Discover Kanab Creek
From the red rock expanse of the Esplanade to the cool depths of Kanab Creek’s 1500-foot limestone canyon, this hike is rich in natural and human history. In addition, the route traverses several life zones from pine forests to Kanab Creek’s lush riparian zone.
- Dates: April 25–May 1, 2027
- Difficulty: Expert
- Trip Length: 7 Days
- Cost: $1,600
- Group size: 9
Trip Highlights
- Explore the remote and rarely visited Kanab Creek Wilderness
- Visit one of the Southwest's longest petroglyph and pictograph galleries in Snake Gulch
- Hike through dramatic limestone canyons, the Esplanade, and lush riparian corridors
- Discover waterfalls, emerald pools, and natural water slides in Scotty's Hollow
- Spend two nights beside beautiful Kanab Creek with opportunities to explore side canyons
- Learn about Grand Canyon geology, archaeology, ecology, hydrology, and human history from expert instructor Christa Sadler.
- Experience a true backcountry adventure with creek crossings, desert landscapes, and stunning solitude.
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)
Difficulty Rating
Is this the right Grand Canyon hike for myself or my group? Picking the right difficulty level ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
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
Christa Sadler
Christa has worked with the Field Institute since its inception in 1993. She is a geologist, educator and naturalist with a serious addiction to rivers, deserts and mountains. She has pursued research in archaeology, geology and paleontology across much of the globe, including searching for dinosaurs in Montana, fighting off dust storms and overly curious camels in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia and steering clear of annoyed marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands. Christa teaches geology and guides in the canyons and on the rivers of the Southwest in the spring and fall, and escapes to Alaska in the summers. She also runs This Earth, a small business that takes geology and fossil programs to children around the country, and designs Earth science exercises, programs and field trips for students in grades K–12. Christa’s writing and photographs have appeared in Plateau Journal, Sedona Magazine and Earth Magazine, and she is the author of Life in Stone and The Colorado, as well as the editor of the anthology There’s This River … Grand Canyon Boatman Stories.
Additional Notes
- Water needs to be purified prior to consumption along the route. Please bring
your own water filter. We can decide as a group how many we need before the trip
starts. - We may end up having a couple of dry camps on the Esplande, so you should bring enough capacity for those dry camps. You will want at least three liters for your daily consumption when we are hiking.
- There are no toilets along this route; appropriate backcountry toilet etiquette is
essential. - You will need to have hiking shoes that can get wet, since the entire route once we hit
water in Kanab Creek involves walking in and crossing the creek. - You MUST have rubber tips for your poles. These will make them easier to use on round
and slippery creek rocks, and they will not damage the Esplanade sandstone surface. - You may need to be flexible and creative with the campsites in Jumpup and Kanab Canyons; they are small, and not necessarily perfectly flat.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Please notify our office as soon as possible should you need to cancel your registration. If you cancel:
- You will have up to 3 days after booking to cancel your reservation for a full refund
- After 3 days and up to 90 days prior to trip start date: full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 89-45 days prior to the trip start date: 50% refund will be issued
- 44-30 days prior to the trip start date: 25% refund will be issued
- Less than 30 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 90 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 to 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. If GCCFI cancels the trip due to unforeseen circumstances 15 days or more prior to departure, the customer will receive a full refund. If GCCFI cancels 2 weeks prior due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a 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. The remaining 90% payment of the balance is due 90 days before departure.
Failure to make the final payment by the deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation. The 10% deposit is non-refundable in this case.
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.”