, the largest side canyon on the South Rim after Havasu, for 2 nights while we do some exploring. On the 8th day we continue on the Tonto Trail into Cremation Canyon, one of the most active site for Anasazi Indians in the canyon. We hike out on the Kaibab Trail on the last day.

Winter Rim to Rim 6 days/ 5 nights February 16-21, 2004
Starting at the South Rim we drive, on the first day, through the Navajo Reservation to Buffalo Range north of Grand Canyon where we put on the snowshoes and climb the Saddle Mountain Trail. Although we camp on the snow the first 2 nights, previous snow camping experience in not necessary. On the second day we continue up on the Nankoweap Trail to the North Rim. We snowshoe about 7 miles following the high country of Bright Angel Canyon to camp near the North Rim. On the third day we head down the Old North Kaibab Trail. Little used and somewhat overgrown, this section of trail was replaced in 1928 by the route in Roaring Springs Canyon that is used today. We meet the current North Kaibab Trail at Roaring Springs and continue down to camp at Cottonwood Campground. We stay at Cottonwood Campground for a second night taking plenty of time to explore the upper reaches of Bright Angel Creek’s tributaries. On day 5 we head down to the Colorado River and Bright Angel Campground having dinner at historic Phantom Ranch. We hike up to the South Rim on either the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails on the last day. This Rim to Rim itinerary is extended 3 additional days on this extra extreme trek.

Winter Rim to Rim Extended 9 days/ 8 nights March 1-9, 2004
Starting at the South Rim we drive, on the first day, through the Navajo Reservation to Buffalo Range north of Grand Canyon where we put on the snowshoes and climb the Saddle Mountain Trail. Although we camp on the snow the first 4 nights, previous snow camping experience in not necessary. On the second day we continue up on the Nankoweap Trail to the North Rim. We snowshoe about 7 miles following the high country of Bright Angel Canyon to camp near the North Rim. On the third and fourth days we follow the rim on the west side of the Walhalla Plateau for about 5 miles each day as we head to Obi Point where an ancient Anasazi route allows us down off the rim on the 5th day. Climbing down we have a magnificent view of Deva Temple. As we spend our 6th and 7th days on the temple’s side we attempt to summit and search for Anasazi ruins. On the 8th day we climb down the fault into Wall Creek to camp at Cottonwood Campground. On day 9 we head down to the Colorado River and Bright Angel Campground having dinner at historic Phantom Ranch. We hike up to the South Rim on either the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails on the last day.

Nankoweap to Bright Angel 13 days/ 12 nights March 16-28, 2004 (This trek is offered no more than once per year.)
This expedition level trek has been accomplished by very few people. We snowshoe into the park over Saddle Mountain and follow the Nankoweap Trail in to Nankoweap Creek. We spend 2 nights camping "at large" in this canyon on our way into Kwagunt Valley where we camp for 2 nights and explore the area possibly climbing Gunther Castle with its views of Chuar Valley to the south. We are now deep in the trailless canyon and spend the next week camping "at large" in the vast area of Chuar Valley, Lava Creek, Vishnu Creek and Asbestos Canyon. We climb over the Redwall Limestone thrice in a week before entering Clear Creek on day 10. We spend 2 nights here exploring Anasazi ruins before heading to a well deserved dinner at Phantom Ranch on the last night!

Winter Rim to Rim 6 days/ 5 nights March 30 - April 4, 2004
Starting at the South Rim we drive, on the first day, through the Navajo Reservation to Buffalo Range north of Grand Canyon where we put on the snowshoes and climb the Saddle Mountain Trail. Although we camp on the snow the first 2 nights, previous snow camping experience in not necessary. On the second day we continue up on the Nankoweap Trail to the North Rim. We snowshoe about 7 miles following the high country of Bright Angel Canyon to camp near the North Rim. On the third day we head down the Old North Kaibab Trail. Little used and somewhat overgrown, this section of trail was replaced in 1928 by the route in Roaring Springs Canyon that is used today. We meet the current North Kaibab Trail at Roaring Springs and continue down to camp at Cottonwood Campground. We stay at Cottonwood Campground for a second night taking plenty of time to explore the upper reaches of Bright Angel Creek’s tributaries. On day 5 we head down to the Colorado River and Bright Angel Campground having dinner at historic Phantom Ranch. We hike up to the South Rim on either the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails on the last day.

The Jewels 10 days/ 9 nights April 6-15, 2004
Entering Grand Canyon on the South Bass Trail, we do the fabulous Elves Chasm loop with its 20 foot rappel on the third day after camping the first 2 nights on the Esplanade. We meet the Tonto Trail at its western terminus here and follow it east camping in Bass Canyon on the 4th night. The next 4 days we spend hiking through Serpentine, Ruby, Turquoise, Sapphire, Agate, and Slate Canyons, known as the "Jewels". We camp in Boucher Creek on the 8th night and Hermit Creek on the 9th night before we hike out on the historic Hermit Trail. This itinerary can be shortened by one night by exiting on the Boucher Trail.

Nankoweap, Kwagunt 7 days/ 6 nights May 12-19, 2004
This is one of our spring expedition level treks. For experienced hikers who wish to see a rarely visited part of the canyon known for its many Anasazi sites. We snowshoe into the park over Saddle Mountain and follow the Nankoweap Trail in to Nankoweap Creek. We spend 2 nights camping "at large" in this canyon on our way into Kwagunt Valley where we camp for 2 nights and explore the area possibly climbing Gunther Castle with its views of Chuar Valley to the south. The last 2 nights are spent back in the Nankoweap drainage. Much of the area is very remote wilderness with no trails other than game paths.

Clear Creek, Cheyava Falls 6 days/ 5 nights June 17-22, 2004
Classed as a popular trek in early spring, this itinerary is classed as an extreme trek in summer due to exposure to heat on the long second and 5th days. We enter on the South Kaibab Trail, camping the first night at popular Bright Angel Campground near Phantom Ranch. A long hot second day (13 miles) brings us into Clear Creek. The Clear Creek Trail is like the Tonto Trail but north of the river. We then spend 3 nights camping in this remote location, 2 full days to explore Anasazi ruins and hike up to Cheyava Falls. This is the largest fall in the canyon when it is flowing with spring snow melt. We hike back to Bright Angel Campground for the last night before hiking out on the Bright Angel Trail the last day. April is the only time to see this waterfall.

Camelot 6 days/ 5 nights June 19-24, 2004
We enter the canyon from the North Rim via Big Spring Canyon. Traversing above the Supai Formation around the base of Lancelot Point we try for the saddle of Elaine Castle the first day. We attempt a summit of Elaine Castle on the second morning if our water supplies allow. Then we drop down into Modred Abyss where we proceed along Shinumo Creek for the next 3 nights surrounded by King Arthur Castle, Guinevere Castle, Holy Grail Temple, and Galahad Point. The fourth evening’s camp is at the confluence of White Creek. We dayhike to the Colorado River on the fifth day. On the sixth day we hike to the North Rim at Swamp Point via the North Bass Trail. The side canyons are cut especially deep and narrow in this region of Grand Canyon, thus the title “Abyss” is given to the drainages. A seventh day can be used to explore Merlin Abyss. Expect to lower packs 10-20 ft. (3-6 m) two or three times on this itinerary.

Obi Point – Rim to Rim 6 days/ 5 nights July 2-7, 2004
Starting from the North Rim we cross the canyon to the South Rim on this exceptional adventure. We hike into the rim via the old Obi Point Road, now a trail, from the Cape Royal Road. We will be expecting a dry camp at the rim the first night and will initially be carrying 7 liters of water per person. We hike down to Deva Saddle and into Clear Creek on the second day. The third and fourth days are spent exploring Clear Creek form our base camp near the confluence of Obi Canyon. There are many Anasazi sites and the day hike to the Colorado River offers an optional return route for the truly adventurous. We camp at Bright Angel Campground and enjoy the hospitality of Phantom Ranch for our final dinner and breakfast. The group decides whether the hike out on the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail on the last day. Expect one or two short rappels of 25-30 ft. (8-10 m) on this itinerary.

Elves Chasm 6 days/ 5 nights August 21-26, 2004
We leave the South Rim on the Huitzil Point Route camping the first night on the Esplanade Terrace of Aztec Amphitheater. We will be expecting a dry camp at the rim the first night and will initially be carrying 7 liters of water per person. On the second day we descend quickly into Royal Arch Canyon following it down to camp about ¼ mile from Royal Arch. On the third day we head east, and after a 20 ft. (7 m) rappel, day hike back to the west to view Elves Chasm. We camp along the Colorado River on the third night. We have a rugged fourth day as we hike the riverbank east to Garnet Canyon and again camp alongside the river. Here at garnet Canyon we find the western terminus of the Tonto Trail which we hike for 12 miles to Bass Canyon and our campsite for the last evening. We exit the canyon on the South Bass Trail on the sixth day. Expect one short rappel of 20 ft. (7 m) on this itinerary.

Tiyo Point to Phantom Creek 6 days/ 5 nights September 18-23, 2004
We hike 7.5 miles (12 km) across the North Rim to Tiyo Point where we descend to Shiva Saddle for the first night’s camp. We will be expecting a dry camp the first night and will initially be carrying 7 liters of water per person. We follow down the Phantom Fault to the top of the Redwall Limestone and traverse south to camp above the route into Phantom Creek the second day. Down into Phantom Creek on the third day we camp near the confluence of Haunted Canyon for two nights exploring Haunted Canyon on the fourth day. Weather permitting we wade Phantom Creek down to Bright Angel on the fifth day, we will not risk flash flood however and use the Utah Flats route if thunderstorms are likely. We enjoy the hospitality of Phantom Ranch for dinner the last evening and breakfast before the hike out on the last day. Expect as many as seven short rappels of 20-30 ft. (7-9 m) on this itinerary. We must have wet weather in the weeks immediately prior to this itinerary.

Atoko Point and Kwagunt Canyon 6 days/ 5 nights September 27 – October 3, 2004
We enter the canyon from the North Rim via the Atoko Point route. We traverse south and east to the route which descends west of Banta Point. We will be expecting a dry camp the first night and will initially be carrying 7 liters of water per person. Once we reach the bed of Kwagunt Creek on the second day we continue toward the river and camp at the spring. Hiking on to the Colorado River on the third day we camp along the river in Marble Canyon. We continue northward to Nankoweap Creek on the fourth day and after viewing the famous ruins there head up canyon to camp next to the creek. On the fifth day we hike up the Nankoweap Trail past Tilted Mesa and have the outstanding view from Marion Point on our last evening. We hike out past Saddle Mountain to Buffalo Range on the sixth day. Expect one or two short rappels of 25-30 ft. (8-10 m) on this itinerary. This trek can be scheduled any time between May 10th and November 1st.

Winter Rim to Rim 6 days/ 5 nights October 18-23, 2004
Starting at the South Rim we drive, on the first day, through the Navajo Reservation to Buffalo Range north of Grand Canyon where we put on the snowshoes and climb the Saddle Mountain Trail. Although we camp on the snow the first 2 nights, previous snow camping experience in not necessary. On the second day we continue up on the Nankoweap Trail to the North Rim. We snowshoe about 7 miles following the high country of Bright Angel Canyon to camp near the North Rim. On the third day we head down the Old North Kaibab Trail. Little used and somewhat overgrown, this section of trail was replaced in 1928 by the route in Roaring Springs Canyon that is used today. We meet the current North Kaibab Trail at Roaring Springs and continue down to camp at Cottonwood Campground. We stay at Cottonwood Campground for a second night taking plenty of time to explore the upper reaches of Bright Angel Creek’s tributaries. On day 5 we head down to the Colorado River and Bright Angel Campground having dinner at historic Phantom Ranch. We hike up to the South Rim on either the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails on the last day.

The Jewels 10 days/ 9 nights October 25-30, 2004
Entering Grand Canyon on the South Bass Trail, we do the fabulous Elves Chasm loop with its 20 foot rappel on the third day after camping the first 2 nights on the Esplanade. We meet the Tonto Trail at its western terminus here and follow it east camping in Bass Canyon on the 4th night. The next 4 days we spend hiking through Serpentine, Ruby, Turquoise, Sapphire, Agate, and Slate Canyons, known as the "Jewels". We camp in Boucher Creek on the 8th night and Hermit Creek on the 9th night before we hike out on the historic Hermit Trail. This itinerary can be shortened by one night by exiting on the Boucher Trail.

Tiyo Point to Phantom Creek 6 days/ 5 nights November 1-6, 2004
We hike 7.5 miles (12 km) across the North Rim to Tiyo Point where we descend to Shiva Saddle for the first night’s camp. We will be expecting a dry camp the first night and will initially be carrying 7 liters of water per person. We follow down the Phantom Fault to the top of the Redwall Limestone and traverse south to camp above the route into Phantom Creek the second day. Down into Phantom Creek on the third day we camp near the confluence of Haunted Canyon for two nights exploring Haunted Canyon on the fourth day. Weather permitting we wade Phantom Creek down to Bright Angel on the fifth day, we will not risk flash flood however and use the Utah Flats route if thunderstorms are likely. We enjoy the hospitality of Phantom Ranch for dinner the last evening and breakfast before the hike out on the last day. Expect as many as seven short rappels of 20-30 ft. (7-9 m) on this itinerary. We must have wet weather in the weeks immediately prior to this itinerary.

Winter Rim to Rim 6 days/ 5 nights November 18-23, 2004
Starting at the South Rim we drive, on the first day, through the Navajo Reservation to Buffalo Range north of Grand Canyon where we put on the snowshoes and climb the Saddle Mountain Trail. Although we camp on the snow the first 2 nights, previous snow camping experience in not necessary. On the second day we continue up on the Nankoweap Trail to the North Rim. We snowshoe about 7 miles following the high country of Bright Angel Canyon to camp near the North Rim. On the third day we head down the Old North Kaibab Trail. Little used and somewhat overgrown, this section of trail was replaced in 1928 by the route in Roaring Springs Canyon that is used today. We meet the current North Kaibab Trail at Roaring Springs and continue down to camp at Cottonwood Campground. We stay at Cottonwood Campground for a second night taking plenty of time to explore the upper reaches of Bright Angel Creek’s tributaries. On day 5 we head down to the Colorado River and Bright Angel Campground having dinner at historic Phantom Ranch. We hike up to the South Rim on either the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails on the last day.

Nankoweap, Kwagunt 7 days/ 6 nights December 8-14, 2004
This is one of our expedition level treks. For experienced hikers who wish to see a rarely visited part of the canyon known for its many Anasazi sites. We snowshoe into the park over Saddle Mountain and follow the Nankoweap Trail in to Nankoweap Creek. We spend 2 nights camping "at large" in this canyon on our way into Kwagunt Valley where we camp for 2 nights and explore the area possibly climbing Gunther Castle with its views of Chuar Valley to the south. The last 2 nights are spent back in the Nankoweap drainage. Much of the area is very remote wilderness with no trails other than game paths.