DATES:
March 21-23, 2026
Grand Canyon, AZ
 
Mandy Lea Photo is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service.
Kendrick Callaway is Wilderness First Responder, Adult/Child CPR, AED & Airway Management, and Epinephrine Auto-Injector certified.
Mandy Lea is Basic First Aid and Adult CPR certified. 
*3 client minimum for trip - contact us for more details
 
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but were scared away from the thought of having to carry a heavy backpack full of camping gear? Well, our Mule-Supported itinerary is the perfect answer! During our typical backpacking itineraries our average client backpack weight is 20-30 pounds. For this trip, each client can send up to 30 pounds of gear, clothing, food, and other personal items to the bottom of the Canyon (and back up!) via mules! This means that all you have to do is show up and experience one of the most beautiful hikes in the world with nothing but water, snacks, and a few extra layers on your back!
 
Journeying down to the Colorado River isn’t for the faint of heart; about 5,000 vertical feet discourage most tourists from making the trek to the bottom. Join Kendrick and Mandy on a guided backpacking and camping trip to the depths of the Grand Canyon where we’ll spend three days and two nights surrounded by a natural beauty that most tourists can only dream of.
 
Our route will take us to the iconic Phantom Ranch nestled at the bottom of the canyon, where we’ll spend two nights in the nearby Bright Angel Campground and have a full day to explore. We will hike all the way down in one day and all the way out in one day, but don't let that scare you. With early starts to our hiking days and plenty of rest stops, most people in decent shape are capable of this trip! 
 
The Grand Canyon has been a huge source of inspiration for us over the years. This backpacking and camping trip gives us the chance to share this breathtakingly scenic place with others. Backpacking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon will test your limits and is only intended for those in good physical condition. On this trip we will provide more services than your typical guided backpacking and camping experience. Our goal is to take people to a place they might not be able to reach on their own and share our knowledge of backpacking, hiking, and camping.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Guiding services from a company operating legally within Grand Canyon National Park for the past 8 years. We have all required Commercial Use Authorizations and backcountry camping permits.
All necessary gear for tent camping, if needed. Of course, you can use your own gear. This includes:
Ultralight one-or-two-person tent
Down sleeping bag
Inflatable sleeping pad
Inflatable pillow with pillow case
Backpack
Trekking poles
Dinnerware kit (collapsable plate, collapsable coffee/tea mug, long-handled spork)
MicroSpikes, if needed (foot traction in the event of snow/ice on upper sections of trails)
One duffel bag per client (we'll provide the duffel) to be transported via mule from the top to the bottom (and back). This duffel bag can hold up to 30 pounds of gear, clothing, food, snacks, and other items for each client. The 30 pound limit per client duffel will also include each client's tent camping gear (listed above) and any other meals outside of our Phantom Ranch meals. Clients are responsible for any fees incurred for overweight duffel bags. 
Pre-trip review of each individual’s backpack and all the gear they intend to bring.
Two nights of backcountry camping reservations at the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Transportation to our starting point via the Grand Canyon shuttle bus
All meals while backpacking
Two dinners at historic Phantom Ranch Canteen
Two breakfasts at historic Phantom Ranch Canteen
The remainder of our meals while at camp will be camp-cooked and during our hiking days we'll stop for snack breaks
We will set up and take down camp, but will take time to teach anyone how to do this, if interested
We will cook all meals (not at Phantom Ranch) for clients
One text to family/friends from the bottom of the Canyon via our Garmin inReach satellite communication device
 
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
National Park entry fees
Transportation to/from Grand Canyon National Park
Any transportation within the park that’s not on the park-provided shuttle bus
Accommodation on/near the rim of the canyon before/after workshop
Any food/drinks purchased before entering or after exiting the Canyon (even if we meet as a group for these meals)
Any items for sale at Phantom Ranch not included in the provided meals (snacks, beverages, souvenirs, beer, wine, etc.)
Portering of ANY gear, food, personal items, or other items that do not fit in the provided 30 pound duffel bag per client
Gratuity for your guides (not expected, but always appreciated!)
 
Group Size Limit: 2-4 clients plus 1-2 guides
(Note: Group size will be determined by the type of backcountry camping permit we are issued from the National Park. We reserve the right to cancel any trip that doesn’t meet our required minimum number of clients. Almost all of our trips will be limited to 4 clients and 2 guides, but on occasion we are able to get a large group permit and allow 9 clients with 2 guides.) 
**NOTE: For this trip we will require a minimum of 3 clients. If we do not get 3 clients, we reserve the right to cancel the trip. Contact us with questions or concerns.
 
Bring a friend (or three!) and save!
See special group pricing. If you would like to pay separately, contact us!
 
Read our Terms and Conditions before registering for any workshop