BEST OF THE WEST; GRAND CANYON XII N & S Rims Grand Canyon

DEPARTURE: Bus from Niles, MI to Chicago, fly to Las Vegas.  In-n-Out burgers stop.  Hike at Snow Canyon State Park on our way to Kanab, Utah (one-time Western movie capital).

(see CURRENT ITINERARY for Niles departure time)

Morning hike at Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon and an optional afternoon hike at Squaw Trail.

Afternoon and evening exploring this Western Movie Kodachrome city that was once called Little Hollywood.

NOTE: The button below will take you to information and photos of the Gulch by a tour company (not the one we are using).  The descriptions and photos are for your inspiration. (WAIVER REQUIRED)

Travel to North Rim Village.  Lunch in Grand Lodge, Deli or General Store.  Hikes: Bright Angel Point and/or Transept Trail.  Dinner in the Grand Lodge.  Check out the Roughrider Saloon for beer and pizza in the evening and for coffee and a breakfast roll in the morning.

[UPDATE: Due to fewer tables (Covid) and reduced staff in the Grand Lodge all dining reservations are taken for 2022]

Note: The Roughrider Saloon is a great coffee & breakfast bar in the morning.

HIKES: Widforss Trail or Uncle Jim's Trail.  Lunch on the trail.  Enjoy another evening and meal in the Grand Lodge.

Depart for South Rim Village with a rest stop at Navaho Bridge where we cross the Colorado River at Marble Canyon.  HIKES:  Bright Angel to Trailview Overlook.  Lodging in Tusayan (just 6 miles from the park).  Evening exploring and enjoying a fine meal in Tusayan.

South Rim breakfast; Suggest at the El Tovar.  HIKES:  South Rim Half Marathon (Hermet's Rest to South Kaibab Trailhead).  Free Park shuttles to the start and from the finish.  See Coach for other hike options.  Trail lunch or on South Rim.   Several great choices for lunch and dinner in Canyon Village.

Breakfast in the South Rim village; Suggest at the Yavapai Lodge.  Great shopping at the nearby General Store.  HIKES: West Rim Trail to South Kaibab Trailhead down to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge.  Rehydrate in the village or in Tusayan.  (The Tusayan Park shuttle should be running by then)

Breakfast in Tusayan.  Depart to Tempe, Arizona.  Lunch stop in famous Mill Avenue District.  

HIKE:  Sonora Preserve Tom's Thumb hike to the lookout.  Evening exploring the Mill Avenue District full of great shops, brewpubs and restaurants.

VICTORY BREAKFAST in Sun Devil Room in our hotel.  

HIKE: Piestewa Peak Summit Trail.  Trail lunch.  

OPTIONAL: Desert Botanical Garden and Chihuly in the Desert exhibition and very cool restaurant.  OR enjoy the Mill Avenue District, hike up Tempe Butte (aka Hayden Butte or A Mountain) or stroll down to Tempe Town Lake.

Breakfast in our hotel or nearby.  9:15am departure to Phoenix airport to fly back to Chicago.  Arrive back to Niles, Michigan at 10:30pm.