Meet the Canyon: A Family Hiking Adventure

You Pick the Date: call toll free (866) 471- 4435 to check availability
Instructor: GCFI Staff
Hike Level: 2
Fee:
Group size 1-4 $475 Non-member, $450 GCA Member
Group size 5-9 $635 Non-member, $610 GCA Member
Group size 10+ inquire

With so much to see, what’s a family on a tight schedule to do? Join us for a memorable hike down the trail, followed by a scenic walk along the rim, and discover why they call it the “Grand” Canyon.

After an early morning rendezvous and safety talk, your instructor will lead you to the scenic Bright Angel Trail. After assessing your group’s hiking ability and the day’s weather, you will embark on a moderately strenuous hike down this historic trail. The Bright Angel Trail has been in use for thousands of years—first by Native Americans, then 19th Century miners and trappers, and most recently by the many visitors here to enjoy one of the natural wonders of the world.

As you might expect on trail with such a rich history, there are intriguing examples of past use; from vintage trail construction that has withstood the decades, to exquisite rock art figures painted by the canyon’s earliest inhabitant’s centuries ago.
Rivaling the cultural history along this route are the amazing geologic features at every turn. Despite being some of the youngest rock layers in the canyon, the cliffs and slopes of the upper Bright Angel Trail predate dinosaurs. And with every step downhill you’re traveling back over ten thousand years in geologic time. While studying the various rock types and depositional environments, your instructor will draw upon everything from massive fault lines to intricate marine fossils to piece together the complex story of the canyon’s formation.

Not to be outdone are the canyon’s many plants and animals, each with an illustrative tale to tell. With over 1800 known plant species, Grand Canyon has more biodiversity than any other national park in North America. Your instructor will point out a few of the more compelling botanical residents, and describe the unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in the harsh environment of northern Arizona.
Less predictable than the plants are the canyon’s four-legged and winged wonders. Depending on the season you may encounter desert bighorn sheep, bobcats, mule deer, tassel-eared squirrels, raptors, or the mighty California condor, one of the largest, and rarest, birds on the planet.

Weather and group strength permitting, most families make it 1.5 miles down the trail to a popular rest house (with drinking water and restroom facilities).  Adult groups with exceptional hiking ability may go a bit further. After taking a few more photographs of the splendid views below the rim, you’ll retrace your steps back to the top, each at his or her own pace, with the instructor bringing up the rear.

Once back to the South Rim, your instructor will find a quiet place to enjoy your lunch, and allow some time to shop for souvenirs and/or educational materials as requested.

Your day has only just begun, for the afternoon will be spent winding down with a stroll through the Historic Village District on a paved walkway along the rim. Visiting landmark structures such as Kolb Studio, Lookout Studio, and the Hopi House, you’ll get a sense for the rugged individuals who settled the Grand Canyon, and helped make it a world class destination with few rivals. Afternoon topics will include the history of the National Park System, travel in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries (think horse drawn wagons and steam engine trains), pioneer and contemporary Native American history.

Your day will end in the late afternoon, much the same way it began; surrounded by compelling views of the world’s most famous chasm.

View the class itinerary (pdf)
View map of Grand Canyon Village (pdf)
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Notes:
~ Outside the USA? Please call (928) 638-2485.
~ Children must be 6 years or older.