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.