Grand Canyon, May 2026
Grand Canyon, May 2026
- 2 night-stay at the legendary Phantom Ranch
- 2 nights in the desert oasis of Sedona
- 1 night-stay in South Rim Village
- Rim-to-River-to-Rim hikes in the Grand Canyon
- All Meals except 1 b'fast, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Two Fit 4 Adventure Guides
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Private Van & Fuel
TRIP DATES: May 4-9, 2026
TRIP PRICE: $3,615 per person
(Not Included: Airfare to/from PHX, private rooms, meals not on Itinerary, tips for F4A guides, sightseeing or spa treatments in Sedona, personal expenses- souvenirs, alcohol, etc.)
TRIP DETAILS
This is our classic South Rim-to-Colorado River-to-South Rim hiking adventure, including two nights spent at Phantom Ranch- a magical and historical accommodation deep inside the canyon. Reservations at Phantom Ranch are only available through a lottery system 14 months in advance- we've been lucky to win one for May, 2026! This is a small group trip- 8 people max- so grab your spot before they're gone!
How do you visit one of our most popular national parks and avoid the crowds? By going in deep. The Grand Canyon is a stunning scene from the rim and people flock from around the world to see it. Among the millions of annual visitors, very few hike in beyond a half mile.
On our Grand Canyon adventure, we will be exploring the depths, all the way down to the great Colorado River. We’ll also take advantage of “shoulder-season” solitude- and more comfortable hiking conditions- by going in May. This is a great time to visit the Canyon, avoiding the masses- and the heat- that arrive in the summer months.
NOTE: This is a demanding trip which requires good physical condition to be able to participate. Proper pre-trip training is expected. Your guides will provide you will helpful hints, strategies and insider knowledge to help ensure your success and enjoyment. Hiking down on Bright Angel: 10 miles and 4,380 elevation change. Hiking up on South Kabab: 7.8 miles and 4,780’ elevation change. Clients will carry all personal items down to Phantom Ranch and back up to the South Rim. What goes down must come up- or something like that... :) Phantom Ranch DOES provide all meals, bedding, towels and toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner). We will help you with pre-trip gear lists and packing tips as the trip approaches.
UPDATE: The Transcanyon Waterline Construction Project is underway. We will monitor trail closures and use alternate routes if available.
FLIGHTS
You are responsible for booking your own flight to Phoenix (PHX). Plan to arrive on May 4 in time for a 11:00AM airport pick-up. Plan to depart Phoenix on May 9 at 2:30PM (or later).
DEPOSIT
A $500 deposit (per person) is due at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
PAYMENTS
Final payment will be due February 15, 2026. You will receive a reminder email when this payment is due. Once made, all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
CANCELLATIONS
By Client: If you need to cancel before the final payment date, the cancellation fee is your initial deposit. Your reservation will automatically cancel if final payment is not received by the due date.
By Fit 4 Adventure: In the event that we must cancel a trip for commercial reasons beyond our control, including if the minimum number of trip participants is not met, you will be able to transfer any amount paid toward any F4A trip in the next 24 months. You may also opt for a full refund.
By Force Majeure: In the event that a trip is cancelled due (but not limited) to natural disasters, pandemics, border restrictions, terrorism, or political instability, F4A will offer you a future trip credit valid for 24 months from the original trip date.
F4A is not responsible for any additional expenses you may incur as result of your booking, including (but not limited to) visas, vaccinations, clothing, equipment, testing, travel insurance, or non-refundable flights.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The cancellation policy will be strictly adhered to. To avoid loss of payments due to unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance is highly recommended. Travel insurance can often be purchased along with your flight or you can consider booking though our partners Allianz Travel Insurance or World Nomads
If you are looking for more details about this trip, click over to the itinerary tab. Or, feel free to reach out with questions: Joe@Fit4Adventure.com
DAILY ITINERARY
This incredible itinerary is packed with adventure and takes in the very best of the Grand Canyon. Phantom Ranch is a welcoming outpost nestled in a beautiful side canyon, just off the Colorado River. After our hike from the canyon rim, we'll rest and relax, dipping our feet in the stream next to our private cabin and enjoying the scenery at this world-renowned lodge. We're very lucky to be staying at Phantom Ranch for 2 nights!
Your 2-night Grand Canyon excursion is book-ended by a one-night stay at the South Rim Village (a historic, activity-filled destination perched on the canyon rim) and a two-night stay in Sedona (a relaxing, upscale desert oasis nestled in a spectacular red rock amphitheater).
Day 1
Fly to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) and ride our private Fit 4 Adventure van to the South Rim of the Canyon. We will stop on the way to pick up any last minute hiking gear in Flagstaff before we continue on to our destination at the South Rim. We will have a Welcome Dinner in the South Rim Village this night to toast to a great trip! Overnight at the on the South Rim.
Day 2
We'll start our descent into the Grand Canyon on the famous Bright Angel Trail- 10 miles to the Colorado River. Your guides will provide lunch along the way. Dinner provided at Phantom Ranch Canteen. Overnight at our own private 10-person cabin at Phantom Ranch.
Day 3
This is a ‘rest day’ at Phantom Ranch, though more often than not we spend the day hiking and exploring along the North Kaibab Trail. Some may choose shorter walks along the river’s edge. Breakfast, sack lunch and dinner provided at Phantom Ranch. We'll overnight at our private group bunkhouse.
Day 4
We'll eat a hearty breakfast before taking on the hike back to the South Rim on the South Kaibab Trail (7.8 Miles). Breakfast and sack lunch provided by Phantom Ranch. We'll exit the Canyon mid-afternoon and ride the Fit 4 Adventure van to Sedona, AZ (2 hours and 15 min drive). Upon arrival, you’ll be free to recover, refresh and recon (Dinner is DIY). Our accommodations are a cozy guest lodge in the heart of town, the Sedona Uptown Suites.
Day 5
Today you have the entire day to explore Sedona in all its beauty. There are optional pink jeep tours, spa treatments, and the downtown shopping and gallery district are all within walking distance of our accommodation. We can lead a group hike if guests are so inclined and are happy to shuttle people around town as needed. We will have our Finale Dinner tonight to celebrate the adventure and raise a toast to our accomplishments!
Day 6
Following breakfast in Sedona, we will ride the Fit 4 Adventure van back to Phoenix for afternoon departures.
If you are looking for more details about this trip, click over to the itinerary tab. Or, feel free to reach out with questions: Joe@Fit4Adventure.com
This incredible itinerary is packed with adventure and takes in the very best of the Grand Canyon. Phantom Ranch is a welcoming outpost nestled in a beautiful side canyon, just off the Colorado River. After our rugged hike from the canyon rim, we'll rest and relax, dipping our feet in the stream next to our private cabin and enjoying the scenery at this world-renowned lodge. We're very lucky to be staying at Phantom Ranch for 2 nights!
Your canyon excursion is book-ended by a one-night stay at the South Rim Village (a historic, activity-filled destination perched on the canyon rim) and a two-night stay in Sedona (a relaxing, upscale desert oasis nestled in a spectacular red rock amphitheater).
Day 1
Fly to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) and ride our private Fit 4 Adventure van to the South Rim of the Canyon. We will stop on the way to pick up any last minute hiking gear in Flagstaff before we continue on to our destination at the South Rim. We will have a Welcome Dinner in the South Rim Village this night to toast to a great trip! Overnight at the on the South Rim.
Day 2
We'll start our descent into the Grand Canyon on the famous Bright Angel Trail- 10 miles to the Colorado River. Your guides will provide lunch along the way. Dinner provided at Phantom Ranch Canteen. Overnight at our own private 10-person cabin at Phantom Ranch.
Day 3
This is a ‘rest day’ at Phantom Ranch, though more often than not we spend the day hiking and exploring along the North Kaibab Trail. Some may choose shorter walks along the river’s edge. Breakfast, sack lunch and dinner provided at Phantom Ranch. We'll overnight at our private group bunkhouse.
Day 4
We'll eat a hearty breakfast before taking on the hike back to the South Rim on the South Kaibab Trail (7.8 Miles). Breakfast and sack lunch provided by Phantom Ranch. We'll exit the Canyon mid-afternoon and ride the Fit 4 Adventure van to Sedona, AZ (2 hours and 15 min drive). Upon arrival, you’ll be free to recover, refresh and recon (Dinner is DIY). Our accommodations are a cozy guest lodge in the heart of town, the Sedona Uptown Suites.
Day 5
Today you have the entire day to explore Sedona in all its beauty. There are optional pink jeep tours, spa treatments, and the downtown shopping and gallery district are all within walking distance of our accommodation. We can lead a group hike if guests are so inclined and are happy to shuttle people around town as needed. We will have our Finale Dinner tonight to celebrate the adventure and raise a toast to our accomplishments!
Day 6
Following breakfast in Sedona, we will ride the Fit 4 Adventure van back to Phoenix for afternoon departures.
For more information on this trip, contact Joe@Fit4Adventure.com
I had been searching for a way to win the lottery to hike to Phantom Ranch, and Fit4 Adventure provided the means. We organized our couple's trip, and Joe and the team took care of the rest. We needed to cover a few nuances regarding travel and various inbound travelers, but Joe was cool, calm, and collected with anything we could throw at him. We even got to eat in the private El Tovar dining room before heading down to Phantom. This was a special treat as was the entire experience. The food and lodging at Phantom were great, and no one complained about the extra hot shower or clean bed linens. We enjoyed the trip so much that we booked the same tour/trip again for March 2024!
This is my first adventure trip with an outfitter and I'll just say that Nick, Marie and Fit 4 Adventure set the bar incredibly high! The pre-trip communication was good, with training and packing tips sent early enough to make an impact. (Even before we signed up, Nick addressed my concerns about my fear of exposure with lots of useful and well-balanced information which turned out to be spot on.) From the time we all arrived at the airport to our departure days later, Nick and Marie had everything well organized and thought out. They handled the unexpected so smoothly you didn't even know they were dealing with issues. I can't emphasize enough what a great team they were and how they worked tirelessly to make everyone's experience the best it could be. They were up early and late to make sure everything was set for the day. If an issue came up, they didn't get flustered or anxious, they just came up with a new plan. The restroom and restaurant stops were timed well. Their support getting us down the South Kaibab Trail and back up the Bright Angel trail was superb. Before the trip, my partner and I had some serious reservations about being able to handle the heights and Nick spent 45 minutes on the phone with us sharing his experience and assuring us that Fit4A would help us through the rough patches--and they were true to their word. On top of that, Nick and Marie clearly love the outdoors and were so fun to spend time with. This was top notch all of the way and I will have such a beautiful memory of this trip for the rest of my life--I'm so grateful to Nick and Marie for that. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime, Nick and Marie!
Hiking the Grand Canyon with Fit 4 Adventure was an unforgettable experience. Guides Nick and Marie were awesome; well organized, kind, patient, energetic and oh so helpful. The beauty and immense scale of the canyon is truly awesome. Food- lunches, snacks, dinners at Phantom Ranch and final dinner in Sedona- all great! And the photos, memories and sense of accomplishment from 3 days of hiking with good people- priceless!
Hiking down and up the Grand Canyon is a very challenging adventure and extraordinary place to be. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that was made even more wonderful with the guidance of Nick and Marie. Our guides Nick and Marie were extraordinary in every way. They are always making sure everyone is taken care of and they accommodated their leadership to the skills and emotional level of each one of us (eight). Nick made sure to advise everyone in advance the amount of training we required to get ready for this strenuous hike. Fit4Adventure has always been great to travel and we will keep them in our minds for our next adventure.
I have done many guided tour trips and honestly this was the most complete, organized trip I have done. After watching YouYube videos and due to fear to the exposure during this hike we actually called Nick to cancel the trip. Our window for a refund had expired and we were willing to give it up. Understand that Nick could have just said to himself, 'Hey, I don't need this headache' and said 'well, sorry you are not able to join us' and moved on. Yet Nick- who is now part-owner of Fit4Adventure- spent 40 minutes with us on the phone to assure us that we could do it and that he and Marie (the other guide) would be there every step of the way. And they were. I had dreamed of hiking the Grand Canyon and staying at the majestic Phantom Ranch for the past 28 years. We completed the trek and we did it only because of the support and encouragement from Nick and Marie. It was a dream come true. The bonding within our small group of eight adventurists was tremendous and we all enjoyed this epic adventure.
This was a fantastic opportunity to hike into the base of the Grand Canyon and stay two nights at Phantom Ranch. Marie and Nick were wonderful in helping our group, especially me, make the 10-mile hike back up out of the canyon. The hike may not be easy, but it is gorgeous, and Fit4Adventure took great care in helping us make the most of every mile.
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