03/26/2026
NEITHER THE TRIP DATES NOR TRIP ITINERARY ARE FINAL! This is our proposed itinerary. The Grand Canyon backcountry office will not issue December backcountry permits on or about August 15th, 2026. There is an extraordinarily high demand for permits, especially along the corridor trails (Bright Angel, South Kaibab, North Kaibab). So it's unknown as of now whether or not we'll obtain any permit at all and if so, what the dates or ultimate route will be. If the park does award us an itinerary, the park may change our dates or our group size to do so.
If we are not awarded this itinerary during the lottery window, we will attempt to move the trip within a two week window of our proposed trip, so your flexibility is important.
This backpacking expedition takes place in one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth Grand Canyon National Park. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Natural World, the Grand Canyon is more than just a dramatic view; it is a geologic masterpiece that reveals over 40% of the Earth's history in its rock layers. Towering over a mile deep and stretching for 277 miles, it offers breathtaking, unobstructed vistas that shift with the light and the seasons. Winter brings a unique stillness to the canyon, offering a more solitary and introspective experience, far removed from the crowds of the warmer months.
The proposed route explores the Clear Creek drainage, a lesser-traveled area that promises isolation, challenge, and reward. Beginning at the South Rim, the group will descend into the heart of the canyon, pass through Phantom Ranch at the Colorado River, and climb to the remote Clear Creek area, with a side hike toward Cheyava Falls if conditions allow. The return journey ascends back to the rim along a slightly different route, creating a loop that offers new views and terrain each day.
This is not a casual hike. The Grand Canyon demands respect, especially in winter. Expect steep, strenuous ascents and descents, cold temperatures, and potentially long stretches without access to water. Yet, for those who come prepared, this trip offers something rare: a chance to connect deeply with the canyon’s immense scale, quiet beauty, and powerful solitude.