Grandview to South Kaibab: Ultralight Backpacking
Embark on a spectacular six-day backpacking adventure through the heart of Grand Canyon. Beginning on the historic South Rim, this journey blends hands-on preparation with a unique exploration of some of the canyon’s most iconic and lesser-traveled landscapes. You’ll camp in dramatic inner-canyon settings, wander through quiet side canyons, and finish with a triumphant climb up the scenic South Kaibab Trail.
- Dates: April 3–8, 2026
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trip Length: 6 Days
- Cost: $1,450
- Group size: 9
Trip Highlights
- Learn ultralight backpacking skills and complete a gear check before heading into the canyon
- Descend the historic Grandview Trail past Horseshoe Mesa, traversing the wide-open views of the Tonto Platform
- Camp in remote inner-canyon locations like Grapevine, Boulder, and Cremation canyons
- Ascend the South Kaibab Trail, featuring iconic viewpoints such as O’Neill Butte, Skeleton Point, and Ooh Aah Point
- Breathtaking geology, remote solitude, and opportunities for reflection
What's included
Price for the class includes:
Expert and educated instructors
Comprehensive gear list
Menu planning ideas
Expedition First Aid kit and Satellite phone carried by instructor
Rat sacks
Backcountry permits for backpacking into Grand Canyon
Food containers are provided in corridor campgrounds
What's not included
You are responsible for:
Transportation to and from the canyon
All of your food and gear, including a water filter
Hotel lodging in the park before or after your trip if you would like
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation 15-20% of trip cost, read this article to receive more guidance)
Itinerary
Meet your Grand Canyon experts
Rich Rudow
Rich Rudow is a Grand Canyon adventurer who fell into the abyss at age 25 on a rafting trip his wife gave him as a gift. Thirty-four years later, he has yet to escape the magnetic pull of exploration in the vast remote areas of the National Park. In 2015, he became one of the few people to traverse the length of the Grand Canyon, staying beneath the rim deep inside the three-dimensional maze for 57-days before successfully emerging near Lake Mead. Eight years ago, Rich picked up a professional camera determined to vividly showcase the remote beauty of the Grand Canyon in order to inspire more Americans to protect the place. After more than 1,300 days exploring below the rim, he has become one of the foremost experts on the Grand Canyon backcountry.
Sherri O’Neil
MASherri has been an outdoor educator since 1996, bringing nearly three decades of expertise in fostering meaningful connections with the natural world. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s degree in Outdoor Education from Prescott College, where her studies focused on interpreting Indigenous cultures and promoting stewardship through education.
A published author, Sherri has contributed multiple articles to Legacy, the magazine of the National Association for Interpretation. She is passionate about designing customized experiences that inspire participants to form deeper bonds with their surroundings, blending her academic knowledge and practical expertise to create impactful educational opportunities.
Cancellation and Refund 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 2 weeks prior due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive full refund minus 10% administrative fee.
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 Plan 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!”
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.”