Get Ready for Grand Canyon's 2025 Field Institute Trips

About Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute

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. 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.

For over two and a half decades, the 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.

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.

2025 Calendar of Events

February 11-14: Phantom Ranch Hiking Tour
March 14-16: Geology Hike and Camp: South Rim
March 23-April 1: Hermit to South Bass Backpacking: Deep Canyon Exploration
April 6-9: Havasupai Gardens: Canyon Backpacking Classics
April 14-18: Horseshoe Mesa Backpacking: Canyon Stories
April 23-28: Hermit Loop Backpacking: Canyon Stories
May 10-14: Bright Angel Loop: Canyon Backpacking Classics
May 14-20: Rim to Rim Backpacking
May 21-27: Rim to Rim Backpacking
May 27-30: Havasupai Gardens: Canyon Backpacking Classics
June 8-12: Natural History Hike and Camp: North Rim
June 13-17: Flora and Fauna Hike and Camp: North Rim
June 20-24: Natural History Hike and Camp: North Rim
September 1-7: Rim to Rim Backpacking
September 15-21: Tanner to Little Colorado River Backpacking: Deep Canyon Exploration
September 21-26: Hermit Loop Backpacking: Canyon Stories
September 29-October 3: Fall Colors Hike and Camp: North Rim
September 25-October 1: Rim to Rim Backpacking
October 1-7: Rim to Rim Backpacking
October 7-13: Rim to Rim Backpacking
October 16 -22: North Bass: Deep Canyon Exploration
October 23-26: Havasupai Gardens: Canyon Backpacking Classics
November 1-5: Bright Angel Loop: Canyon Backpacking Classics

Let's Dive Deeper Into Each Field Institute Trip

Check out the following GCCFI trips planned for 2025. We grouped each based on those seeking a leisurely experience, learning adventure, or challenging excursion.

5 Leisurely GCCFI Trips

For those looking for a more leisurely experience

These trips are perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back pace while still enjoying the grandeur of Grand Canyon.

#1 Phantom Ranch Hiking Tour (Feb 11-14)

Embark on a unique opportunity to stay at the historic Phantom Ranch, nestled at the bottom of Grand Canyon. Enjoy the comfort of a cozy 10-person cabin and savor hearty meals without the burden of heavy backpacking gear. 

Explore the rich history of Phantom Ranch and learn about Mary Colter, the renowned architect behind its design. This trip combines comfort with breathtaking canyon views, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed adventure.

#2 Natural History Hike and Camp: North Rim (Jun 8-12, Jun 20-24)

Experience the North Rim’s diverse ecosystems at a comfortable pace. This trip offers educational discussions on geology, human history, and the canyon’s various life zones, with leisurely hikes and comfortable accommodations. 

It’s a great option for those who want to explore the North Rim’s beauty without tackling the more challenging inner canyon terrain.

#3 Bright Angel Loop: Canyon Backpacking Classics (May 10-14, Nov 1-5)

A perfect introduction to backpacking in Grand Canyon, the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails make their way through a diverse cross section of geology and ecology. 

Enjoy spectacular river views and hikes to side creeks and canyons, and camp at iconic Bright Angel Campground and Havasupai Gardens along the route. 

#4 Havasupai Gardens: Canyon Backpacking Classics – Family Friendly (April 6-9, May 27-30, Oct 23-26)

Designed for families and beginners, this trip introduces you to backpacking in Grand Canyon with manageable trails and a focus on essential skills. Explore the canyon’s hidden treasures while learning about its natural and cultural features. 

This is a great option for those new to backpacking who want an introductory experience.

#5 Flora and Fauna Hike and Camp: North Rim (Jun 13-17)

Learn about the flora and fauna of the North Rim with a focus on plant and animal life. This trip includes hikes through different ecosystems and visits to archeological sites. Engage in hands-on activities such as making rope from agave and crafting split twig figurines from willow. Perfect for those interested in both nature and culture, this trip offers an enriching experience with manageable hikes.

3 Educational GCCFI Trips

For those looking to learn on their adventure

#1 Geology Hike and Camp: South Rim (Mar 14-16)

Explore Grand Canyon’s geological wonders with informative talks, short hikes, and dramatic overlooks. This trip provides a comprehensive introduction to the canyon’s geology, including rock types, formation theories, and notable geologists. 

While the hikes are moderate, the focus on geology makes this an educational and engaging adventure.

#2 Horseshoe Mesa Backpacking: Canyon Stories (Apr 14-18)

Experience the rugged terrain of Horseshoe Mesa with steep trails and stunning campsites. This trip combines hiking with an exploration of the canyon’s mining history and diverse plant and animal life. 

Discover early settler remnants and gain insights into the tribal communities that call Grand Canyon home. This trip is ideal for those looking for a moderately challenging hike with rich historical context.

#3 Hermit Loop Backpacking: Canyon Stories (Apr 23 – Apr 28, Sept 21-26)
Hike along cliffs, soaking in breathtaking views of the Colorado River, and spend nights by the powerful Granite Falls rapid. This program is designed as an introduction to Grand Canyon ecology, biology, geology and human history and the connection between them. 

The Hermit Loop is perfect for experienced hikers who have tackled rim-to-rims or other classic Grand Canyon hikes. 

3 Adventure-Seeking GCCFI Trips

For those ready for a challenge

For those seeking an epic adventure, these trips offer rigorous hiking and the chance to fully immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon’s vast landscapes.

#1 Hermit to South Bass Backpacking: Deep Canyon Exploration (Mar 23-31)

Venture into one of Grand Canyon’s wildest and least-traveled areas on this nine-day backpacking trip. Traverse the western Tonto Trail and explore diverse geological, historical, and ecological features. 

This challenging hike provides ample opportunities for side canyon exploration and relaxation, making it ideal for experienced backpackers.

#2 Rim to Rim Backpacking (May 14-20, May 21-27, Sept 1-7, Sept 25-Oct 1, Oct 1-7, Oct 7-13)

Embark on the ultimate Grand Canyon adventure with a Rim to Rim hike. This strenuous journey takes you across the entire canyon, showcasing its diverse landscapes from lush forests to desert terrains. 

With a well planned itinerary, including a layover day, this trip is perfect for those ready for a physically demanding hike and a further exploration of the canyon.

#3 Tanner to Little Colorado River Backpacking: Deep Canyon Exploration (Sept 15-21)

The Little Colorado River Confluence is a sacred place to many indigenous communities who call Grand Canyon home, and this trip will explore dynamic stretches of trail along the South Rim and the Colorado River. Accessing the area from the South Rim following the Tanner and Beamer Trails, get ready for dramatic views of the canyon’s layers from Precambrian to Paleozoic Era time periods. 

Water and geology will be key topics discussed during the trip, where we'll dive into Colorado River water rights and the ongoing transformation of Grand Canyon.  

Support Grand Canyon National Park

Gifts to GCC ensure that millions of guests arrive as visitors and leave as park champions, forever inspired by the natural and cultural wonders they've just experienced. Your support will help fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for youth and the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. 

About GCC

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing premier educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our donors fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. We exist to support Grand Canyon National Park in its goal to provide enriching and fulfilling visitor experiences and protecting the park for future generations. 

Conclusion

Each of these trips offers a unique way to experience Grand Canyon, tailored to different levels of hiking experience. From leisurely explorations to thrilling challenges, GCC Field Institute looks forward to sharing these journeys with you in 2025. Stay tuned for more details and start planning your Grand Canyon adventure today!