Grandview to Kaibab Archaeo-Geology Backpack

March 5 - 10
Instructor: Jack Pennington and Ian Hough
Hike Level: 5
Fee: $600.00 GCA Member; $625.00 non member

The fascinating stretch of canyon accessed by the historic Grandview, Tonto, and South Kaibab trails has drawn humankind for thousands of years. Evidence of their collective habitation, exploits, and wanderings is in ready supply. From the ancestral Puebloans to19th-century pioneers, much was left behind to intrigue both layman and scientist alike. The geology in this area is no less fascinating. In particular the fault lines, mineral deposits, water sources, and erosional features that played a distinct role in attracting and sustaining past cultures, explorers, and entrepreneurs. This class is the latest in a series to mine canyon history where archaeology and geology intersect. During this high-intensity backpack, participants will camp amidst the lush oases of Cottonwood, Grapevine and Cremation Canyons respectively. Each base camp will set the group up for an intriguing day hike or two. With non-stop sweeping views as a backdrop, the discovery and examination of artifacts—from pottery to pick axes—will give participants a whole new understanding of this amazing landscape, and those that once called it home.

Itinerary
Day 1 Meet Grand Canyon Village for orientation and introductions before descending Grandview Trail via Horseshoe Mesa to Cottonwood Creek.
Day 2 Layover at Cottonwood Creek. Dayhike.
Day 3 Tonto Trail to Grapevine Creek.
Day 4 Tonto Trail to Cremation Creek.
Day 5 Layover at Cottonwood Creek. Dayhike.
Day 6 Hike out on South Kaibab Trail and back to GC Village for wrap up.

Take a Load Off: Mule-Assisted Backpacking

March 12 - 15
Instructor: GCFI Staff
Hike Level: 3
Fee: $670.00 GCA Member; $695.00 non member

With a little help from four-legged friends, participants in this class descend into the heart of the Grand Canyon for a two-night camping adventure beside picturesque Bright Angel Creek. This class begins with a thorough morning orientation after which camping gear is taken to the nearby mule corral for next-day delivery to the canyon floor. The afternoon is spent on an educational walking tour along the breathtaking South Rim. On the second day of class, participants hike seven miles down the South Kaibab Trail, enjoying a combination of sweeping views and intriguing facts about geology, ecology and human history. As pack mules are hauling the bulk of the group’s camping gear and food, participants can devote more time and energy to uncovering the canyon’s secrets. Upon retrieving their camping gear at historic Phantom Ranch, the class will set up camp for a two-night stay at Bright Angel Campground. For the remainder of the day and all of the next, the focus will be on learning about the geologic formation of the canyon from the inside out. The diverse flora and fauna of the canyon, and the human inhabitants it has sustained for millennia, will also be discussed at length. Destinations will likely include the refreshing pools of Phantom Creek, ancient archaeological sites and the melodic shoreline of the Colorado River. The class will return to the South Rim via the 10-mile Bright Angel Trail, which reveals its own array of biotic communities and geologic wonders.

Itinerary
Day 1 Introductions and orientation
Day 2 Descend South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground
Day 3 Exploratory dayhiking near Phantom Ranch
Day 4 Ascend Bright Angel Trail to the rim and wrap up session

Introductory Backpack

March 19 - 22
Instructor: GCFI Staff
Hike Level: 3
Fee: $510.00 GCA Member; $535.00 non member

A Grand Canyon hike from rim to river spans millions of years in geologic time, and takes one from a high-altitude forest to desert lowlands in very short order. Along the way there is much to intrigue the curious traveler. Big views, ancient fossils, amazing plants, archaeological sites and pioneer-vintage structures are all in plain view, and provide a plethora of topics for your expert instructor to address. Our introductory backpack begins with a thorough orientation, pack check and afternoon stroll along the scenic South Rim. The following day includes a 4.5-mile descent of the Bright Angel Trail to the towering cottonwood trees of Indian Garden Campground—home for a two-night camping adventure. A sunset visit to nearby Plateau Point with its command view of the Inner Gorge will cap the group’s inaugural day below the rim. The following day will feature a backpack-free day hike to the sandy beaches of the Colorado River for a glimpse at the forces that carved this marvel of a canyon. Depending on group hiking strength and weather, an optional visit to historic Phantom Ranch (several miles upriver), may also be an option. The final day of class includes a return to the South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail, each at his or her own pace, and a proud look back at the canyon that doubled as classroom and playground for three splendid days.

Itinerary
Day 1 Introductions and orientation
Day 2 Descend Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden Campground. Sunset at Plateau Point.
Day 3 Exploratory dayhiking to Colorado River and Phantom Ranch
Day 4 Hike to rim and wrap up session