The first time I went to Yellowstone National Park with my family, we joined the crowds and did a few short day hikes. It was such a mind-blowing, unique landscape, but to be honest, I didn’t think I’d ever go back. The crowds were enough to deter me. That all changed when a friend convinced me to go backpacking for 5 days and we saw far more bison and elk than people! Fast-forward a handful of years, and now I spend about 40 nights each year in the backcountry of Yellowstone.   

We are incredibly lucky to have such insanely beautiful spaces to explore in our National Parks. I know it can be overwhelming to decide what to do first, so let’s go over the Best National Park Backpacking Trips to get you started! Since these are very popular (for good reasons), I’ll also offer an alternate trip for each area in case you can’t snag the permit you’re hoping for or you just want more solitude.  

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The towering cliffs and lush spring-fed creeks of Aravaipa Canyon, conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Phoenix, Arizona offer an incredible and unique hiking experience. And because the Aravaipa Canyon permits system limits the amount of hikers in the canyon to 50 at any given time, you are guaranteed to find a sense of remoteness and solitude that can be hard to find in today’s day and age.  Making sense of the logistics and permitting structure of a trip to Aravaipa Canyon can be a confusing undertaking; but with this guide to Aravaipa Canyon permits you will have the knowledge to plan and tailor a trip to your needs. 

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While the whole Grand Canyon stretches 278 miles along the Colorado River from near Page, AZ to almost Las Vegas, NV, the National Park is just a small portion of the greater Grand Canyon ecosystem. The South Rim is the most common place to see the Grand Canyon because of its accessibility, location, and amenities. With visitor services, restaurants, and hotels right on the rim of the canyon, the South Rim is a very popular choice for canyon enthusiasts. 

Geographically, the National Park of Grand Canyon is split, leaving most people to only see the canyon from either the North or the South Rim as there is no way across except for on the hiking trails or a 4.5 hour drive around. The Grand Canyon is at the end of the Colorado Plateau (which includes other parks like Arches and Zion) that was uplifted at a south sloping angle. This is what creates the nearly 1000 foot elevation disparity between the North Rim and the South Rim and geological differences which make the South Rim more often visited. 

Grand Canyon Geology

With the north side at higher elevation, it receives more snowfall; so much so that the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is closed in winter. Due to the plateau tilt, the precipitation that falls on the North Rim runs south, into the canyon to the Colorado River, while on the South Rim, it runs south on the continued plateau. This water running into the canyon causes continued erosion as it flows down the side of the canyon’s walls. With the force of gravity, and many, many,  years, the water carves into the layers of rocks – some giving way, others holding their ground – and leaves behind side canyons and buttes. Since the tilt deflects the water from the South Rim away, there are significantly fewer buttes and temples (the mountains inside the canyon) on the south side of the river than on the north side.

Additionally, this precipitation running off from the north rim has eroded the side canyons farther and farther from the river, leaving more space between rim and river on the North side. This creates a picturesque scene looking across the canyon (rather than down into it) from the South Rim at the buttes and provides great views of the Colorado River. South Rim viewpoints – like my personal favorite, Mohave Point – offer panoramic views and great spots for viewing sunrise/sunset.

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Which rim to visit depends on what you’re looking to get out of your Grand Canyon experience, but either way, the impression is sure to leave you in awe. What the North Rim offers in mountain-inspired solitude and reverence, the South Rim counters with easy access, modern convenience, and iconic scenery. Only by visiting can the experience become tangible. 

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Location

El Tovar is the premier hotel in the south rim area due to a few factors. Its position on the canyon delivers daily stunning views for the entire duration of your stay. The hotel is close to Flagstaff and Sedona and not too far from Phoenix and Las Vegas. This puts the hotel right in the middle of the best canyon scenery in the US.

Area attractions include several national monuments, a national observatory, and fun tourist towns like Seligman and Williams. A combination of Sedona and the Grand Canyon is one of the best itineraries in the state. Flagstaff is a great midpoint to wind down after long hiking treks through the canyons, and has a small airport with regional flights. El Tovar’s setting and location are a top reason why it provides a unique experience in the park.

For those who love outdoor activities, El Tovar Hotel offers access to exceptional hiking trails and cycling options. The nearby Bright Angel Trail is a popular choice for hikers, providing a challenging yet rewarding journey that descends into the heart of the canyon. As you traverse the trail, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of connection with the raw power of nature.

Alternatively, cycling enthusiasts can take advantage of the designated cycling routes that wind their way along the rim, providing an exhilarating and scenic adventure. The park’s shuttle service offers quick and easy access to trails all over the south rim with return trips that save time and energy.

History

Beyond its prime location, El Tovar Hotel is steeped in history. Established in 1905, it has welcomed many notable guests throughout the years, including presidents, celebrities, and distinguished figures. This historic hotel has preserved its timeless charm and architectural elegance, transporting guests back to a bygone era while still offering modern comforts and amenities. It is recognized by the Park Service as a National Historic Landmark, allowing it to be federally protected as well as operated in its unique historic setting.

Today, El Tovar Hotel operates as a full-service hotel, providing guests with a range of modern comforts. The rooms are well-appointed and offer stunning views of the canyon and surrounding forest. Inside the hotel is a cozy lounge area where guest can relax by the fireplace, recount their adventures, or simply take in the grandeur of the surroundings. The hotel retains a rustic charm, as required by its landmark designation.

The historic bar is fantastic and features many local beers. A trip to the bar after a long day’s hike is certainly a motivating factor when coming straight from the canyon. Cocktails, wine, and a variety of other drinks are also available. 

Around the El Tovar in Grand Canyon Village are several other historical sights worth visiting. Nearby is the Kolb Studio. This studio is a modern art museum with rotating exhibits, but in the past served as a dark room and storefront for the Kolb Brothers, famous photographers of the region.

The adjacent Hopi House is designed to replicate a pueblo and features unique Navajo jewelry. You’ll also have a chance to witness the Grand Canyon Railroad in action, as the train operates daily – don’t worry, it only blows its horn at 3 pm. Lastly, the Mary Colter Art Studio offers more unique artwork sourced from the surrounding area.

Dining

One of the highlights of El Tovar Hotel is its renowned dining room. This is the premiere dining room in the Grand Canyon region. The El Tovar Dining Room provides a captivating setting where guests can savor delectable cuisine while being surrounded by rustic elegance. Boasting magnificent views of the canyon, the setting is the best dining experience in the Grand Canyon area. From hearty breakfasts to elegant dinners, the menu features a variety of dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Although reservations can be hard to come by, the El Tovar Dining Room is a staple on Wildland Trekking lodge based trips.

The nearby Bright Angel Lodge also offers a rustic dining experience with a focus on regional cuisine, while the Maswik Lodge boasts a casual cafeteria-style setting. From El Tovar, you have access to an ice cream shop and second dining room with adjoining bar just steps away in the Bright Angel Lodge. There is no shortage of food at the El Tovar, with options to accommodate every diet. A grocery store on site helps provide park additional choice.

Securing reservations at the El Tovar can be a challenge, given the hotel’s popularity and limited availability. However, travelers can enjoy accommodations at this iconic hotel and ensure an unforgettable, stress-free stay, by leaving the logistics to a guide company.

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Those first few miles, full of day hikers mostly going only as far as a lookout, were just a tease of the beauty and wild spaces we would find over our next few days at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. But as we descended through the ancient rock layers, we found fewer people, more solitude, and better and better views.

Getting to this moment of hiking into the Grand Canyon took literal years of planning. The first year we applied for permits to overnight in the Grand Canyon, we didn’t get them. The Grand Canyon is an incredibly popular backpacking destination and while you can get off the beaten path, the more frequented trails can be very challenging to acquire permits for.

This year however, we secured the permits. We were all set to hike Rim to Rim to Rim, probably the most popular trail in the canyon. And although we were not able to completely fulfill the goal of making it to the North Rim (due to trail closures) the trip was magical and well worth the effort.

So how do you get backcountry permits for Grand Canyon National Park? The easiest answer is that it’s challenging. You have to plan your trip and apply months ahead of your desired trip dates. But is it worth it? 100%. 

We’re hoping to make this complicated process a little easier, so that when you’re ready to plan your Grand Canyon backpacking trip, applying for permits doesn’t feel like such a daunting task. 

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Adding to their exclusivity, these stays are booked months if not years in advance, and not without reason. These lodgings provide visitors with access to pristine alpine lakes, nearly empty hiking trails, endless opportunities for connecting with nature and loved ones, and a serenity that is all too foreign in the hustle and bustle of busy modern life. 

Found in the wildest natural habitats conserved on Earth, we rounded up a handful of the most exclusive backcountry accommodations sure to stir the explorer in you.

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Slot canyon travel ranges from casual hiking to truly technical canyoneering that requires ropes, harnesses, and rappelling gear. If you’re just getting started hiking in this environment, it is better to begin by exploring non-technical slot canyons on day hikes, as there’s a lot to think about even before the technical preparation.

The sandstone deserts around Utah, Arizona, and their neighboring Southwestern states, are known among canyon enthusiasts for the plethora of canyons carved into the rock layers of the Colorado Plateau. 

Slot canyons are hard to spot when scanning the landscape. They hide in the rocky, barren-looking desert. But like much in the desert, there is great beauty to be discovered when you take the time to explore beyond what you can spot at first glance. Slot canyons are a secret hiding in plain sight, but they take effort to truly experience and explore safely. 

Interested in slot canyons? Read on to learn about slot canyon formation, recreation, and essential preparation.

What are slot canyons?

Slot canyons are narrow canyons carved into the rock — primarily sandstone and other soft rock. Slot canyons can be found around the world but in the US they’re found primarily in the Southwest, where flash floods combined with dry, soft sandstone, create the perfect conditions for these deep gorges to form. 

The name “slot canyon” comes from how tight these canyons can get. Some canyons are barely wide enough for a body to fit through, while others require specific techniques to navigate walls pinching narrowly together. Slot canyons can be hundreds of feet deep and only measure a few feet or inches in width. 

Although slot canyons are formed by running water, they don’t all have year-round rivers running through them. However, even if they don’t always have running water, many have sections of standing water that require navigating while descending the canyon. Some canyons even involve swimming/hiking through water for entire sections. For this reason, it’s good to be prepared to encounter water, especially during wet seasons, and to take time to think about waterproofing and insulating layers. Sun cannot always penetrate deep, narrow canyons, and there may be long sections of cool dark to endure before one can again get dry.

How are slot canyons formed?

The formation of slot canyons is a long and complex process that begins with the deposition of sedimentary rock. Over millions of years, these sedimentary rock layers are exposed to weathering and erosion, creating canyons of various shapes and sizes. 

Slot canyons are typically formed by water rushing through rock, over millions of years. The Colorado Plateau is one of the most common places for slot canyons to occur. The Colorado Plateau is made up of layers and layers of sedimentary rock. As a semi-arid region, it receives sporadic rainfall, but when it does storm it rains hard, causing flash floods. These torrents of water, often full of abrasive materials like wood and gravel, run through washes and carve deep, winding paths through the soft sedimentary rock – creating slot canyons. 

You can see the paths that the water takes reflected in the winding, swirling shape of sandstone slot canyons. Slot canyons made out of other types of rock look different, as the type of rock affects the shape of the canyon. 

Why experience slot canyons?

Slot canyons turn a desert hike into something truly magical. Venturing into one of these narrow, descending canyons can be like entering another world, one you didn’t know existed until you rounded the corner.

If you love hiking but want to experience something that feels more off the beaten path than your average trail, slot canyons could be a great opportunity for you. If you’re already familiar with technical pursuits like anchor building, rappelling, and gear retrieval, then you may already have some of the skills needed to tackle more technical canyons. If you don’t, going on a guided trip can help you prepare to experience slot canyons on your own in the future.  

Where do you find slot canyons?

Slot Canyons can be found all over the American Southwest, as well as in many other places around the world (including Australia!). But for this blog post, we’re focusing on the slot canyons of the American Southwest. 

Utah and Arizona slot canyons are some of the most famous in the world, including popular destinations like the Narrows in Zion, Antelope Canyon in Arizona, and Buckskin Gulch in Utah. Some of these can be incredibly busy during peak season, and many require permits purchased ahead of time.

But if you’re looking for solitude, there are also plenty of slot canyons where you can find no one for miles. These often have barriers to entry, such as being miles and miles off of paved roads or requiring technical skills and gear to safely navigate. But if you’re motivated, these canyons can be explored with the proper training, gear, and safety considerations.

Slot canyons are beautiful but their risks are also real. Flash flooding has deadly consequences in this part of the country. If planning a slot canyon adventure feels overwhelming due to a lack of knowledge and experience, a guided trip is a great option. Wildland Trekking offers backpacking and inn-based slot canyon adventures perfect for the explorer who wants to experience the beauty of the landscape without the responsibility of preparation and planning. There’s even a trip that stays at the Slot Canyons Inn!

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