Deer Creek Thunder River
This beautiful journey will take you through the vast strata of geology with sweeping vistas of Bridgers Knoll, the Owl Eyes, and other large promontories. It will also bring you up close and personal to some of the largest waterfalls housed in Grand Canyon. Experience the confluence of the shortest river system in the North America, Thunder River and be rewarded with swaths of cottonwood groves at the bottom of the canyon.
Photo: John Strother
- Dates: October 31–November 6, 2025
- Difficulty: Expert
- Trip Length: 7 Days
- Cost: $1,700
- Group size: 9
Trip Highlights
- Explore shortest river system in the North America, Thunder River
- Learn about the tribal communities that call the canyon home
- Discover the importance of water management and how changing climate affects this desert ecosystem
- Experience the awe of hiking and sleeping below the rim, with dark skies at night and unforgettable views along the trail each day
- Logistics and transportation between the North Rim and South Rim provided
Cultural Significance of Deer Creek
The Southern Paiute people who call the North Rim of Grand Canyon home, used the Deer Creek drainage for hundreds of years before white settlers expanded into the southwest. The narrow slot canyon downstream from the patio is of cultural significance to the Southern Paiute spiritual worldview, as it serves as a gateway to the spirit world.
What's included
Price for the class includes:
Education from expert instructors
Comprehensive gear list
Food and menu planning ideas
Receive a comprehensive 60-day workout schedule from GCCFI, with mobility, strength, and cardio exercises
Expedition First Aid kits
Rat sacks
Group water filter
Satellite phone
Backcountry permits for backpacking into Grand Canyon
What's not included
You are responsible for:
Your backpacking equipment and gear
Food
Transportation to and from the canyon
Lodging in the park before or after your trip
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation 15-20% of trip cost, read this article to receive more guidance)
Itinerary
Please note that itinerary details are subject to change. Specific trails and distances traveled may be adjusted due to weather, trail maintenance or closures, or other factors outside our control. We will communicate any adjustments to the itinerary details during orientation.
Meet your Grand Canyon expert
Omar Martinez
Field Institute Program Manager, Grand Canyon ConservancySince moving to Arizona in 2005, Omar has been drawn to the high desert’s rugged beauty and cultural complexity. With a background in Cultural Anthropology from NAU, Omar strives to approach guiding with respect, curiosity, and collaboration—especially when interpreting the rich Indigenous histories of the Southwest. His career has taken him from backpacking trips across Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and southeastern Utah to river expeditions on the Colorado and internationally, including instructing in Tibet and guiding on the Salween River in China. Omar is a bilingual Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and specializes in backcountry travel and navigation. Whether guiding on trail or water, his greatest joy is helping people connect more deeply to wild places. When not in the canyons, Omar is likely chasing single track on his mountain bike.
Additional notes
This is an expert class designed for people who have extensive previous backpacking experience. Recent comparable backpacking experience is a prerequisite. Participants must be 17+ years older for this backpacking program.
Cancellation Policy
Please notify our office as soon as possible should you need to cancel your registration. If you cancel or leave a trip early for any reason:
- 60+ Days prior to trip start date: full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 59-45 Days prior to the trip start date: 50% refund will be issued.
- Less than 45 days prior to trip start date: no refund.
Reserved spots are transferable to different trips, if there is availability. This transfer can occur up to 45 days prior to the trip's start date.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip due the following circumstances; failure to meet the participant minimum and loss of scheduled staff due to injury or illness. In this event, participants will receive a full refund. In addition, Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute may cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather events, natural disasters, park closures, and health emergencies, and there is no alternative trip is available to you. If GCCFI cancels the trip due to unforeseen circumstances 15 days or more prior to departure, the customer will receive a full refund. If the trip is a multiday program and GCCFI cancels 14 days or less the customer will receive trip credit.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute is not responsible for: flight tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear, medical expenses, clothing, and any expenses occurred while preparing for this trip.
We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance to help offset any cost incurred if cancellation occurs.
Payment Policy
To secure your booking, a 10% deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking. This deposit confirms your reservation and guarantees your spot on the tour. An additional 50% payment of the balance is due 90 days before departure.
The remaining 40% of the balance is due 45 days before departure. Please ensure the final payment is made by this deadline to avoid any delays or complications with your tour.
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the payment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Timely payments ensure we can provide the best possible experience, and we look forward to welcoming you on your tour.
Testimonials
The Zelkovic Family
“Our day with the Field Institute exceeded all our expectations and we came away with a great respect for the canyon and for the work of the Conservancy. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end and hope we can return in the not so distant future to participate in one of your multi-day programs.”
The Jankowskis
“Our family’s experience was nothing short of amazing! Slim (our guide) provided a perspective we would have never been able to get on our own and we learned so much. Her passion for the canyon and what she does came through too, which made our time something we’ll never forget!”
Amy Waits
“The guides were awesome – so educational and patient!!! Encouraging & helpful in every way. Such an amazing first visit to the canyon – Life changing to have experienced the GC up close & personal… Thank you so much!”
Andy M.
“Top to bottom, the Field Institute exceeded all of my expectations .... they ensured we packed wisely for our trip and saved me from lugging around 5 lbs. of junk I didn't need. Overall, it's packed with value that I don't think commercial outfitters would provide and delivered a deeply rich experience.”