Grand Canyon-Colorado River-Havasu Falls Hiker

Hike from Rim-to-River and Back and Explore the Falls of Havasu Canyon

This imaginative adventure makes a loop from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back along two of the Canyon's most storied trails and concludes with a journey back in time to the Native American village of Supai and Havasu Canyon, an isolated oasis of thundering waterfalls and pristine, turquoise-tinted pools.

Day 1 South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon. From our rendezvous in Flagstaff, we drive to the South Rim for our first magnificent view of the mile-deep chasm. The South Kaibab trail is our route to the Colorado River, descending past Ooh-Ah Point, Cedar Ridge, spectacular Skeleton Point, and the "Tipoff" before arriving at the Black Suspension Bridge. Phantom Ranch, reached only by foot, mule or raft, is our day's destination.

Day 2 Phantom Ranch and Colorado River. This morning we climb up onto the Tonto Platform for exquisite views of the Colorado River below before venturing into The Box, where vertical walls of schist tower 1200 feet above. This afternoon is free to relax, recuperate and recharge for tomorrow's climb back out of the canyon. Late in the day, walking the River Trail provides a great opportunity to catch the setting sun.

Day 3 Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon. We begin our journey out of the Canyon early in the morning. We cross the river on the Silver Suspension Bridge, continue downstream, climb Devils Corkscrew and ascend through the Tapeats Narrows to Indian Gardens. The switchbacks of Jacobs Ladder up through the Redwall afford views of the Battleship, Cheops Pyramid, and Brahma Temple. Pinyon and juniper woodlands greet us and two tunnels cut through the Kaibab limestone as we near the rim. Tonight we celebrate our accomplishments and treat ourselves to a gourmet dinner at the historic El Tovar Hotel's acclaimed five-star restaurant.

Days 4-6 Havasu Canyon and Falls-Supai. For three days we explore Havasu, an oasis of lush vegetation, sparkling cascades, thundering waterfalls, and turquoise pools encased in travertine. We experience a culture lost in time as the Havasupai Indians have wisely decided not to allow a road to invade their pristine canyon home. The only way in is by foot, mule or helicopter. This Shangri-la setting showcases cascading Navajo Falls, the twin towering falls of Havasu, and finally spectacular Mooney Falls. The pools beneath each waterfall provide idyllic settings for a welcome swim. Bidding farewell to this canyon paradise, we hike back up to Hualapai Hilltop, from where we shuttle to our farewell lunch along historic Route 66 and to our trip's conclusion in Flagstaff.