Basic Information
Return to the Grand Canyon or join us for the first time in the ultimate backpacking experience – a rim-to-rim hike. This adventure starts on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on the North Kaibab trail and ends on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the top of the Bright Angel trail. During this hike, you will experience the beauty of the high pine forests of the North Rim, the desert splendor of South Rim and in-between experience views available nowhere else on earth. Space is very limited with only 5 adventure openings available, on a first come first serve basis. Complete trip costs are due no later than April 15 to reserve your spot.

Cost
The price per person is $185 and includes backcountry hiking permits, campground fees for 4 nights (1 night in the North Rim Campground, 1 night at Cottonwood Campground, 1 night at Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the canyon, 1 night in Indian Gardens Campground half way up the South Rim) and a commemorative T-shirt. Price does not include transportation to or from the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon entry fees, hiking or camping equipment nor food. More information on transportation, equipment consolidation, and food will be provided after May 1st when the Park Service will confirm reservations.

Logistics
The group will meet at the North Rim Lodge on Thursday, June 24 - shuttle service from the South RIm to the North Rim is included. The hiking begins early Friday, June 25 at 7:00 a.m. from the North Rim at the head of Roaring Springs Canyon on the North Kaibab trail. The hike that day will cover 7.1 miles to Cottonwood Campground. The hike continues the next day for 7.1 miles to the canyon floor on a long downhill trail that follows a stream. We will overnight at the Bright Angel Campground just past Phantom Ranch on the night of June 26. On Sunday, June 27, at 5:00 a.m. the hike resumes on the Bright Angel Trail for 4.7 up hill miles to the Indian Garden Camp. An additional short hike from Indian Gardens to the overlooks provide great Colorado River views. On Monday, June 28, at 5:00 a.m. the hike resumes on the Bright Angel Trail for another 4.6 up hill miles to the South Rim exiting the canyon by 1 p.m.

Itinerary

Date	Description	Campground
Thursday - 06/24/04	Meet at the North Rim campground – overnight in this Campground.	North Rim
Friday – 06/25/04	Early start (7:00 a.m.) on North Kaibab Trail. Hike 7.1 miles to Cottonwood Campground.	Cottonwood Campground
Saturday – 09/13/03	Early hike start on the next 7.1 miles to Bright Angel Campground. Dinner at Phantom Ranch.	Bright Angel Campground
Sunday – 09/14/03	Early start (5:00 a.m.) on Bright Angel trail hike to Indian Gardens – 4.7 miles up hill.	Indian Gardens Campground
Monday – 09/15/03	Early start (5:00 a.m.) on Bright Angel trail hike to top of South Rim – 4.6 miles uphill	NOTHING PLANNED

Conditioning
There is no easy trail from Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon! This trip provides the easiest route by starting on the North Rim (higher than the South Rim), and taking two days to climb up the South Rim the most difficult part of the trip. By leaving the climb up to the end of the trip, the packs will weight less, you will be adapted to the heat and hiking, and will have a shorter climb (9.3 miles on the South Rim compared to 14.2 miles to the North Rim). However, you must prepare for this hike with workouts and training directed at increasing your ability to climb and your endurance. It is suggested that you take several preparation hikes with a pack in the months leading up to this hike. In the gym, stair climbers and cross trainers are excellent ways to increase your capabilities while strength training targeted to your legs will get you in condition for this hike. Good hiking boots are a must with high-top coverage a good suggestion. The boots must be broken in well from your pre-hike conditioning and be very comfortable for the long hike down. Your shoes and your pack are the key to making this hike a memorable rather than painful adventure.

To reserve your spot
Send us an e-mail indicating the number in your party and any other questions you may have. An e-mail will be returned indicating that you have made the short list and where to mail your fees to reserve your spot. Remember, fees must be received by April 15 to reserve your spot.