We’ll meet in Flagstaff and take a morning transfer to the Sedona area on Day 1. Our warm up hike wanders through the beautiful red rocks around a small peak, with new views around every bend. Our first two overnights will be in Sedona.
Day 2 starts from the village of Oak Creek, for a hike on the loop encircling massive Bell Rock and the Courthouse formation, and an exploration of Oak Creek. After a picnic lunch we move on to Oak Creek Canyon to hike along the West Fork of Oak Creek, renowned for its diverse biological community and the rugged beauty of its soaring sandstone walls rising from the canyon floor.
Day 3 starts with a drive to the south rim. Anticipation builds as we approach the national park to begin our journey through time – which is our introductory hike in the park the Trail of Time. Information signs along this rim hike will explain the million year history of the canyon.
We’ll want a very early start on Day 4 for our descent into the canyon along the South Kaibab Trail. We’ll descend from the ponderosa forests at the rim through the layers of Kaibab limestone, Coconino sandstone and hermit shale to the Colorado at the base of the Canyon. The variety within the Canyon is overwhelming. The land forms, the colors, the spectacular vistas, that first sighting of the Colorado – every switchback along the trail is its own visual and sensual adventure. Our lodging at Phantom Ranch will be in a 10 person cabin. Unfortunately we cannot offer a choice of beds as our bed assignment is provided from a lottery and we take what they can give us. Toilets are in each lodging unit, and the well stocked showers are located in a separate, single sex building.
With an early morning start on Day 5, we’ll climb from the canyon along the Bright Angel Trial. We’ll celebrate with dinner at El Tovar that evening, a Timberline Adventures tradition, and spend the night at the South Rim.
On Day 6, we have the opportunity for one more dip below the rim. We hike from the western-most Hermit’s Rest trailhead, down to dripping springs for a new perspective on the canyon. We will return to Flagstaff for the conclusion of the tour.
