Geology Hike and Camp: South Rim
Camp at the South Rim and spend your days hiking with our expert guides and learning all about Grand Canyon’s geology. Through hikes, talks, and visits to dramatic overlooks, you’ll learn about how the canyon was formed, fossils, and ongoing geologic processes from an expert..
- Dates: March 14–16, 2025
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trip Length: 3 Days
- Cost: $800
- Group size: 9
Trip Highlights
- Camping at Mather Campground, with daily hikes and visits to dramatic overlooks across the South Rim of Grand Canyon
- Overview of the Grand Canyon and Colorado Plateau’s geography and geology
- Geomorphology & landscape evolution – How was Grand Canyon formed?
- Water in the canyon – Where does it come from and where does it go?
- Overview of rock families, fossils, ancient environments, and stratigraphy
- Learn Leave No Trace ethics
What's included
Price for the class includes:
Our expert instructor
Daily hikes/learning geology, ecology, and history of the canyon
Camping on the South Rim at Mather Campground. We can only support tents or vans. No RVs or trailers
Transportation to various hiking locations during class
Park entrance fee waiver
What's not included
You are responsible for:
All of your day hiking and camping equipment
Food
Transportation to and from the South Rim of Grand Canyon
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation 15-20% of trip cost, read this article to receive more guidance)
Coconino Sandstone geologic layer
Visitors walk along the rim in the historic village
Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail
Camping at Mather Campground
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
Melissa Giovanni
PhDMelissa Giovanni has been exploring the southwest for over 20 years, considers herself a true desert lizard, and loves the heat! She first visited Grand Canyon during her undergraduate geology field camp at the University of Arizona, where she ultimately earned her B.S. in geology. Melissa then moved to UCLA for her Ph.D., also in geology. While her doctoral studies focused on the geological evolution of the Peruvian Andes, she discovered her passion for teaching and while still a graduate student, led her very first field trip to Grand Canyon.
During a decade of teaching geology at two different universities, Melissa was able to develop her field teaching skills in locales all around Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Currently a professor at the College of Southern Nevada, she teaches both environmental science and geology. She has been invited to speak at public seminars and for private groups all around the Grand Canyon region.
Since joining the Field Institute in 2016, Melissa's love for the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, public lands, and conservation continues to grow exponentially. She comes out to hike the canyon as much as possible - her favorite spots are, well, everywhere she has been so far. When at home in Las Vegas, she can be found climbing and hiking in Red Rock Canyon, training as a competitive Masters swimmer, playing guitar, and serving as a Board member for the Southern Nevada Conservancy.
Cancellation Policy
Please notify our office as soon as possible should you need to cancel your registration. If you cancel or leave a trip for any reason:
- 60+ days of program start date: full refund, minus a $100 administrative fee will be issued
- 59 - 45 days prior start date: 50% refund will be issued
- Less than 45 days to start date, or once trip has begun: we will retain your entire program fee with no exceptions.
Reserved spots are non-transferable to different programs. However, you may substitute members of your party, specific to the trip date with GCCFI approval, with no penalty, up to 30 days prior to departure date.
GCCFI reserves the right to cancel all, or a portion, of a trip for circumstance beyond our control. Circumstances might include, but are not limited to—public land closures, road closures, weather events, fires, or other natural events. Refunds are not offered in these situations. A full trip credit will be issued, minus any non-refundable expenses occurred by GCCFI if the program is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. GCCFI staff will work to change itinerary to another trail or move hiking locations to a safer area.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip if sign-up is inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate. In this event, we will give a full refund of the trip price.
GCCFI is not responsible for: air tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear, medical expenses, clothing, and any expenses occurred while preparing for this trip.
We HIGHLY encourage the purchase of trip insurance to help offset any costs incurred if cancellation occurs
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!”
Joe Sweeney
“I've brought many school groups to the Field Institute and the quality of instruction provides them with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, diverse ecology, and geologic history. Students leave with a stronger sense of self-confidence, an intimate connection to nature, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
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.”