Geological Wonder and Ancestral Homeland
Grand Canyon National Park promises an unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, defined by its 277-mile expanse of vibrant, layered rock formations. Expect jaw-dropping vistas that stretch for miles, easily accessible from iconic South Rim viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Point. With a wide variety of wildlife and millions of years of history, this is an experience you don’t want to miss!
April 12-18 2027
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Grand Canyon National Park offers a wide range of hiking route options from very Moderate to difficult. Come prepared for all types of hikes but the group will select the trails to make sure we account for everyone’s abilities.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: You will be hiking in varied terrain and weather conditions. No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
WEATHER: Due to different elevations and the time of year, temperatures can vary and change quickly throughout the day. We have had days with 70’s and sun or rain down to 30’s and snow depending on elevation and location.
WHERE YOU WILL SLEEP: At night, we will sleep in a home outside of Williams, Arizona, a short drive to the Grand Canyon, Big Bowl Ski area, and other trails.
MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form
Itinerary:
DAY 1: Welcome to Flagstaff and Bucket List Basecamp
The trip begins when our veterans land in Flagstaff, Arizona and, after a stop for supplies, we will head to our house outside of Williams Arizonaa. We will get settled and relax around the house, while going over our options and making a plan for what hikes we want to take on the trip.
DAY 2: South Rim Hike
Today will be a day for getting acclimated to the elevation of the Grand Canyon. We will start off with a drive up to Grand Canyon Village and hike the Rim Trail, with the option of taking the busses down to Harmit’s Rest . We will get gorgeous views of the Grand Canyon, with the opportunity to see elk, mountain goats, and maybe even a California Condor. Then we’ll head back home for dinner and relaxing around the fire or play a game of cards.
DAY 3: Bright Angel Trail
Today we will hike down into the Canyon on Bright Angel Trail, choosing to go either 1.5 miles or 3 miles down, depending on people’s ability levels. This will give us a whole different view of the same canyon that we saw yesterday. We’ll then make the long hike back up the canyon and take in the shops of Grand Canyon Village. We’ll then head back to the house and have dinner and relax.
DAY 4: Red Mountain / Slate Mountain
Today we will head outside of Grand Canyon National Park to hike some easier trails. Slate Mountain offers a smaller elevation and a fairly relaxing hike with spectacular views at the top. Red Mountain is an almost flat hike, but at the end of the trail there are amazing rocks and opportunities for our veterans to climb as high as they want, but after Bright Angel yesterday, history shows that most veterans will take it pretty easy. Then back to the house for dinner and a fire.
DAY 5: Humphreys Mountain
For those who are up for the challenge, we will hike a 4000 foot gain to the highest point in Arizona. This difficult hike will take around 8 hours round trip, starting out over 8,000 feet and climbing to just over 12,000. This hike has it all, snow, forests, hiking above the treeline. The view from the top is absolutely stunning, and the feeling you get when you reach the top is nearly indescribable. We’ll then head back to the house for dinner and prepare to head home the next day.
DAY 6: Fly back home
Veterans will pack up and head back to Flagstaff, where they’ll board flights to head back to Minnesota.
Applications will close on January 24 with notifications going out on or before January 31.