The journey from rim to rim across Grand Canyon has become one of the most
popular hikes in America’s national parks—and for good reason. The scenic North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails combine to form a transcanyon route that harbors many delights for the experienced backpacker.
Boasting one of our planet's most spectacular and accessible
geologic cross sections, Grand Canyon routinely enlightens geology buffs of
all stripes. This geo-centric class will examine the canyon's rich geological story- from ancient Pre-Cambrian metamorphic rocks to recent debris flows. We will discuss stuctural geology, lithology, petrology, stratigraphy, hydrology and formation theories of this remarkable geological location over a twenty-four-mile journey.
Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, Phantom Ranch, and Plateau Point are but a few of the treasures awaiting those who take part in this moderate-intensity backpack. After being shuttled to the North Rim, the class will spend its first night at the North Rim Campground. During the precipitous descent into the canyon, participants hike from an aspen-clad forest to the banks of a desert stream in a few short hours. Evenings are spent at Cottonwood, Bright Angel and Indian Garden Campgrounds. Prior recent backpacking experience is a pre-requisite of all GCFI rim to rim classes.
|
Itinerary
Day 1 Introductions and classroom orientation and van shuttle to the North Rim Campground
Day 2 Descend to Cottonwood Campground via the North Kaibab Trail
Day 3 Continue down the North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground
Day 4 Layover day and exploratory day hike
Day 5 Hike up Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden Campground
Day 6 Hike up the remaining distance of the Bright Angel Trail to the rim and wrap up session
|