W.I.L.D. – Grand Canyon Backpack Trip (Coed)
This spectacular W.I.L.D. backpacking trip will leave from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on the Bright Angel Trail. The views from this trail are framed by massive cliffs as we descend toward the Colorado River. We will camp two nights at Indian Gardens Campground about halfway between the South Rim and the Colorado River. The second day of hiking will be a day hike without our large backpacks, down to the Colorado River and back, a hike of between 7-10 miles depending how much we hike along the Colorado. As we hike primarily on the Bright Angel Trail for three days, we will see more plant life and animal life than on other South Rim Trails. Because we are doing this in early summer, the daytime high could reach 100 degrees. For this reason, we will be getting up early and hiking in the cooler morning to avoid the midday heat as much as possible. Just sleeping outside for three nights will be a treat, as will be the jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon. Add to all this the soul stirring W.I.L.D. group interaction plus the opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause, and you have a bucket list experience. The back country permits are obtained, the campsite at Indian Gardens is secured. Are you in? If you do one backpack trip in the Grand Canyon – make it this one!
“Few places in this world are more dangerous than home. Fear not, therefore, to try the mountain passes. They will kill care, save you from deadly apathy, set you free, and call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action.”
– John Muir
Itinerary
- Thursday, June 22 – We depart early morning on the 8-9 hour drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After enjoying the amazing views, we have dinner together and settle in early to our camp site for the night.
- Friday, June 23 – Fueling with a hot breakfast, we test ourselves on the beautiful Bright Angel Trail. Our campsite for the next two nights, Indian Gardens, lies 3,000 feet below the rim. On this 4.5 mile hike, we will have fresh water available along the way. After we set up camp, we will take our daypacks with us on a fairly level 3 mile round trip stroll to Plateau Point for a view of the Colorado River far below us.
- Saturday, June 24 – With only our daypacks, lunch and water, we set off early for the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. This 7-10 mile hike will allow us to experience all the splendor the canyon has to reveal.
- Sunday, June 25 – This is the day we trek back up the steepest part of the Bright Angel Trail. We will get an early start after breakfast and plan to get to the rim before lunch. On our way back to San Diego, we will stop along the way to buy a quick lunch and/or dinner. Our goal is to arrive back in San Diego by 9pm Sunday night.
Mandatory Qualifying Steps for W.I.L.D. Grand Canyon Backpack Trip
- Love adventure
- Be a team player
- Complete and submit Application and Liability Release Form
- Make donation
- Print out Packing List and Trip Tips
- Complete the Qualifying Hike in San Diego (6:30am, Saturday June 10th at Iron Mountain in Poway)
- Attend Pre-Trip Meeting (immediately following Iron Mountain hike)
W.I.L.D. Grand Canyon Backpack Trip (Coed)
June 22 – 25, 2017
Sign Up Today to Reserve Your Spot
There are only 3 spots remaining!
The donation is $600.00 per person. This is a once in a lifetime experience and is also a fund raising opportunity to build another well in the developing world. Last year, we were able to raise enough money for a well in Ethiopia. It is our hope that each hiker will form his fundraising team using the form created for this purpose. You can challenge your self and change the world at the same time!
Click here for the fundraising request form
This covers:
- Backcountry permit fees
- Camping fees
- W.I.L.D. Group Curriculum
- Grand Canyon entrance fees
- The opportunity to enjoy the wilderness!
Items not covered
- Transportation, food or food preparation
- Backpacking equipment
Availability is limited, so contact us if you have any questions. If you are ready to Go W.I.L.D., click the “Donate” button below.
Have questions? Call or email us and we will try to get back to you same day.
Phone: (619)298-8722, ext. 101
Email: mail@rcacounseling.com