Operation Canyon Rising

We are proud to partner with Arizona Outback Adventures for this expedition. They will be our guides for the trek and we will follow the itinerary below.

DAY 0, 7 Sept 2016: GATHER IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Once we all arrive at Sky Harbor Airport, we will then be shuttled to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort. The next morning we will begin the journey for the guided Grand Canyon hiking tour, which was selected by National Geographic as one of the top “50 Tours of a Lifetime!”

DAY 1, 8 Sept: DRIVE FROM SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX TO THE GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM LODGE
8:00 a.m. shuttle from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon North Rim, roughly six hour drive. Settling into the quaint cabins of Grand Canyon’s North Rim Lodge before enjoying a sunset stroll and dinner in this spectacular setting.

• Hiking: 2 miles

DAY 2, 9 Sept: HIKE DOWN THE NORTH KAIBAB TRAIL TO PHANTOM RANCH
Get ready for a challenging trek into the heart of the canyon! Today’s descent is 14 miles and 5,700 feet into the grandest of canyons! With mind-blowing vistas, 100-foot waterfalls, plus green spring-fed oases, the North Kaibab Trail is a national treasure. At trails end, we find Phantom Ranch nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek just before its confluence with the Colorado River. This will be our home for the next two nights.

• Hiking: 14 miles (trailhead is at 8,200 feet – Phantom Ranch is at approximately 2,500 feet – TOTAL elevation loss of 5,700 feet)

DAY 3, 10 Sept: A DAY TO ENJOY PHANTOM RANCH AND THE PEACEFUL SOLITUDE ONLY FOUND WITHIN THE CANYON WALLS
Today we plan to hike the beautiful Clear Creek and River Trails. However, some may choose to use this day for relaxation, cheering on the rafters, socializing with other adventurers, or stretching out in the shade.

• Hiking: 3‐5 miles

DAY 4, 11 Sept: ASCEND THE BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL TO THE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM VILLAGE
The rising sun finds us preparing to conquer the canyon. We will ascend the Bright Angel Trail, a classic Grand Canyon trek! After crossing the Colorado River, the trail snakes its way up out of the inner gorge to the shady oasis of Indian Gardens. Here we will refuel and refill with water before tackling the steep ascent up Jacob’s Ladder through the Redwall layer. While always a tremendous challenge, your guides will provide you with helpful hints, strategies, techniques, and their insider knowledge of the keys to a successful ascent. With proper preparation, hydration, and diet, the entire group will soon be high‐fiving and hugging on the rim. Tonight we celebrate our shared accomplishments at historic Kachina Lodge before retiring to our nearby rooms for some well-deserved rest.

• Hiking: 10 miles (Phantom Ranch is at approximately 2,500 feet – trailhead is at 6,800 feet ‐ TOTAL elevation gain of 4,300 feet)

DAY 5, 12 Sept: TOUR THE SOUTH RIM AND RETURN TO SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX
For those who want a fantastic final hike, the Rim Trail awaits. Using the shuttle system you can hike one-way along the rim and it is a great way to stretch your legs and get a bird’s‐eye view of the route you traversed in the days prior. Other interesting cultural experiences include Hopi House, condor talks, and the many interpretive centers. Following this relaxing morning we will begin the three and half hour drive back to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort with a stop for lunch en‐route. We will return between 3:00pm‐5:00pm.

• Hiking: 0‐3 miles optional

13 Sept: Morning shuttle to Sky Harbor Airport to Return home