Our rim-based classes take place on both the South and North Rims, and do not involve overnight backpacking. Topics include photography, natural history, archaeology, cultural history, birding, first aid, Native American history, art. Participants either stay in one of the park lodges or camp in complimentary campsites at Mather Campground.

The most popular class in this category is our Learning & Lodging program. For one fee participants receive two nights lodging, several meals, and two full days in the field with a GCFI naturalist enjoying the views and parkwide interpretive themes both above and below the rim. Offered on the South Rim only, the Learning & Lodging program is conducted in collaboration with Xanterra South Rim LLC. To register call Xanterra South Rim LLC at (928) 638-2525 (this is the sole GCFI class for which registration is not handled directly by the institute, therefore online registration is not an option).