Grand Canyon Backpacking (Escalante Route) 4 Days
From $2,449 / person
StrenuousLong, hard days, several in a row, at altitude.Is this trip right for you? ›
Overview
Adventure deep into the heart of the Grand Canyon on the spectacular Escalante Route. Covering roughly 32 rugged miles, this unforgettable backpacking journey is made for experienced hikers craving big challenge and even bigger scenery. Descend from the South Rim, travel beside the Colorado River for more than 10 stunning miles, and tackle unforgettable features like SeventyMile Creek, Hance Rapids, the Papago Wall, and Red Canyon. With steep trails, exposed terrain, scrambling, and route-finding, this is not your average canyon hike. It’s a bold, demanding, and wildly rewarding expedition you’ll never forget.
Day by day
The whole trip at a glance
Day 1
Lipan Point to Cardenas Creek via Tanner Trail - 12 miles
The first day covers the longest stretch of the trek, approximately 12 miles, mostly downhill. While your knees may feel the strain, there's no major climbing. An early start is recommended to reach the Colorado River—your first water source—before the day's heat sets in.
1 / 6 Day 2
Cardenas Creek to Red Canyon via Escalante Trail - 9 Miles
Day 2 brings a 9-mile trek with about 2,500 feet of elevation change, following the Escalante Trail along the Colorado River with stunning canyon views. Water access is frequent, so carrying 2-3 liters at a time is enough. The biggest challenge comes at mile 7—climbing the Papago Wall. While no technical gear is needed, you’ll use hand and toe holds to scale a few exposed ledges. The day ends at a small beach at Red Canyon’s outlet, a perfect spot to set up camp.
Day 3
Red Canyon to Hance Creek - 6.5 Miles
The hike on Day 3 is short at 6.5 miles in length and only climbs ~1,500 feet. From camp, you take the Tonto Trail southwest towards Ayer Point. After climbing for ~3 miles, the trail will flatten out as it traverses around Ayer Point. When you reach Hance Creek, find a nice campsite and refill your water from the creek, which typically runs year round.
1 / 6 Day 4
Hance Creek to Grandview Point - 4.9 Miles
The final hike leads from Hance Creek to Grandview Point over the course of ~5 miles. There is a fair amount of climbing on this hike, so plan to hike relatively slowly. The Grandview Trail provides some great views, so be sure to stop and look around once in a while. At the 1.5-mile mark, you reach a junction with the Grandview Trail. If you have extra time and energy, you can do a side trip out to Horseshoe Mesa (i.e., head north on the Grandview Trail). If not, you should head south along the Grandview Trail, which climbs steadily up to Grandview Point.
A Southwest Adventure Van will be parked at the Grandview Trailhead parking lot to conclude your Epic journey through the Grand Canyon Escalante Route!
What to Pack
Required Gear
- Base Layers Tops and Bottoms
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Hiking Boots
- Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
- Insulated jacket and/or Vest
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Day Pack (36L-50L)
- Water Bottles (Three 1-liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-liter Water Bottle
- Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
- Prescription Medications
- Whistle
Recommended Gear
- Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Underwear
- Sun Hat
- Tee Shirts (Cotton and Synthetic)
- Sunblock and Lip Balm
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Water Shoes (Full Foot Protection)
- Electrolyte Drink Additives
- Hand Sanitizer
- Large Plastic Garbage Bag
- Pack Rain Cover
- Toiletries
- Ear Plugs
You Might Also Consider
- Camera and Accessories
- Insect Repellent
- Liner Socks (Synthetic)
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Small Binoculars
- Face Mask
- Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
Trail Conditions
This trip follows a mix of well-maintained and more rugged sections of the trail. Be prepared for periods of steep hiking, moderate to significant exposure, and, at times, loose surfaces that require attention and careful footing.
Physical Demands of this Trip
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- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on rugged, steep, or loose terrain
- Hiking in High ambient temperatures may be required in the warmer months (May-Sept)
- Hiking with significant height exposure in places.
Is this trip right for you?
StrenuousLevel 4 of 4
- Long ascents and descents on rough ground, repeated day after day. Steep, sustained climbs, exposure in places, and stretches where stopping early is not an option.
- Altitude, weather that turns fast, and days that start before light. You need to be hiking regularly already — this is not a level to arrive at cold.
- Not suitable for anyone who does not already hike hard days back to back. This is the one level where we will turn a booking down rather than take it.
- Your guide may change or drop a stop for weather, road closures or time. What is walked on the day is their call.
Anything specific — a knee, a hip, a height worry, a wheelchair — is worth one phone call to 800-970-5864. We would rather move you to a different trip than have you on the wrong one.
Tour details
In the price12
- Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees and wilderness permits
- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
- Round-trip transportation from your Hotel to the Grand Canyon and back.
- Experienced hiking guide with extensive wilderness expertise, medical certifications, and a deep passion for leading adventurers through stunning landscapes.
- Backpacks
- Tents
- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Trekking Poles
- Cooking Stove and Cookware
- Company-issued first-aid Kit
- Emergency Communication Device(s)
More from Grand Canyon National Park and Arizona
Ask about a date
From $2,449 per person, 2026
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We build tours to order — the same guides and the same itineraries, rearranged around your group and your dates.
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