We depart Phoenix at 9 am and travel north to Grand Canyon via Flagstaff.  After exploring the north rim, we hit the trail at approximately 6 pm on the shortest night of the year—the first day of summer.  We descend with the setting sun, cross under the cover of the stars and moonlit darkness and climb out with the rising sun.  This hike descends on the North Kaibab trail for 14.3 miles and approximately 5,800 feet to Phantom Ranch. We will then climb out of the canyon via the Bright Angel trail for nearly 10 miles and 4,500 feet of elevation gain.  While we will stop for breaks, be prepared to cross in 10 to 14 hours a roughly 2 mph pace. If you are game, it will be one of the most memorable nights of your life! After a celebratory breakfast in Flagstaff, we return to Phoenix.

Expert

Traverse the "Big Ditch" on the shortest night of the year. After driving to and exploring the north rim, we hit the trail at approximately 6 pm on the shortest night of the year—the first day of summer. We descend with the setting sun, cross under the cover of the stars and moonlit darkness and climb out with the rising sun.  This hike descends on the North Kaibab trail for 14.3 miles and approximately 5,800 feet to Phantom Ranch. We will then climb out of the canyon via the Bright Angel trail for nearly 10 miles and 4,500 feet of elevation gain. If you are afraid of the dark, then you should sit this one out!