Grand Canyon

April 20-26, 2026

let’s backpack one of the 7 natural wonders!

This adventure is rated 5 out of 5 for difficulty level. Don’t let this short trip and minimal mileage fool you, this strenuous trip requires training to successfully complete. There is steep elevation gain and loss on rocky terrain throughout with more technical sections of the trail that require staying aware of surroundings. On the last day there is scramble up an non-maintained trail that is exposed. All trail information is listed below.

Backcountry solitude away from the crowds, breathtaking views at every turn, intimate riparian oasis, unparalleled stargazing, and the very best guides in the desert southwest. This will be your adventure into the rugged and spectacular wilderness backcountry on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. It's a challenging but extremely rewarding 4 day backpacking trip that shows off the very best that the Grand Canyon has to offer.

Booking Deadline: January 20, 2026. All reservations much be secured by this date. After the deadline, availability cannot be guaranteed and pricing is subject to change. We strongly recommend finalizing your booking well in advance of the deadline to ensure your spot on this trip.

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ITINERARY

    • Arrive in Williams, Arizona.  If flying, you can choose to fly into Phoenix (PHX), Las Vegas (LAS) or Flagstaff (FLG). Please note if flying into Flagstaff, you will need to book a flight to Phoenix and then to Flagstaff separately.

    • Transportation is not provided to Williams so if you are flying in, you will need to rent a car. There is a shuttle service from Flagstaff to Williams.

    • Check in to our house is at 4:30pm.

    • Get settled in and dinner is at the house so we can get to know each other!

    • Meals included: Dinner

    • Wake up and enjoy coffee/tea and a simple breakfast at the house! You can choose to explore the famous Route 66 or visit the (not so) famous Poozeum. If you have a vehicle, you can get your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon or visit the nearby Bearizona Wildlife Park.

    • You can also choose to hang out at the house and prep your gear for tomorrow’s trek!

    • At about 5pm we will start our backpacking briefing. We will double check pack weights, go over safety instructions and ensure everyone is ready to go first thing in the morning!

    • Guides will bring pizza for dinner!

    • Meals provided: Breakfast and dinner

    • It’s an early start! We will meet our guides inside Grand Canyon National Park at South Rim Market Plaza in front of the General Store at 7:30 AM sharp.

    • There will be a brief orientation, gear distribution, and pack check before we caravan to the Grandview trailhead.

    • Grandview Trail was built first to provide access to Horseshoe Mesa for the Last Chance copper mine but eventually was improved to be the first, high-end trail for tourists at the canyon.

    • Grandview is a short but thrillingly-steep trail with sections of the original cobblestone and rock-box, trail construction still visible.

    • Once we reach Horseshoe Mesa, we’ll drop our packs to explore the remnants of the Last Chance copper mine from the early 1900’s and hike to a spectacular lookout at the end of the western arm of the Horseshoe. Then, we’ll grab our packs and continue our hike down the western side of Horseshoe Mesa, dropping the final 1,000’ of today’s hike to arrive at our campsite at Cottonwood Creek. 

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

      Total Distance: 6.5 miles
      Elevation loss: 3,500ft

    • Today we have a relatively flat day of hiking around Horseshoe Mesa to our second campsite at Hance Creek.

    • Along the way, we’ll also take time to explore off trail to the edge of the Tonto plateau to experience a favorite lookout high above the inner canyon and Sockdolager Rapids.

    • Tonight’s campsite is idyllically located alongside Hance Creek and tucked between two towering sections of the Redwall. 

    • Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

      Total Distance: 6.6 miles
      Elevation loss: 200 ft 

    • From our camp at Hance Creek, we first gain elevation as we hike up from the creek to continue eastward along the Tonto Trail toward Mineral Canyon.

    • The final bit of today’s journey requires us to negotiate through a sandy area and descend a dune to our camp alongside the impressive Hance Rapids. This is the eastern terminus of the 90 mile Tonto Trail and camp is a few steps away from this point.

    • We have officially reached the bottom of the canyon and can celebrate with a refreshing jump in the cold waters of the Colorado, our neighbor for the night. 

    • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

      Mileage: 6.5 miles; Elevation Loss: 1,140’

    • From our camp at Hance Rapids we should be mentally prepared for an adventurous, strenuous, and long day of hiking.

    • Today’s trail, which replaced the old Hance Trail in 1894, is not maintained, and we will encounter several sections of scrambling during our difficult and exciting exit from the canyon. The trail ascends steeply to the top of the Red Wall where we break to snack and catch our breath. There’s more climbing ahead as the trail rises and crosses a spill-off drainage through the Supai layers to arrive at a saddle between the south rim and Coronado Butte.

    • We continue to climb through slabs of Coconino Sandstone, traverse the Toroweap layer, and finally top out of the canyon after a final push through the capstone of the canyon, the Kaibab Limestone. A final short walk through the rim forest brings us to the trailhead on the main road. 

    • We will drive back to Williams and check in to our hotel for the night, the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel.

    • Farewell dinner will be at a nearby restaurant within walking distance.

    • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

      Mileage: 7.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 4,422’

    • It’s been quite the journey! We’ve enjoyed every minute, but it’s now time to say good-bye.

    • Breakfast is included at the hotel.

    • If flying, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight!

    • Meals included: Breakfast

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Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com

Ready to Book?

Ready to Book?

  • $2,495 USD double+ occupancy rooms/hotel.

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.

    A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.

    • 4 days / 3 nights guided backcountry camping in the Grand Canyon.

    • 2 nights in Airbnb in Williams.

    • 1 night in the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel.

    • Two experienced, local female guides for backpacking portion of trip.

    • Permit and campsite fees for Grand Canyon

    • 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners

    • Cookware to make meals including fuel and water filters.

    • Tents and trekking poles are available on request.

    • Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host, and local guide to ask any questions

    • Small group; maximum group of 8 women plus your trip host and 2 local guides.

    • WWE Swag to make your heart happy!

    • Flights/transportation to/from Williams, Arizona.

    • Transportation to/from Grand Canyon.

    • Gear needed for trip: backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal cookware etc.

    • Alcohol, speciality beverages, snacks, and meals not listed in the itinerary.

    • Travel insurance (emergency evacuation is required)

    • Tips and gratuity for guides, drivers, etc. The value of the tip is at the discretion of the client.

    • Medical expenses, immunizations, and any Covid-19 required testing as applicable.

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.

  • All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.

  • Please note that while this trip is planned during the typical golden larch season in the North Cascades, we cannot guarantee the presence, visibility, or peak color of the larch trees during your scheduled trip.

    Larch color change is a natural phenomenon influenced by a variety of unpredictable factors including weather patterns, temperature changes, and elevation. Peak color can vary from year to year, and may arrive earlier or later than expected. Additionally, fog, rain, snow, wildfire smoke, or other weather conditions may limit visibility or access to certain areas. The trip will proceed as planned, focusing on the overall experience of hiking in the North Cascades, regardless of larch visibility.

    We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and we’re committed to providing a rewarding and memorable outdoor experience—whatever nature delivers.