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Since 1993

Field Institute

The Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute (GCCFI) provides amazing immersive and educational adventures at Grand Canyon—all officially designed and developed in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park.

Hiking down south kaibab trail

Educating visitors about Grand Canyon since 1993

The Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute provides amazing immersive and educational adventures at Grand Canyon—all officially designed and developed in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park. Whether you’re looking for a day hike for your family, a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking trip, or an educational class on outdoor photography, the Field Institute has a variety of programs designed to inspire you above and below the rim of Grand Canyon.

The Field Institute is an extension of Grand Canyon National Park and its commitment to education. Since the Field Institute’s beginning in 1993, education has been at the core of our mission. Over the years, thousands of people have participated in hundreds of tours and classes at Grand Canyon, and many of them are now GCC members, donors, and volunteers. We are looking forward to many of you returning and can’t wait to introduce new visitors to GCCFI.

The Field Institute has evolved and changed since its inception. For the past three decades, it has helped participants explore the deep mysteries of Grand Canyon—from waterfalls and deserts thousands of feet below the rim, to the variety of animals and plants that live within the canyon’s walls—with others who are equally as passionate about the canyon. Led by experts in their fields, people who take GCCFI classes have access to immense knowledge and insight about this Natural Wonder of the World.

Our classes and tours focus on GCC’s core values of integrity, education, service, and connection. We promote a sense of place, encouraging an ethic of caring and connecting with Grand Canyon on a deeper emotional and spiritual level. We believe that the more humans collectively care about a place, the better the chance that it will be safeguarded and protected for generations to come.

Once you have a GCCFI adventure, you’ll never want to experience Grand Canyon any other way!

Looking down into a vast canyon landscape mostly in shadow the foreground several ridgelines are illuminated by a golden orange light NPS Michael Quinn

Partnership with the NPS

For over two and a half decades, Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute has been working closely with the National Park Service to provide educational opportunities that complement the park's interpretive efforts. Each program is reviewed by an interdisciplinary team of NPS educators and resource managers to ensure that it meets the educational goals of the park.

Explore Grand Canyon

Experience Grand Canyon like never before!

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Visitors Enjoying the South Rim

Day Tours & Basecamp Trips

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Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute Group Photo

Guided Backpacking & Hiking Trips

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Sunset from Unkar Delta along the Colorado River-November 2023

River Trips

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A starry night sky in the background with several silhouetted people looking through telescopes NPS Michael Quinn

Residency Program

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