Hermit to Bright Angel Geology Backpack

October 1 - 6
Instructor: Brian Gootee
Hike Level: 4
Fee: $625.00 GCA Member; $650.00 non member

The 26-mile Hermit Trail to Bright Angel Trail loop is one of the more popular hikes for experienced backpackers looking to get away from the crowds. This splendid route is home to a treasure trove of desert streams, big views, stunning geologic formations and botanical wonders. This class will incorporate wide-ranging topics and interpretive points of interest to weave the story of the canyon’s past, present and future. Geologic points of interest are plentiful along this route, and lend themselves well to discussions on canyon formation theories, depositional environments, erosional processes, and fossil creation and distribution.

After a thorough orientation, the class will descend the historic Hermit Trail, and then utilize the Tonto Trail to proceed upcanyon during subsequent days. Campsites will include picturesque Hermit Creek, Monument Creek and Indian Garden Campground. Side hikes will descend through the two-billion-year-old Vishnu Schist en route to the fabled Colorado River where Hermit and Granite rapids bear testament to the power and significance of this iconic Southwestern waterway. A final sunset at Plateau Point with a command view of the inner canyon will provide a dramatic finale to this classic journey through the grandest of chasms. On the final morning the class will ascend the historic Bright Angel Trail for a wrap-up session and farewells.

Itinerary
Day 1 Introductions and classroom orientation.
Day 2 Descend to Hermit Creek Campground via the Hermit Trail.
Day 3 Explore Hermit Creek and hike to Hermit Rapids. Hike to Monument Campground.
Day 4 Dayhike to Granite Rapids at the Colorado River via Monument Trail.
Day 5 Continue eastwards along the Tonto Trail to Indian Garden Campground.
Day 6 Ascend Bright Angel Trail to the rim and wrap up session.

Rim to Rim Natural History Backpack

October 4 - 9 CLASS IS FULL
Instructor: GCFI Staff
Hike Level: 4
Fee: $710.00 GCA Member; $735.00 non member

The rim-to-rim journey across the Grand Canyon is considered one of the quintessential hikes in North America—and for good reason. The North Kaibab and Bright Angel trails combine to exploit a rarified cross-canyon thoroughfare, one that harbors many delights for the experienced backpacker. Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, Phantom Ranch and Plateau Point are but a few of the treasures awaiting those who take part in this moderate-intensity backpack.

Topics will include geology, archaeology, pioneer and Native American history, and a discussion of the varied biotic communities that can be found along this 24-mile route. After being shuttled to the North Rim, the class will spend its first night at the North Rim Campground. During the precipitous descent into the canyon, participants hike from an aspen-clad forest to the banks of a desert stream in a few short hours. Nights are spent at Cottonwood, Bright Angel and Indian Garden Campgrounds respectively. The final day of class includes a 4.5-mile hike to the top via the historic Bright Angel Trail, each hiker traveling at his or her own pace. Note: recent, comparable backpacking experience is a prerequisite of all GCFI rim-to-rim backpacking classes.

Itinerary
Day 1 Introductions and classroom orientation and van shuttle to the North Rim Campground
Day 2 Descend to Cottonwood Campground via the North Kaibab Trail.
Day 3 Continue down the North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground.
Day 4 Layover day at the bottom of the canyon.
Day 5 Hike up the Bright Angel Trail, crossing the Colorado River, to Indian Garden Campground.
Day 6 Continue up the Bright Angel Trail to the rim and wrap up session.

Rim to Rim Geology Backpack

October 7 - 12
Instructor: Ken Walters
Hike Level: 4
Fee: $710.00 GCA Member; $735.00 non member

Boasting one of our planet's most spectacular and accessible geologic cross-sections, Grand Canyon routinely draws geology buffs of all stripes. And one of the best opportunities to take it all in is to cross the canyon along the fabled rim-to-rim route; one of the quintessential hikes in North America. This class will do just that. Along the way, participants will examine the canyon’s rich geological story, from ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks to recent debris flows. Discussions will include the structural geology, stratigraphy, hydrology and formation theories as evidenced along this amazing 24-mile route. Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, Phantom Ranch and Plateau Point are but a few of the treasures awaiting those who take part in this moderate-intensity backpack.

After being shuttled to the North Rim, the class will spend its first night at the North Rim Campground. During the precipitous descent into the canyon, participants hike from an aspen-clad forest to the banks of a desert stream in a few short hours. Nights are spent at Cottonwood, Bright Angel and Indian Garden Campgrounds respectively. The final day of class includes a 4.5-mile hike to the top via the Bright Angel Trail, each hiker traveling at his or her own pace. Note: recent, comparable backpacking experience is a prerequisite for all GCFI rim-to-rim backpacking classes.

Itinerary
Day 1 Introductions and classroom orientation and van shuttle to the North Rim Campground
Day 2 Descend to Cottonwood Campground via the North Kaibab Trail
Day 3 Continue down the North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground
Day 4 Layover day and exploratory day hike
Day 5 Hike up Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden Campground
Day 6 Hike up the remaining distance of the Bright Angel Trail to the rim and wrap up session

Rim to Rim Photography Backpack

October 10 - 16
Instructor: Lary Lindahl
Hike Level: 4
Fee: $710.00 GCA Member; $735.00 non member

Whether you’re an experienced Grand Canyon photographer looking for a fresh vantage, or a newcomer trying to take in as much as possible, this workshop is just the ticket.  With shoots and professional instruction on both the North and South Rims, scenic trails, and the geologic wonderland of the canyon floor, participants will capture wide-ranging images—from the intimate to the expansive. The workshop will begin with a review of the basic photographic principles and camera functions, and how to combine them to make images with impact. After an initial shoot at the South Rim’s breathtaking Shoshone Point, the group will be shuttled to the North Rim to begin a transcanyon hike that will visit a string of aesthetic marvels such as Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, Phantom Ranch, the sandy banks of the Colorado River, Garden Creek and Plateau Point. This is one-stop shopping for the serious landscape photographer looking for an exciting look at the canyon from the inside out.

Participants must have comparable backpacking experience and be familiar with their personal camera gear.

Itinerary
Day 1 Introductions and classroom orientation and van shuttle to the North Rim Campground
Day 2 Descend to Cottonwood Campground via the North Kaibab Trail.
Day 3 Day hike to photograph Ribbon Falls, Wall Creek and The Abyss.
Day 4 Continue down the North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground.
Day 5 Layover day at the bottom of the canyon to photograph in Phantom Creek, sunset from Clear Creek trail.
Day 6 Hike up the Bright Angel Trail, crossing the Colorado River, to Indian Garden Campground.
Day 7 Continue up the Bright Angel Trail to the rim and wrap up session.

Felting Workshop at Grand Canyon

October 13 - 14
Instructor: Kim Buchheit and Jennifer Marshall
Hike Level: n/a
Fee: $170.00 GCA Member; $195.00 non member

Grand Canyon continues to attract artists from near and far. Their choice of media is as varied as the vistas they behold. GCFI is proud to expand our long-running series of art classes to include a fiber arts workshop. Inspired by the breathtaking views of the South Rim, participants will learn a method of fabric-making which combines silk and wool fibers. This technique, known as nuno-felting, yields a lightweight yet warm material that lends itself well to wearable art. The instructors will share their knowledge of design principles, traditional feltmaking, and needle-felting. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with dying fiber and working with Churro wool.

The story of the Navajo’s Churro sheep, and their rebound from near eradication, is a true success story in the preservation of the indigenous way of life, and will be part of the conversation. A glorious canyon sunrise and stroll along the rim as a group will inform creative choices such as color, shapes, design, and texture — as well as heighten understanding of how to draw inspiration from place. Besides a richer appreciation of this iconic landscape, participants will depart with a clear understanding of the nuno-felting process, and two of their own handmade pieces (ie. scarves, table runner, felted fabric). All materials included. While basic instruction will be taught, all skill levels are welcome.

Itinerary
Day 1 Instructors will welcome students to the Grand Canyon and give a brief overview of the park with respect to the arts and inspiration. The instructors will introduce students to the history and basics of wool and feltmaking through a brief lecture, show-and-tell, and demonstrations. Activities will include the exploration of natural dye and/or food coloring dye. Students will dye their wool for the next day’s project via one of these two techniques, and allow the wool to dry overnight. They will also work on their first project (ie. a scarf or table runner) using the nuno felting technique with non-dyed wool. This monochromatic piece can be dyed on day 2, if desired.

Day 2 Students meet at the Canyon rim for sunrise. Instructors discuss creative inspiration and how the Canyon can serve as the inspiration and/or color palette for today’s project. Class reconvenes at the Community Building at 8 a.m., allowing time for participants to grab breakfast on their own. Students begin work on their next nuno felting project using their newly-dyed wool (ie. scarf, table runner, wall hanging, or other flat fabric-based piece). Students may also choose to dye their first-day monochromatic piece today. Those who complete their projects ahead of schedule may be introduced to needle-felting techniques and other techniques to embellish their felted pieces.

Introductory Backpack

October 15 - 18
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

Take a Load Off: Mule-Assisted Backpacking

October 16 - 19
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

Yoga with a View

October 19- 21
Instructor: Bob Hoffa
Hike Level: 2
Fee: $200.00 GCA Member; $225.00 non member

What better setting for a workshop that integrates body, mind and spirit than one of planet Earth’s most beautiful landscapes? Grand Canyon has long served as a magnet for those who strive to utilize nature’s exterior landscape to assist in the exploration of that which lies within. Your two experienced instructors on this rim-based retreat will incorporate yoga and light hiking to assist in this exploration. A series of natural history rim walks and short hikes with will serve to ground the experience for participants. Yoga sessions will take place in a historic building in Grand Canyon Village, as well as secluded spots along the forested South Rim.

This is an ideal workshop for yoga enthusiasts with some basic experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to gently stretch your body and awareness while learning more about the natural history of the grandest of canyons.

Itinerary
Day 1 Evening introductions and orientation.
Day 2 Yoga practice and dayhike.
Day 2 Yoga practice and dayhike.