If hiking is your thing could hardly pick a better location than the Grand Canyon. Landscape changes dramatically from firs to cacti as you descend 4,000 feet to the banks of the Colorado River. Hardly a more diverse ecosystem can be found in such a compact land area the world round. With so much to take in, having a knowledgeable guide educate you along the way can add a lot to the experience.
There are many reliable hiking outfitters servicing the Grand Canyon. Most offer everything from day hikes to overnights lasting days to weeks. They’ll provide camping gear, food and some will tailor your tour to your own desires. Common add-ons include rafting and overnights at canyon lodges. Guides range from experts in the fields of geology and Grand Canyon nature to educated, passionate individuals.
Costs and luxuries vary from company to company so choose a style that suits you. Low season booking can save you a little cash and keep you clear of the crowds. Do be clear and honest with yourself and your tour company about your physical abilities. Hiking the Grand Canyon can be extremely strenuous. There are hikes appropriate for every level but by over-estimating your abilities, you could quickly find yourself in trouble at worst or very, very sore, at best. As always, know what you’re buying and read the fine print. In the case of hiking or rafting, obtain clear and detailed information on what you’re expected to bring, carry, and do. Hiking outfits aren’t responsible for weather so you’re not likely to get your money back for a rainy week.
Grand Canyon Outiffters that offer Hiking Tours
Papillon Grand Canyon Tours
Best known for it’s air tours but can provide combination packages to enhance your overall experience and maximize your time in the Grand Canyon.
Angels Gate Tours
Provides informative hiking and backpacking tours guided by expert naturalists and are appropriate for any age and mobility level.
Heli USA Airways
Offers some unique combination tours that provide a taste of history and Old West entertainment.
Open Road Tours
This company caters to the adventurer who wants to maximize their experience the American West and learn along the way.
Sundance Helicopters
Offers a range of tours to suit your sight-seeing style. Fly, float or drive your way to and through the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon West
Tour the West Rim’s Eagle Point Reservation, Guano Point and the Hualapai Reservation with the tribe as your guide.
Wilderness River Adventures
Guided white water rafting appropriate for all active and fit-ish folk. Hiking and camping are part of the multi-day experience as is conquering the mighty Colorado River.
Arizona Raft Adventures
This back-to-nature adventure company takes you down the Colorado River in white and calm water for days on end, providing guided hikes and floats and scenic camp sites.
Arizona River Runners
This company offers white/calm water rafting packages of varying lengths inclusive of hiking and camping.
Canyon Exploration Expeditions
This company’s offerings span from the traditional to very unique, even inclusive of a rafting tour with a string quartet.
Canyoneers
Tracing its roots back to the first tour company to take visitors down the Colorado River, this group offers unique rafting experiences with historical authenticity.
Colorado River and Trail Expeditions
This company offers white water rafting tours of varying lengths with deluxe inclusions of helicopter rides and sleeping cots.
OARS Grand Canyon Adventures
This company offers the unique experience of river running in wooden Dory boats. Tours range in length from 4-18 days.
Moki Mac River Expeditions
This company provides river tours of the Grand Canyon ranging from 6-14 days. Daily hikes, camping and exploration of the Grand Canyon.
Outdoors Unlimited
This company provides white water rafting tours of the Grand Canyon lasting from 5-15 days.
Four Seasons Guides
This company provides a wide range of tours at varying levels led by knowledgeable staff. Camping and rafting are part of some tours.
Just Roughin It Tours
Unique backpacking tours of the “road less traveled” in the Grand Canyon.
Wildland Trekking
Excellent guides are the draw with this outfit that runs multi-day backpacking trips as well as lodge-based day hikes.