To the backcountry enthusiast, the myriad canyons that plunge from the North Rim differ from their neighbors on the south side of the Colorado River in a number of significant ways. The North Rim drainages are typically twice as long, more densely vegetated, and afford more life-giving water sources in the form of idyllic springs, seeps and waterfalls. It’s just such terrain that awaits participants in this ambitious backpack in western Grand Canyon. Using a combination of on and off-trail hiking, this class will visit such legendary destinations as Thunder Spring, Deer Creek Falls, and the desert streams that sustain the lush riparian oases of Tapeats, Stone, and Deer Creeks. Amazing geology, intriguing plants and animals, sweeping views of the canyon are hallmarks of this corner of the canyon, long favored by hardy backpackers. While negotiating this remote wonderland participants will develop and hone a full complement of backcountry skills including route finding, Leave No Trace hiking and camping, water management, map and compass reading, orienteering, and practical geology. These skills will prove invaluable for subsequent travel in demanding wilderness settings.

Participants will meet in either Fredonia, AZ or nearby Kanab, UT, and then carpool to the trailhead on rough but reliable roads. Comparable backcountry experience is a pre-requisite for this workshop.