What is the Grand Canyon Field Institute? back to top

The Grand Canyon Field Institute (GCFI) was established in 1993 at the request of the National Park Service and is a program of the Grand Canyon Association (GCA). GCA is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, which supports education, the arts, research and other programs for the benefit of Grand Canyon National Park and its visitors. Each year GCFI holds over 200 classes and provides more than 30,000 educational contact hours in support of Grand Canyon National Park.

Do I need to be a member of Grand Canyon Association to take a class? back to top

No, but Grand Canyon Association members do receive discounted tuition on most GCFI classes.

How far in advance do I need to register for a class? back to top

Class size is always limited. A number of the more popular classes tend to fill quickly. Registering as soon as you’ve made your decision is always advisable. Feel free to contact GCFI by phone or email to receive the latest information on availability in a given class.

How are the trips rated? back to top

We use a scale of 1 to 10 for our classes:

Level 1 – Walks on level terrain Learn More >>

Level 2 – Short day hikes into the canyon or long walks along the rim Learn More >>

Level 3 – Slower-paced backpacks to established campgrounds on developed trails Learn More >>

Level 4 – Aggressive backpacks on rough, often unmaintained trails Learn More >>

Level 5 – Lengthy backpacks in remote regions over rough, steep terrain on unmaintained trails Learn More >>

Level 6 to 10 – Lengthy backpacks negotiating off-trail terrain requiring frequent rock climbing and precautionary belays Learn More >>

Additional factors may affect the rating, such as the number of consecutive days of hiking and extreme high or low temperatures forecasted.

What is the age range of GCFI registrants? back to top

Participants in rim-based programs can range from 8 to 80 years old. Participants must typically be 18 years or older to attend a multi-day backcountry or rim-based class

What is the typical class size? back to top

To ensure a quality experience, we limit most classes to 10 participants.

Who are the instructors? back to top

GCFI instructors are leading Grand Canyon scientists, authors, researchers, historians and naturalists. Instructor biographies are listed on our web site.

What else do I need to do to enroll in a class? back to top

Every participant is required to complete a liability release form before attending a class. Backpack trips require a Health Questionnaire as well.

What is included in tuition? back to top

Your tuition covers the educational content provided by an expert instructor, backpacking and camping permits, camping immediately before or after your class (where applicable), a park entrance-fee waiver, and pre-class guidance (sent digitally) including gear- and food-planning lists specific to your class. Select premium classes may include meals, lodging, gear and mule pack service where indicated. Check specific classes for other items covered by your tuition. Meals, transportation to-and-from Grand Canyon National Park, and backpacking equipment are not included unless specifically noted.

What information will I receive once I enroll? back to top

Within a few days of submitting your registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about training, gear recommendations and food planning, an assumption-of-risk form, a health questionnaire and a lodging reservation form.

Thirty days before the start of your class you will receive a second e-mail containing a pre-class letter and entrance fee waiver, syllabus, campground reservation form and any other last-minute paperwork.

How do I register? back to top

Register through the Web site, www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute, or by mail using the registration form, or by phone at (866) 471-4435.

How do I get to Grand Canyon National Park? back to top

Most GCFI classes begin and end at Grand Canyon's South Rim. The South Rim can be reached by plane, car, bus or train. Many people fly to Phoenix and rent a car for the four-hour drive. Air service is available from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Grand Canyon National Park Airport, located 10 miles from the South Rim; call Scenic Airlines (800) 634-6801. Shuttle bus service is available from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Flagstaff or Williams by calling Arizona Shuttle Service at (877) 226-8060. For those driving to Grand Canyon, GCFI encourages ride-sharing with fellow classmates; please call GCFI to explore this option. Also, Grand Canyon Railway runs from Williams, Arizona, once a day.

What should I expect from the weather? back to top

Expect the unexpected! Weather conditions vary greatly at the Grand Canyon, so be prepared for all conditions in all seasons. Classes are conducted rain or shine. For road and weather information call the NPS information line, (928) 638-7888, and follow the prompts for the most recent road condition updates. Check weather link for Grand Canyon South Rim weather.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES AND PRECIPITATION

(Fahrenheit and inches)

How hard will the hiking be? back to top

Hiking is an integral part of practically every class, so you must be in good physical condition to attend. Backpacking outings require an even higher level of fitness. If you wish to attend a backpack, you will be required to complete a Health Questionnaire before your space in the class can be confirmed. For any outing, if you are unprepared or appear physically unable to complete the required activities, trip leaders have the right to ask you to leave the class in order to ensure the safety of remaining members of the group. We strive to accurately represent hiking distance and elevation changes within the class syllabus.

Where should I stay? back to top

We provide free camping (for participants only) for most of our classes at a shared campsite in a developed National Park Service Campground. If you would like to camp, you must complete a Campground Reservation Form, which will be e-mailed to you with your final information packet, at least 14 days in advance of the class start date.

On the South Rim, a limited number of hotel rooms at Maswick Lodge are available for participants. We'll send you the necessary Lodge Reservation Form after you enroll.

What's involved in backpacking trips? back to top

It is imperative that you come well prepared for a hiking trip. If you are backpacking for the first time, we highly recommend that you read a backpacking book and/or find some informational videos online (see the Hiking Grand Canyon Video link) in advance. Backpacking trips are planned for all levels of skill, ranging from physically fit beginners (or for those wanting to refresh their skills) to advanced hikers who are in excellent physical condition and have previous multi-day backpacking experience.

Typically our classes have an initial orientation day, which allows us to get to know each other and go over the class, gear and food. Hiking days normally involve comfortable distances of up to 10 miles. Our instructors aim to have the group arrive at camp each day with plenty of time to hold a short lecture and perhaps an evening stroll. Often a base camp is established, allowing the class to embark on a series of educational day hikes.

What about meals? back to top

Unless specified in the class description, you are responsible for bringing and preparing your own food. Guidance on this note will be provided in your pre-class materials, including recommended food and cooking equipment.

What time do programs, trips and classes start and end? back to top

The start times vary depending on the type of class and start location. For all the classes which begin and end on the South Rim, we aim to begin the first day of class at 10 am (Rim to Rim classes excepted. These start at 8 am) in order that participants might use www.arizonashuttle.com to get to the Park instead of driving. If you need help planning your travel, please give us a call (866) 471-4435 or send an email gcfi@grandcanyon.org to enquire about specific start times.

The end times vary from class to class. Most of our well-traveled corridor trips returning from Indian Garden or Bright Angel campground end mid-afternoon. Some of the more remote classes might not have you back "in civilization" until early evening. Nearby lodging recommendations accompany all the class details so you can rest before starting home.

Where can I park my car and store my luggage? back to top

For most of our South Rim classes that begin and end in Grand Canyon Village, you are welcome to park your car close to GCFI's classrooms at the nearby Backcountry Information Center parking lot. No fee is charged. Extra luggage can be stored at the GCFI office and we have lockers available for smaller valuables such as laptops, cell phones, keys, wallets and purses.

Are there critters? back to top

The most common critters are rock squirrels, ringtail cats, mice and ravens. All of them are looking for your food. We have critter sacks available to store your food at camp. Cottonwood, Bright Angel and Indian Garden campgrounds have metal containers in which food can be stored.

Grand Canyon is home to biting and stinging critters, from red ants to rattlesnakes and scorpions. It is extremely rare to see such animals, let alone be bitten or stung, if one follows good Leave No Trace practices. Your instructor can provide specific guidelines.

Are there bathrooms? back to top

Bathrooms are of the composting type in the Grand Canyon backcountry. Toilets may be found at most Grand Canyon trailheads, along the main Corridor Trails and at some of the remote backcountry camp areas. Most of Grand Canyon National Park is, however, without any toilet services. Solid human waste needs to be buried in cat holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp areas and trails. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished. Bring extra plastic bags to pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. If you have any questions, speak with your instructor at the beginning of your class.

Is there tap water, or will I need a filter? back to top

Overnight Trips
There is potable tap water along the main Corridor Trails, including at Cottonwood, Bright Angel and Indian Garden campgrounds. The pipeline that supplies the water is 40 years old and does break occasionally. At more remote camps, a pump-style filter is suggested, with chemicals as a backup.

Day Trips
During the peak spring-summer-autumn period, potable water is available at a number of inner-canyon locations:
North Kaibab -- trailhead, Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs and Cottonwood campgrounds, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground,
South Kaibab -- trailhead
Bright Angel -- Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, Three-Mile Resthouse, Indian Garden, Plateau Point

What kind of footwear do I need? back to top

Sturdy hiking boots that are well broken-in are necessary for all backpacking and multi-day trips. Buy them one-half to one size larger than your street shoes to allow for swelling and thick socks. Sneakers with good traction are suitable for our family day classes.

Can GCFI arrange a special guided hike for my group? back to top

Yes. We regularly plan and lead custom adventures for travel and tour companies, churches, universities, friends and families who come as a group. Contact us via e-mail or by calling (866) 471-4435 to arrange a special adventure for your group with one of our expert instructors. There are size limits depending upon where the class is held.

Can I give a GCFI class as a gift? back to top

Yes. Please contact our office so we can assist you in giving a GCFI class as a gift. Gift certificates are available.

What if I have to cancel? back to top

Unless otherwise specified, you may receive a full refund (minus an administrative fee of $75 per person) if you cancel at least 30 days before the class begins. For cancellations made after the 30-day deadline, we cannot issue refunds for any reason. No exceptions can be made to this policy. While we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, our nonprofit organization operates on a limited budget. We strongly urge you to obtain trip cancellation insurance through your local travel agent. If the Grand Canyon Field Institute cancels a trip, we will refund your fees fully, but cannot be responsible for the costs of any other travel or lodging you've arranged.