Grand Canyon Backpacking: Granite Rapids

Our Grand Canyon backpacking guides will take you through an area that allows you to experience some of the largest rapids on the Colorado River, big vistas along remote sections of trail, and into some of the more remote swimming holes and water sources along the South Rim.

The first day will take us down the less traveled Hermit Trail past Santa Maria Spring and to our camp alongside of Hermit Creek where we can enjoy some swimming in crystal water, located at a beautiful campsite.

The following day we travel across the Tonto Trail, past a 200 foot rock spire called the monument, before dropping in on Monument Creek. Here we explore a remote slot canyon with flowing water, and travel to see Granite Rapids on the Colorado River. Granite Rapids hosts a large white sand beach, with shaded rest areas, and is an amazing reward to simply be able to sit and enjoy the Colorado River and the magnificence of this remote beach. At the end of the day we camp near the source of Monument Creek.

On the third day we enjoy big vistas while continuing across the Tonto Trail to a campsite at Horn Creek or Indian Gardens, getting to see huge views and many of the notable Temples on the North side of the Colorado River along the way. This stretch is over ten miles, and it is rare we see anybody else along the way. Between the big views, and the remote feel, this cannot be beat.

The final day is spent hiking out on the classic Bright Angel Trail where we climb Jacob's Ladder past ancient pictographs, eventually reaching the top of the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

  • - Time: September - June (July and August are not available)
  • - Difficulty rating: 8/10
  • - Distance and Elevation: 31 miles - 4,750 feet
  • - Number of days: 4-5
  • - Pricing: Click Here
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Tour Photos