South Kaibab / Bright Angel Loop Backpacking Trip
Remember that Brady Bunch episode where the Brady's go to the Grand Canyon and Bobby and Cindy get lost and are found by a friendly tribe of Native Americans? Well, forget what you remember because the bottom of the canyon is not an arroyo in California! If you want to see the canyon floor for yourself, this is the most popular route to take. If you're not a Brady Bunch aficionado, then this will be a brand new experience regardless.
The 17-mile South Kaibab / Bright Angel Loop is among the most popular Grand Canyon backpacking trails - and for good reason. Hikers are surrounded by breathtaking views as they venture down the South Kaibab Trail to the bottom of the Canyon, crossing the Black Bridge that hovers above the Colorado River.
We set up camp at the Bright Angel Campground. It's only quarter mile from the famous Phantom Ranch, where we can stop by the canteen for a lemonade or coffee and compare blisters and muscle pains with fellow hikers.
We hike out via the Bright Angel Trail. We can tackle the 10-mile trail in one shot or spend an extra day at Indian Garden to view even more of the Canyon's splendor. This backpacking trip can range from two to five days. The longer the trip - the more chances for exploration.
Ribbon Falls, Phantom Creek and the Clear Creek Trail are a few of the sought-after hotspots, and even hotter in the summer.
And for an additional fee, we'll have an old prospector lock you in a jail cell in a ghost town on the way to the canyon.
Number of days: 2 - 6
Number of backpacking miles/km: 16.6/26.8km
Elevation gain/loss: 4,780ft/1,457m
| 2 days | 3 days | 4 days | 5 days | 6 days | |
| From Phoenix | $600 | $800 | $1000 | $1200 | $1400 |
| From Flagstaff | $550 | $750 | $950 | $1150 | $1350 |
