Grand Canyon National Park Clear Creek

Sunday, December 7, 2025 - Sunday, December 14, 2025 -- $2100 ★★★★★

Topographical Map of Proposed Route

See CalTopo map

Weather

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking, especially in the Grand Canyon. December is a reasonably good time to visit the bottom of the canyoon weather-wise although it will be reliably frigid on the South Rim. Expect it to be nicer, but still pretty cold in the bottom of the canyon. Be prepared for freezing weather or even snow on the entire trip, but hopefully it will be warmer.

Probable Trip Leaders

Guide(s) TBD

Difficulty

This trip will be difficult and grueling at times as is to be expected in the Grand Canyon. This is because of the ascent from the Colorado River back to South Rim.

Water may not be available for a few days at a time, especially on the way to Clear Creek which may not be running at all. Also, the faucets along the corridor trail are turned off this time of year. You should be able to carry 8 liters of water at times. This extra weight makes your full pack even heavier. Elevation gains and losses are dramatic. We may gain or lose over 4700' vertical in one day. In order to do this, you will need to be sufficiently hydrated. Plus, your feet must remain in good shape. Blisters will cripple you and make progress extremely slow and painful so be mindful of hot spots as they develop. Make sure to closely clip your toenails before undertaking this trip.

Cost

$2100 per person pre-trip single occupancy, post trip double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides.

Covered expenses include 1 hotel night, 1 frontcountry campground night, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.

Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to) other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve. Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally account for 30-60% of a their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well, please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small holes they've dug.

Notes

Important! Water may be scarce during the hike. Be prepared to carry 8 liters (16 pounds) of water in your pack when we leave for Clear Creek. But don't be discouraged, it will be a true adventure.

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