Grand Canyon National Park Clear Creek
Sunday, December 6, 2026 -
Sunday, December 13, 2026 --
$1900
★★★★★
NEITHER THE TRIP DATES NOR TRIP ITINERARY ARE FINAL! This is our proposed itinerary. The Grand Canyon backcountry office will not issue December backcountry permits on or about August 15th, 2026. There is an extraordinarily high demand for permits, especially along the corridor trails (Bright Angel, South Kaibab, North Kaibab). So it's unknown as of now whether or not we'll obtain any permit at all and if so, what the dates or ultimate route will be. If the park does award us an itinerary, the park may change our dates or our group size to do so.
If we are not awarded this itinerary during the lottery window, we will attempt to move the trip within a two week window of our proposed trip, so your flexibility is important.
This backpacking expedition takes place in one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth Grand Canyon National Park. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Natural World, the Grand Canyon is more than just a dramatic view; it is a geologic masterpiece that reveals over 40% of the Earth's history in its rock layers. Towering over a mile deep and stretching for 277 miles, it offers breathtaking, unobstructed vistas that shift with the light and the seasons. Winter brings a unique stillness to the canyon, offering a more solitary and introspective experience, far removed from the crowds of the warmer months.
The proposed route explores the Clear Creek drainage, a lesser-traveled area that promises isolation, challenge, and reward. Beginning at the South Rim, the group will descend into the heart of the canyon, pass through Phantom Ranch at the Colorado River, and climb to the remote Clear Creek area, with a side hike toward Cheyava Falls if conditions allow. The return journey ascends back to the rim along a slightly different route, creating a loop that offers new views and terrain each day.
This is not a casual hike. The Grand Canyon demands respect, especially in winter. Expect steep, strenuous ascents and descents, cold temperatures, and potentially long stretches without access to water. Yet, for those who come prepared, this trip offers something rare: a chance to connect deeply with the canyon’s immense scale, quiet beauty, and powerful solitude.
The Clear Creek route combines physical intensity with scenic grandeur and backcountry immersion. With the support of experienced guides and a well-planned itinerary (pending permit approval), this trip is designed to challenge and inspire, giving participants a wilderness experience they’ll never forget.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Weather
Weather is always a critical factor when planning a backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, and December presents a unique mix of conditions. During this time of year, the South Rim will be reliably cold, often dipping well below freezing, with a strong possibility of snow and icy trail conditions at higher elevations. In contrast, temperatures at the bottom of the canyon—near the Colorado River and Clear Creek—tend to be more moderate, though still chilly, especially at night. The steep elevation changes on this route mean you'll be moving through dramatically different climate zones each day, which can make packing and layering a challenge.
While the weather at the bottom is generally more favorable than at the rim, it can still be cold, windy, and dry. There’s also the potential for sudden weather shifts, so all participants must be prepared for rain, snow, wind, and below-freezing temperatures throughout the trip. Another crucial consideration is water availability. In winter, many of the water sources commonly used along the corridor trails—including trailhead faucets—are turned off. This means there may be long stretches without reliable water, particularly on the approach to Clear Creek, which itself may not be flowing at all. At times, you may need to carry up to eight liters of water, adding significant weight to your pack.
Probable Trip Leaders
Rick Romine
Dan Shafto
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Difficulty
This trip will often be difficult as is to be expected in the Grand Canyon. Please refer to the Important Notes section of this page.
Cost
$1900
per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. Single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Phoenix as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.
Covered expenses include 1 hotel nights, 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 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.
Important notes about this trip
This trip will be physically demanding and, at times, grueling, which is typical for backpacking in the Grand Canyon—particularly due to the steep climb from the Colorado River back to the South Rim. Elevation changes are dramatic and sustained, and the combination of rugged terrain, cold temperatures, and heavy packs can push even experienced backpackers to their limits. One of the most critical challenges you'll face is water management. On the way to Clear Creek, water sources may be unavailable for extended periods, and Clear Creek itself may not be flowing at all. Additionally, many of the faucets along the corridor trails are turned off in December, which means there could be multiple days where you’ll need to carry up to eight liters of water—that’s over 17 pounds of additional weight.
This extra load increases the strain on your body, especially as you tackle steep ascents and descents. Your ability to stay hydrated, fueled, and physically strong will be crucial. Foot care is also absolutely essential—poorly managed blisters or toenail issues can quickly become debilitating on a long trek. You'll need to monitor your feet closely for hot spots and take action early to prevent bigger problems. Make sure your footwear is well broken-in, and clip your toenails short before the trip to prevent bruising or damage on downhill stretches
Simply put, this is not a casual hiking trip. It is a serious backcountry expedition that requires a high level of fitness, preparation, and mental resilience. However, for those who are ready to meet the challenge, the experience can be incredibly rewarding. The solitude, beauty, and raw immensity of the Grand Canyon in winter offer an unforgettable and deeply meaningful adventure.
Back to top
