Private Tour
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Let us guide you on a private world-class hike below the Grand Canyon's rim. Venture down a well-maintained trail of this wonder of the natural world. Experience this vast landscape up close and personal with one of our certified and knowledgeable Grand Canyon hiking guides. Learn about the geology, flora and fauna of the Canyon, as well as its native history. We will make a lunch reservation for you at the Historic El Tovar Lodge (lunch cost is not included).
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Oak Creek Canyon
Travel through scenic Oak Creek Canyon, voted one of the most beautiful roads in America, along murmuring Oak Creek and below towering cliffs on our way to the top of the Colorado Plateau. (Sedona pickups only)
San Francisco Peaks
View Arizona´s tallest mountain at 12,633 feet, an ancient volcano that is snow-covered in the winter, as we drive past Flagstaff though a vast Ponderosa pine forest.
Professional guide
Private tour
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Bottled Water and Gatorade
One entree and one non alcoholic drink p.p. at The El Tovar included
Gratuities
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Seymourglass84,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We did a full day trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, with a private hike. Our guide Nina was fantastic! She was knowledgeable on the science and history of the Canyon, and she made sure the hike was to our fitness level. The van was in pristine condition and Nina was right on time to pick us up. We will definitely use Grand Canyon Journeys again.

denisesD8783DP,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Chris was an amazing guide. My husband and I traveled with him for the day to the Grand Canyon. It was an outstanding day. We saw so much, learned so much, and enjoyed every minute. Do not hesitate to book with him!!
Stephanie C,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
The trip was fantastic and the guy took us on the hermit Trail away from all the people was able to explain everything about the Grand Canyon that we could ask
freckles00,Jan 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Nina was charming, friendly, and knowledgeable about the geology and history of the Grand Canyon. She picked us up promptly at our hotel as arranged and prepared us for the visit with care, making sure we had enough hydration and snacks for the trail (also hiking poles and packs if needed). Along the way, she told us great stories about the canyon and its formation. We hiked on the South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge and enjoyed the breathtaking vistas along the way. Our guide accommodated our skill level during the descent and ascent, offering us many opportunities to see and learn about the wonders of the canyon all along the way. Lunch at El Tovar hotel was a great way to end the hike, and afterwards Nina took us to the Yavapai Geological Museum on the rim of the canyon to let us envision the entire run of the Colorado River through the canyon. She even had enough energy left to tell us more great stories about the region's history on the drive home. To sum up, Nina made sure we had a great time at every step of the way. My husband and I had a terrific time.
Frigga212,Jan 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a truly outstanding time with Nina on our private hike through the Grand Canyon. Nina gave us loads of useful tips and info leading up to the tour which was greatly appreciated. Throughout the drive from Sedona, during the entire hike and the ride back, Nina was engaging with our kids (twin 13 year olds), and taught all of us details and history about the Grand Canyon that we certainly would have missed without having a guide. Nina flexed our hike around abilities of the family and came up with great ideas on how to see as much as possible during our stay. Lunch at El Tovar was terrific as well. We highly recommend this guided hike, particularly if you have kids. Thanks for a truly memorable day at the Grand Canyon; we hope to be back soon!
960jenam,Jan 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We booked our trip and Nina was our guide! We were beyond blown away with our entire tour, which started with us getting picked up at our Airbnb. Nina was so knowledgeable and taught us so many things! It was incredible. We hiked the south Kaibab and it was so special and incredible! We had some very strong winds, Nina said the strongest she has seen in years. She made sure we were safe the entire way down and up. The views were nothing short of jaw dropping. We cant wait to come back and do this again!



667annaf,Nov 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Magical! Chris and Nina rock! Five gold stars for every aspect of the hike - simply the best. Well done and we will be back! See you soon. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Voyage725420,Nov 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Celebrated my husband’s 60th with a day trip to the Grand Canyon. After being picked up promptly at 7:30am at our Sedona AirBnb, Nina escorted us to the south rim where we hiked to Cedar point. Along the way, Nina shared interesting history of the areas we traveled through. As a journalist, she was well spoken and shared great stories! I was hesitant about the almost 1200 foot elevation gain in a mile and a half hike, but with Nina‘s decades of hiking experience, we enjoyed the arduous journey! Joining the one percent of visitors that hike below the rim, we celebrated at El Tovar with a delicious lunch and beautiful views. Great from start to finish! Had such a great time, we booked another tour with the company to an Antelope Canyon!
MJR2014930,May 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
The highlight of our all too brief time in the Grand Canyon was the day spent being expertly guided and informed in all matters Canyon-related by Nina. She was exceptionally well-prepared and carefully chose a hiking route that suited our interests and ability. The Grand Canyon is a sight worthy of inclusion on any bucket list and Nina was the key to us making the most of it. Lunch at the immortal El Tovar hotel topped off a memorable day.



MadWork2024,May 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
I have to give kudos to our resort in Sedona for recommending Grand Canyon Journeys. Our Grand Canyon adventure from Sedona was spectacular and exceeded expectations. The company owners, Chris and Nina, are an incredible husband and wife team that go above and beyond to ensure a successful excursion. I initially spoke with Chris over the phone to confirm our reservation and he provided great tips on how to prepare for our hike into the Grand Canyon. Nina was our phenomenal tour guide the day of our hike. She asked great questions to assess our skill and comfort level to recommend the best trail for us and length of our hike. She came prepared with everything to ensure a smooth hike from snacks and beverages to light weight backpacks and trekking poles. Nina is very knowledgeable of the area and educated us on its history. She taught us about the geography, flora, and fauna of the region. Nina is not only an incredible story teller, she also is a great listener. She shared some of her favorite spots off the beaten path with us. We felt honored for the inclusion. Nina has an incredible background and just so happens to also teach photography. Special thanks for the amazing pictures! A helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon was also part of our adventure and they coordinated the ride to take place after our stop at the El Tovar hotel for lunch. Our lunch at the El Tovar not only had an incredible view, the food was delicious! We loved our Grand Canyon tour so much; we booked an additional half day tour of Sedona the immediate next day. By the end of our time together, it truly felt as if we had made a wonderful new friend. We highly recommend Grand Canyon Journeys and will definitely book with them again in the future. Nina/Chris, thank you for the memories. Until we meet again!


Operated by Grand Canyon Journeys