The Clear Creek Trail is a wending, ten-mile trail that takes one from the relative hustle bustle of Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor to its namesake Clear Creek—a delightful desert stream fed by springs and a seasonal waterfall that have filtered through a vertical mile of rock to nourish this lush oasis. During the moderate-intensity backpack, participants will learn about the canyon’s incredible biological and geological history. Side hikes from a base camp beside Clear Creek will provide ample opportunity to discuss flora, fauna, geologic processes, and the life-giving water sources that sustain the amazing biodiversity of Grand Canyon. Though the focus will be on natural history, no hike would be complete without discussing those that came before—from ancestral Puebloans to pioneers. A series of evening tales will highlight the lives of these hardy forebears. The class will begin and end on the South Rim, and utilize the historic South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails in and out of the canyon. Two nights camped along picturesque Bright Angel Creek near Phantom Ranch will bookend the multi-day foray to Clear Creek itself. Comparable backpacking experience is required of all participants.