Guided South Rim Hike: Moderate Hike Below the Rim

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!

Schedule details

Breathtaking views!

Departure Dates:

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Departure Point:

Departure Time:

• January 1 to February 15 - 8:30am and 1pm
• February 16 to April 30 - 8:30am and 1:30pm
• May 1 to May 31 - 8am and 1:30pm
• June 1 to August 31 - 7am only
• September 1 to October 31 - 8am and 1:30pm
• November 1 to December 31- 8:30am and 1pm

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Canyon's that way!

Inclusions:

• IMAX Ticket
• Light snack and some water (it is recommended you bring your own, as well)

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Please note: The specific trail you hike will vary depending on weather, seasonality, crowds and trip-leader discretion the day of the tour.
• Appropriate footwear for hiking along uneven ground is required, as is appropriate clothing including sun-dampening, ventilated headgear
• Your guide will have some water available, but you are required to bring your own water to accommodate your particular hydration needs; it is also strongly recommended that you bring snack food to replenish your energy

Voucher Info:

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Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.