The Challenge

Day 1 - We depart the UK for our flight to Phoenix, upon arrival we meet our local guides and then transfer to our Hotel. The rest of the evening is free to do as we wish.

Day 2 - Following breakfast, we take the transfer to the start of our acclimatisation trek, to get us used to the heat!

We depart Phoenix driving north through the Sonoran Desert, and onto the high elevation plateaus and red-rock canyons of north central Arizona. We drive for approximately 2 hours, arriving in Sedona, featuring the wonder of what Native Americans consider the spiritual vortex of the Southwest with its red rock formations - Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon rival many national parks in their beauty.

We begin trekking late morning along Oak Creek, home to lush riparian vegetation and world-class views of famous rock monoliths such as Cathedral Rock. Following our trek, we’ll have a picnic lunch near the creek, then transfer to Flagstaff.

Trekking distance - 5 to 8 miles (dependant on time and ability of group)

Day 3 - After breakfast, we transfer to the Grand Canyon National Park.

We descend into the enormous red abyss on foot. Due to the elevation of the south rim – 7,000 feet at the start of the path - the immediate area is quite densely forested, and the pine trees persist for some way down, providing welcome shade from the sun. The first three miles are the steepest, as we trek into the canyon on the famous Bright Angel Trail. We descend over 2,000 feet of elevation and through hundreds of millions of years of geologic time. Remember, the return is 3 miles with an unrelenting up hill grade.

Trekking distance - maximum of approx 3-6 miles (dependant on times and ability of group)

Day 4 - Today is the day that our Grand Canyon Caper begins! Following an early breakfast, we travel to Hualapai Hilltop – the start of our decent into paradise! Starting at 5,400 feet, this demanding trail begins with switchbacks until it reaches a dry streambed where the trail begins to level out. After a trailside lunch, we descend deeper into the labyrinth of red sandstone.

We reach the village of Havasupai (which means “People of the Blue-Green Water”) after about 8 miles, and has the last post office in the US that’s still serviced by mule train! We then continue hiking for 2 more miles to our base camp, idyllically situated next to the bright blue green waters of Havasu Creek, where we stay for 3 nights. The locals upon finding it in the 1300’s immediately thought of it as paradise – we’re positive you will too!!

Trekking distance - 10 miles (trekking time dependant on the ability of the group)

Day 5 - Following breakfast, we set off for a very adventurous and challenging day – hiking down to both Mooney and Beaver Falls. There is a severely testing descent at Mooney Falls (210ft – higher than Niagara Falls!) with steep steps and ladders before continuing our push on to Beaver falls through lush jungle, and then we’ll be asked to choose a route – wet or dry!

The dry route takes us to Beaver Falls avoiding the rivers and streams, and the wet route requires some light swimming and jumping from waterfalls, into the crystal clear lagoons. We then all meet at Beaver Falls as a group, and after taking in our accomplishment we trek back together to our base camp – a wild, wet and challenging day encompassing two of the most stunning waterfalls in the World.

Trekking distance - maximum of approx 8-9 miles (dependant on times and ability of group)

Day 6 - Today we will hike 3-miles up Carbonate Canyon to explore the area and then return to Havasu Falls before lunch. After lunch, our guides will lead us another 1-mile to Navajo Falls – another beautiful waterfall.

We will then ascend up onto the Esplanade, with spectacular views overlooking our camp and Havasu Falls 450ft above. We will trek on a narrow path which traverses this natural bench carved into the canyon walls, and soon we’ll be greeted with some breathtaking views. We then return to camp to have a special dinner, as it’s our last night in paradise!

Trekking distance - maximum of approx 7-9 miles (dependant on times and ability of group)

Day 7 - Trekking along the same path used for the descent, we set out to Conquer the Canyon! After battling against intense heat and exhaustion, the exhilaration of reaching the Rim makes this arduous and challenging day one never to be forgotten.

In the late afternoon we transfer to our hotel in Las Vegas – the 24 hour party capital of the world!! A presentation dinner will be held in the evening to celebrate our achievements!

Trekking distance - 10 miles (trekking time dependant on the ability of the group)

Day 8 - Today we have a free day to explore Las Vegas! Why not take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon or try your hand at poker at one of the many Casino’s on the strip – the limits are endless!

We will be on our own for Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9 - Following breakfast, we transfer to Las Vegas airport for our return flight to the UK.

Day 10 - Arrive back in the UK.

(Itinerary correct at time of printing. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the published itinerary, it is always subject to change due to unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, strength of the group and so on)