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Tanner Colorado River
Backpacking Trips , First Voices

Tanner to Little Colorado River Backpacking: Deep Canyon Exploration

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.  

Photo: L/Cisneros

  • Dates: September 15–21, 2025
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trip Length: 7 Days
  • Cost: $1,700
  • Group size: 9

Trip Highlights

  • Geology (Mapping, Sedimentation, Geomorphology, Mining) 
  • Colorado River Ecology 
  • Principles of Life Zones 
  • Native American connections to the canyon 
  • Damming of the Colorado River, water management and climate change of the region 

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)

Little Colorado River

Little Colorado River at Grand Canyon National Park.

Confluence on Colorado River

Close-up of the Confluence after a monsoon. PC: L/Cisneros

Tanner Trail Grand Canyon National Park

Panorama view of the Tanner Trail at Grand Canyon National Park PC: NPS J/Baird

Wide angle photo behind two hikers on Tanner Trail photo by John Strother 2017

Wide angle photo behind two hikers on Tanner Trail - PC: John Strother

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

John Begay standing on edge of Grand Canyon

John Begay

John Begay is a dedicated Diné instructor with three years of experience at the Field Institute. Holding education in Geology and Climate Science from Northern Arizona University, John has also been guiding at the Grand Canyon for six years. He is one of the few Indigenous locals who not only shares the rich history of the Grand Canyon but also provides an authentic perspective on Indigenous heritage. Through his thoughtfully curated hikes, John invites clients to experience the canyon through a unique lens, emphasizing both geological wonders and Native American history.

Additional notes

Recent comparable backpacking experience is a prerequisite

Age Restrictions: 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 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

Family of 4 standing and smiling for photo on rock edge at Grand Canyon

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.”

Family of 5 standing and smiling for photo on rock edge at Grand Canyon

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!”

Five hikers standing on forest cliff edge overlooking Grand Canyon 2017

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!”

Group of hikers standing and smiling in front of canyon from ground level at Grand Canyon

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.”

Field Institute guide educating group of hiker tourists seated on beach with water and canyon in background

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.”