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The
Grand Canyon Challenge
Suggested
Itinerary
DAY 1 London to Las Vagas
Fly from London to Las Vegas. Overnight at a central
hotel.
DAY
2 Las Vegas - Hoover Dam - Grand Canyon
After an early breakfast we drive to the South Rim
of the Grand Canyon (5 hours drive). On the way we
can stop for sight seeing at the Hoover Dam. When
we reach the Grand Canyon area we stay at a campground
(probably Mather). In the afternoon there will be
a meeting with our American guides to discuss the
trek, and in particular safety issues. This will also
be an opportunity for a gear check. In the evening
after dinner, we can sit under the stars around an
open fire.
DAY
3 South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground
We hike down the South Kaibab trail to Bright Angel
Campground on the Colorado River. This is a full day
of hiking with beautiful views and the reward of camping
near the massive Colorado River at the bottom of the
canyon.
DAY
4 Indian Gardens Campground
We'll hike from the Colorado River to Indian Gardens
(about half the distance from the river to the top
of the rim). Some of the most scenic campsites in
the canyon are found at Indian Gardens. The area is
aptly named. Native Americans used the water source
here for year-round cultivation. Indeed for many years,
Indian Gardens supplied all of the water used by the
National Park on the South Rim.
DAY
5 Esplanade Campground
Some of the best views in the park are found along
the trail we follow today. Instead of steep hiking
up or down the canyon, we hike along a prominent feature
in the Grand Canyon known as the esplanade. Here we
travel above and parallel to the Colorado River surrounded
by awe inspiring vistas of beautifully weathered plateaux,
canyons and mesas. Our night is spent in a secluded
campsite.
DAY
6 Hermit Creek Campground
One of the best aspects of a desert trip is how, out
of a dry, seemingly desolate landscape, we suddenly
encounter the surprise of a hidden oasis with abundant
water, lush greenery and teaming wildlife. Our next
camp, Hermit Creek, is just such a place. Water cascades
over boulders and settles in pleasant pools large
enough to swim in. Cottonwood trees, willows and ferns
create shady restful places to rest and relax.
DAY
7 Day hike from Hermit Creek
Staying at Hermit Creek for another night, we can
take a day hike to the Colorado River and Hermit Rapids.
These are one of the more technical rapids on the
river. We can enjoy lunch here while watching river
rafters negotiate this formidable stretch of the river.
After a pleasant afternoon, we'll return to our camp
on Hermit Creek.
DAY
8 South Rim
Today we'll earn our dinner with a steep but spectacular
climb to the top of the South Rim. We should be to
the top by early afternoon and a well deserved drink
at the Bright Angel Lodge where we stay for the night.
DAY
9 Travel to Grand Canyon North Rim
After breakfast we drive from the Grand Canyon south
rim to the north rim and have a full day horse riding
along the top of the Canyon with outstanding views.
Campfire lunch.
DAY
10 Rafting
We have a full day rafting on the Colorado River.
DAY
11 Return to Las Vegas
Today we return by road to Las Vegas. There will be
an opportunity to visit 'Glitcher Gulch' and the famous
casino strip, plus any of the other numerous attractions.
DAY
12 Free in Las Vegas
A full day free for sight seeing and shopping in Las
Vegas
DAY
13 Depart Las Vegas
We depart from Las Vegas for our flight home.
DAY 14 Arrive London
Arrive back in the UK
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