If you’re looking for an active, moderately strenuous hike on the Grand Canyon South Rim, this 5-hour, 3- to 6-mile (4.8- to 9.6-km) guided hike is just for you! On this naturalist-led, advanced hike, you’ll enjoy the stunning canyon scenery while your guide offers historical and geological interpretations of the landscape. Also included is an IMAX® Movie at the National Geographic Visitor Center where you will discover more of the Grand Canyon's history that would take more than a lifetime to learn.
This advanced hike on the Grand Canyon South Rim is an active and enriching excursion – great for those in good physical health who want to work their legs and stretch their minds as they explore below the canyon rim. As you traverse the trail and admire the beautiful scenery, your naturalist guide will lead you through geologic time and offer an abundance of interesting information about the Grand Canyon.
Interpretation of the natural, geological and historical character of the Grand Canyon will be the focus of your descent. During multiple stops, you will learn about the Grand Canyon and the unique attributes that make it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Experience the tranquil beauty of the Grand Canyon as you make your way to your turnaround point, where you’ll enjoy a light snack before your guide leads you back to the rim. On the hike up, you’ll have multiple breaks to assure your comfort and listen to more commentary.
Your hike will range from 3 to 6 miles (4.8 to 9.6 km) depending on your group's abilities and interests. It will cover roughly 1,000 vertical feet (304 meter) down into the canyon, which makes for a more strenuous ascent back up to the canyon rim. The overall exertion level is classified as just below the ‘Somewhat Hard’ rating on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. On the scale’s range from six (No Exertion at All) to 20 (Maximum Exertion), ‘Somewhat Hard’ is at 13.
IMAX® Movie
In just over 30 minutes, move through time with the various people that have explored the Grand Canyon, from the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the canyon 4,000 years ago to Major John Wesley Powell who challenged the unexplored canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. Experience the Grand Canyon on the big screen to complement what you've already seen on foot!