Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Arizona Grand Canyon Hiking
Day 1 Hike the Red Rocks of Sedona
4.5-hour private van transfer
1.5- 2.5 miles/2 hours hiking with 230' elevation gain and loss
Start your adventure in the Phoenix area, the blue-sky, fair-weather hub of the Sonoran Desert. Meet your MT Sobek guides and fellow travelers for a quick orientation before heading to beautiful Sedona. En route, watch the landscape change from low desert to high, see saguaro cactus shift to pinion pine, as you travel to Red Rock State Park. This is Sedona at its best, with rolling trails and stunning red rock views all around as you follow meandering creeks, keeping an eye out for javelina crossing your path. Savor an al fresco lunch before journeying farther north, into the cool pine-covered elevations of canyon country. Your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon, from Desert View Watchtower, is unforgettable and allows an up-close understanding of how geology created such a fascinating spectacle. Tonight, check into your rim-side lodge, and meet up for dinner to discuss the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Kachina Lodge
(L, D)
Day 2 Follow the Bright Angel Trail into the Grand Canyon
6 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 2,102' elevation gain and loss; 2-4 miles/1-2hours hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss (optional)
After breakfast, lace up your boots and head down the legendary Bright Angel Trail, once traversed by Teddy Roosevelt. Following a natural fault line, its steep switchbacks descend 2,100 feet in just 3 miles—halfway into the canyon—revealing layers of rock millions of years old. Pause at the ancient Redwall Limestone before powering up with a picnic and stories of John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition. Then, begin the challenging trek back to the rim. In the afternoon, explore the Shrine of Ages on your own, or join your MT Sobek guide for the Trail of Time or continue on West Rim to Hopi Point. Cap the day with the wonder of stargazing in this certified International Dark Sky Park.
Accommodation: Kachina Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Descend South Kaibab Trail
1.5-hour park shuttle transfer
6 miles/4-5hours hiking with 2,060' elevation gain and loss; 1.5-3 miles/1-2 hours hiking with 250' elevation gain and loss
Today you'll experience some of the most scenic miles the Grand Canyon has to offer on the South Kaibab Trail. Tracing a prominent ridgeline, it affords a nearly 360-degree view of the widest part of the canyon. Get your camera ready for the aptly named Ooh-Ahh Point! Continue down the manmade stairs on this well-maintained trail to Cedar Ridge and on to Skeleton Point. Here, you'll get your first glimpse of the Colorado River, the powerful force that carved the canyon itself, and the life-giving artery of the southwestern US. After returning to the rim, you can explore the canyon as desired, with various shopping or hiking options available, including a trek along the East Rim Trail from Mather Point to Pipe Creek Vista, one of the best views on the South Rim. Tonight, dust off for a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Canyon Rim Hiking & Hermit’s Rest
3.5-hour private van transfer
8 miles/4 hours hiking with 496' elevation gain (optional & time permitting)
Today, your MT Sobek guides will offer an optional sunrise walk, perfect for early birds or YOLO enthusiasts who want to witness the warm glow of the sun coloring the ancient canyon walls. After a quick breakfast, board a scenic shuttle headed to the less-traveled Hermit's Rest, a unique architectural gem designed by the influential architect Mary Jane Colter in 1914. From there, embark on a captivating hike along the rim trail back toward the heart of the village, stopping at up the trail's many viewpoints to drink it all in. This afternoon say farewell to the canyon, having visited its most popular trails and secret spots over the past four days. Journey south, from pine to cactus, and return to the Phoenix area in the early evening for your flight out.
(B, L)