For those able to carry a 35–50 pound backpack over Grand Canyon’s notoriously challenging terrain, our backcountry classes may be for you. From introductory backpacking in our Introduction to Grand Canyon series, to expedition level backpacking in our Wilderness Studies Workshops, GCFI takes qualified participants to many of the canyon’s intriguing points of interest found below the rim in the “ultimate classroom.”

With few exceptions these classes are limited to adults over the age of eighteen. Group size is limited to ten. Prospective students will be asked to fill out a Health Questionnaire as one step in a rigorous screening process. GCFI’s goal is to assist participants in choosing a suitable backcountry class based on their proven skill sets and general fitness.