Jumpup Canyon

Name: Jumpup Canyon
SKU: GCX-TR-1
Price: 1724.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating

(1 customer review)

$1,724.00

5 NIGHTS | 32 MILES | KANAB WILDERNESS

mar, APR, OCT, nov

Starts in Flagstaff, AZ

Descend into the deep narrows and slot canyons of the North Rim while exploring remote Grand Canyon terrain.

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Deposit Option $500.00 per item

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SKU: GCX-TR-1 Categories: Grand Canyon Backpacking Trips, Our Treks Tags: Beginner Friendly, deer creek, esplanade, grand canyon, Grand Canyon Limited Edition, north rim, thunder falls, thunder river

The Grand Canyon is home to many wonders, but the vast North Rim drainage system of Jumpup Canyon and Kanab Creek may be the most incredible of them all. Join us for a walk through time as we slip into the deep narrows and slot-like canyons of Kanab Wilderness and Grand Canyon National Park for a week of wonder and exploration. Camp between towering red walls, swim in hidden hollows, and marvel at the beauty of the expansive Esplanade. After a maze of travel over backcountry dirt roads, our route utilizes one of the easiest entries in to the Canyon (no ledges) before stepping off-trail and into the narrows of Jumpup Canyon and Kanab Creek. Open to fit and motivated individuals of all ages and experience levels, expect up to 32 miles of hiking on this 5-night, 6-day TSX Challenge backpacking experience.

Jumpup Canyon is the third trip introduced as part of our Grand Canyon Limited Edition experiences (2024), and will utilize the the Ranger Trail, Jump Up Canyon and Kanab Creek drainage systems.

What’s included

Roundtrip transportation between Flagstaff, AZ meeting point and your trailhead
Guided week-long trek through remote Kanab Wilderness and Grand Canyon North Rim terrain
Opportunity to extensively explore remote narrows and slot canyons
All meals and snacks while in the back-country
Backpack, tent, sleeping bag and pad if needed
Personalized pack-check prior to departure
Group gear and equipment
Priority access to future Limited Edition experiences
Flexible cancellation policy
Inspiration for a lifetime

What’s not included

Meals in the front-country
Lodging in the front-country, pre- or post-trek

How it works

A $500 deposit is required upon registration with balance due 60 days prior to event. Treks dates may be adjusted +/- one day until permits are finalized 4 months in advance of departure (when Grand Canyon permits are issued). Maximum group size of 11, including two guides. An additional 5% charge will be applied when your reservation is made to offset new fees mandated by National Park Service. Private customized Grand Canyon backpacking trips available via TSX Pods. Cancel up until the day of the trip without the risk of lost money. View cancellation policy.

Itinerary

Evening before departure, pack-check overnight in Flagstaff

On the evening before your trek start date, we’ll convene at 6:00pm for a one hour group orientation and pack-check in the main lobby of Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ. At orientation we’ll hand out backpacks, tents and sleeping bags to those who requested them. We’ll also get to know our team, preview the trail and talk safety. If you are driving in from the West or North (i.e. California, Utah, etc.), you can alternatively plan to meet us on Day 1 at a designated meetup point about 30 minutes from Fredonia, AZ to reduce your drive time.

Day 1 – Kanab Wilderness trailhead to Esplanade (4.5 miles)

Our trailhead is located off the far north western edge of Grand Canyon National Park in Kanab Wilderness. Just getting there will be an adventure. We’ll drive 4.5 hours, including the last hour through a maze of forest service dirt roads to reach the trailhead. A late afternoon start is perfect for this trail. As the shade builds whiles the sun sets, we’ll slip into the canyon on a gentle wash and hike 4.5 miles to make camp on a beautiful layer of rock formations known as the Esplanade. This among the easiest entry paths into the canyon we’ve ever taken. No ledges, minimal switchbacks, and teasing views with each mile.

Day 2 – Esplanade to Jumpup Canyon (8.5 miles)

We’ll traverse the relatively flat Esplanade as the sun rises illuminating new sweeping views of the terrain to come. After a short half mile descent we reach the floor of the inner-canyon drainage system where the remainder of the hike will be spent exploring dry and flowing stream beds, the other-wordly narrows of Jumpup Canyon, and hidden slots and hollows that most Canyon backpackers will only dream about. We’ll make camp near the junction of Jumpup Canyon and Kanab Creek.

Day 3 – Jumpup Canyon to Showerbath Spring (5 miles)

Day three will be shorter mileage but variable terrain as we make our way down between the imposing red walls of Kanab Creek. Depending on the weather pattern and season, Kanab Creek may be full of water, requiring hiking in and out of the narrow creek bed as we playfully work our way downstream toward our camp near Showerbath Spring. .

Day 4 – Layover day for day hikes, swimming and exploration

Spend time relaxing and enjoying at your pace, with time to explore the hidden swimming holes of Scotties Hallow, water falls, and drainages of Kanab Creek.

Day 5 – Kanab Creek to Mountain Sheep Spring (8 miles)

Our trek transitions to working back toward the North Rim as we retrace our steps up Kanab Creek and Jumpup Canyon. Our camp selection will depend on water availability. We’ll enjoy a final Canyon sunset and night sky near the vast and open Esplanade. Camping out is highly encouraged! A hearty dinner with good company will prepare us for our final climb out of Grand Canyon.

Day 6 – Esplanade to North Rim (6 miles)

The last hiking day of this trek will feel familiar as we retrace our steps along the along the esplanade toward our trailhead. After upon exit, we’ll enjoy a meal as a team, then continue on to Flagstaff, or home to friends and family.

Logistics

Trek date confirmation

We apply for Grand Canyon permits through a lottery system on the 1st of the month, four months in advance of our planned trek date. Permits are typically issued and within two weeks of submission. You’ll receive an email from us as soon as the dates for your trek are confirmed. Once confirmed, you can start making plans for transportation and pre-trek/post-trek accommodations.

Pre and post trek accommodations

Secure a lodging reservation in Flagstaff, AZ as soon as your trek dates are confirmed. You can request a TSX “corporate rate” at Little America Hotel (flagstaff.littleamerica.com / 800.865.1401) in Flagstaff. We will be hosting our pre-trek orientation at the hotel and will depart from the hotel on the morning of our hike (prices typically $125-$175 with discount). The nearby hotels on Lucky Lane are also a popular option and within walking distance (prices typically $75-$105). If you plan on staying somewhere else, that is ok with us! Let us know where you end up and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Transportation

If traveling by air, Flagstaff is the preferred airport. There is a free hotel shuttle to Little America Hotel from the Flagstaff airport. If flying into Phoenix, consider taking a shuttle or bus to Flagstaff, or renting a car. Reserve your shuttle spot in advance with Groome Transportation (groometransportation.com or 928.350.8466), or book your Greyhound Bus seat from Phoenix to Flagstaff in advance. You may also be able arrange customized shuttle service with Uber or Lyft. If you are driving in from the West or North (i.e. California, Utah, etc.), you can alternatively plan to meet us on Day 1 at a designated meetup point about 30 minutes from Fredonia, AZ to reduce your drive time.

Arrival time

When scheduling flights or planning your drive, please allow enough time to arrive no later than 7pm the evening before your trek begins so that you can attend the pre-trek orientation (typically scheduled between 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Little America Hotel, Flagstaff lobby).

Departure time

We plan on exiting the trail between 12pm and 2pm on the last day of the trek. However, the last day includes a long five-hour return drive back to Flagstaff. Please plan your return transportation accordingly. If flying out of Flagstaff on the same day, we suggest scheduling flights for departure no earlier than 8pm. Staying one additional night on the South Rim or in Flagstaff, and departing the following day is also popular option.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Don’t own a backpack, tent or sleeping bag? We provide all major gear for those who request it at no additional charge. We also take care of all group items like stoves, food, water filters, first aid and more. Your guides will do the cooking and dishes. Just show up with your personal items ready to hike!

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1 review for Jumpup Canyon

Rated 5 out of 5

tsx.challenge – 06/11/2023

Did this hike with my three kids as a scouting trip in late March, early July of 2023. Ages were 14, 12 and 8 years old. This was the spring break of a lifetime, and something they will forever remember. The youngest was a champ and had no problem with the trail, despite it being her first ever backpacking trip. My oldest daughter just commented to me how much she enjoyed it, and would like to go back to the Canyon. I’m sold. Can’t wait to bring them back, and share this with other.