The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most celebrated natural wonders. Through this three-day post-trip, you and your fellow Mosaic members will be able to choose from hiking, biking, riding mules, or just exploring the many vantage points along the rim.
It begins Monday, Sept. 4, as we say good-bye to our Jewish Outdoor Escape friends and head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We’ll have most of Monday and all of Tuesday to explore the canyon. On Tuesday, participants can choose a variety of activities (some additional fees may be required) to explore the canyon, including mule, bicycle and by van.
We spend our first two nights in the Maswik Lodge, just a quarter-mile from the South Rim of Grand Canyon and nestled in a ponderosa pine forest.
On Wednesday, you have a choice to wake up before dawn the next morning to catch the sunrise or sleep in a little more and then enjoy some sights of the Grand Canyon. From there, we head south, to discover some of the highlights of Central Arizona and Phoenix. Options include Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park, Walnut Canyon and the historic City of Flagstaff. After a night near the airport in Phoenix, depending on your final departure, we’ll have up to another half-day to discover Phoenix before traveling home.
Note: The Grand Canyon Village is around 6,800 Ft. (2000 M) above sea level. Please keep this in mind when choosing activities.
Click here to download the PDF Version
9:00 AM: Depart from Camp Stein in Prescott, AZ in the morning
11:30 AM Group photo at the South Entrance Sign of Grand Canyon Park
Vans B, C and cars stay until 2:30. Van A leaves at 2:00.
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: Bright Angel’s Lodge
Van A: Vista Mule Tour riders go into Bright Angel Lodge for pre-check in for ride.
3:00 pm: Arrive at Maswik Lodge South at 3:00 pm.
3:45 pm ~ ?: Take the Grand Canyon Public Shuttle to sightseeing points for those not on the Sunset Tour Bus Only – Leader: Brian
3:00 pm ~ 4:50 pm: Free time for anyone who signed up for the Sunset Tour Bus
5 PM: Optional Sunset Tour of the Grand Canyon
7:00 pm: Sunset Tour returns to Maswik Lodge
7:30 pm: Meet in lobby to head to dinner for those who wish to eat as a group. All meals are on your own.
Choose from one of the following:
8:00 AM - Noon: Canyon Vistas Mule Ride (Upcharge $152 - includes tax and admin fees)
8:00 AM - Noon: Hermit Shuttle Bike Tour without guide (Upcharge $41 - includes tax and admin fees)
8:45 AM ~ Noon: Guided Tour of Points along the South Rim of Grand Canyon:
Covering 52 miles in 3.75 hours, this tour focuses on the natural beauty of the East Rim. From here you can see the Colorado River as it emerges from the depths of the inner gorge. This tour stops at various spectacular viewpoints along the East Rim Drive. There will be plenty of time at viewpoints to take photos and enjoy the amazing views. Explore Desert View, an outpost 25 miles from Grand Canyon Village. Here, you will find the Watchtower, a significant example of Mary J. Colter’s visionary architecture. Enjoy the view from the top of the 70-foot-tall tower in the morning or during one of our dazzling sunsets.
The cost of the tour is $76.00 per person (including RegOnline fees and 10% Tip) or combine this tour with the Sunset Tour for $92 per person (including Regonline fees and 10% Tip). Please note: Rates are subject to change without notice
1 PM - dark: Hike Bright Angel Trail
The Bright Angel Trail is considered the park’s premier hiking trail. Starting at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim (top of canyon) and ending at the Colorado River at the bottom. We will hike to either the Mile and Half Rest Station (979 Ft. / 299 M below the rim) or the 3 Mile Rest house (1960 Ft / 598 M below the rim) pending the groups consensus prior to starting the hike (we will stay as a group for safety). This is a STRENOUS hike with the hardest part on the second half of the hike on the way back up the trail. Check out this video or this website or this PDF form the park for more info about the trail. We will start in the afternoon to take advantage of the shade the South Rim creates for the hardest part of the hike back up the trail.
Leaders:
4:00 AM Wake Up Call
4:30 AM - Load Vehicles: Vans A and B
Van A Driver: Marsha Zellner Van B Drivers: Brian Horowitz / Stephan Scrop
5:00 AM - Depart Hotel to head to the see the sunrise at Grandview Point. Viewing a Grand Canyon sunrise is both peaceful and exhilarating. Enjoy this natural masterpiece as the sun rises over the ramparts of the canyon.
7:00 AM - Take in final views of the Grand Canyon at Desert View Outlook and explore the Watchtower
8:30 AM - Check out the views of the Little Colorado River Canyon and check out the souvenirs at the Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park $5 Per Vehicle Fee
11:00 AM - Brunch and shopping at Cameron Trading Post RV Park.
Noonish - Explore Walnut Canyon National Monument
3:00 PM - Park at the Flagstaff Visitors Center and explore the surrounding downtown Flagstaff area. Have dinner
8:30 PM - Check-in at the Days Inn Airport - Phoenix
9:30 PM - Late night meal TBD
7:00 AM - Wake-UP Call
7:30 AM - Load Van C :
Van C Drivers: Norm Abrams / Steven Berger
9:00 AM - Depart Hotel to head to the see the wonders of the Grand Canyon at Grandview Point.
10:00 AM - Take in final views of the Grand Canyon at Desert View Outlook and explore the Watchtower
11:30 AM - Check out the views of the Little Colorado River Canyon and check out the souvenirs at the Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park $5 Per Vehicle Fee
1:00 PM - Lunch and shopping at Cameron Trading Post RV Park.
4:00 PM - Park at the Flagstaff Visitors Center and explore the surrounding downtown Flagstaff area. Have dinner
9:30 PM - Check-in at the Days Inn Airport - Phoenix
10:30 PM - Late night meal TBD
Spend the morning touring around Phoenix and then fly out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Exact plans for touring Phoenix TBD depending on interest and size of group.
Not Included: Food Any costs for activities
We arrive in Phoenix during the evening of Wednesday Sept. 6. Plan on departing from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) after 10 PM that evening or anytime on Thursday, Sept 7.
Click here for averages of the weather in Grand Canyon Village
Current weather conditions
Contact Post-Trip Chair at Post-Trip@MosaicOutdoor.org