Nankoweap
Original price was: $2,330.$1,849Current price is: $1,849.
4 NIGHTS | 28 MILES | GRAND CANYON
OCT
Starts in Flagstaff, AZ
Trek down steep switchbacks, traverse rugged terrain, and explore ruins perched above the Colorado River in a remote section of the Grand Canyon.
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Overview
Venture into some of the Grand Canyon’s most challenging and secluded landscapes on a 4-night, 5-day trek along the Nankoweap Trail. Descend nearly 6,000 feet from the North Rim to the Colorado River, traversing sandstone mesas and taking in breathtaking canyon views along the way. Once by the river, enjoy time to relax, swim, embrace the solitude, or explore nearby Anasazi ruins perched high above the water. The National Park Service has classified this trail as MOST difficult among the named rim to river routes in the Grand Canyon. It has elements of considerable exposure (ledges) with challenging terrain. While all are welcome, this experience is best suited for individuals with prior backpacking experience. Come motivated and ready for adventure!
Our Nankoweap Challenge is the sixth trip introduced as part of our Grand Canyon Limited Edition experiences (2025), and utilizes the Nankoweap Trail.
What’s included
- Roundtrip transportation between Flagstaff, AZ meeting point and your trailhead
- Guided 4-night, 5-day trek through remote Grand Canyon terrain
- Opportunity to extensively explore remote Grand Canyon trails, side canyons, historical sites and beaches
- 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
- Lodging in the front-country
- Meals in the front-country
How it works
A $500 deposit is required upon registration with balance due 60 days prior to event. Trek 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. Book with confidence! Review our flexible cancellation policy.
Nankoweap photo credit: John Strother http://www.panafoot.com
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.
Day 1 – Nankoweap Trailhead to Saddle Mountain (~3.5 miles)
We’ll get together in the lobby of the Little America Hotel, Flagstaff for an early morning start, load gear and water, then head out to the North Rim. Our 4 hour drive will include a short visit to the Navajo Bridge, overlooking the Colorado River near Lee’s Ferry. We’ll continue on down a forest road to our trailhead, where our trek begins at 6,400 feet. After a short climb up to the rim of the Canyon, we will make camp and soak in the expansive views.
Day 2 – North Rim to Nankoweap Creek (~7 miles)
With hearty breakfast at sunrise, we will begin our descent into the canyon. The trail winds through red mesas, past sandstone cliffs, and provides plenty of places to enjoy the beauty of the river below. We’ll cool off in the shade and make camp for the night beside Nankoweap Creek.
Day 3 – Nankoweap Creek to Colorado River (~4 miles)
The remaining descent to the Colorado River is gentler than the previous day as we make our way down Nankoweap Creek to where it meets up with the river. Today will be a shorter day, providing plenty of time to relax, swim or explore the nearby ruins.
Day 4 – Colorado River to Tilted Mesa (~6 miles)
Waking up refreshed from our mellow day, we will retrace our steps back up the gentle climb to Nankoweap Creek, where we will fill up on water to prepare for the climb to the rim. We’ll make our way up to our camp for the night at Tilted Mesa and enjoy a sunset over the canyon view.
Day 5 – Tilted Mesa to North Rim trailhead (~8.5 miles)
On our final day, we will get an early start to complete our return journey and tackle the climb out to the North Rim in the cooler morning hours. After reaching the trailhead and celebrating our accomplishment, we will make a stop for lunch and continue on to Flagstaff.
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 10am and 12pm 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 7pm. Staying one additional night on the South Rim or in Flagstaff and departing the following day is also a 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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