Grand Canyon Field Institute Classes

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Grand Canyon Field Institute (GCFI) October Classes

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October
Rim-toRim Natural HIstory Backpack
3 - 8; $675 per person non member; $650 per member; HL - 4
The rim-to-rim journey across the Grand Canyon is considered one of the quintessential hikes in North America—and for good reason. The North Kaibab and Bright Angel trails combine to exploit a rarified cross-canyon thoroughfare, one that harbors many delights for the experienced backpacker. Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, Phantom Ranch and Plateau Point are but a few of the treasures awaiting those who take part in this moderate-intensity backpack.
Topics will include geology, archaeology, pioneer and Native American history, and a discussion of the varied biotic communities that can be found along this 24-mile route. After being shuttled to the North Rim, the class will spend its first night at the North Rim Campground. During the precipitous descent into the canyon, participants hike from an aspen-clad forest to the banks of a desert stream in a few short hours. Nights are spent at Cottonwood, Bright Angel and Indian Garden Campgrounds respectively. The final day of class includes a 4.5-mile hike to the top via the Bright Angel Trail, each hiker traveling at his or her own pace.

Six Days, Five Trails: A Historical Overview
3 - 8; $465 per person non member; $440 per member;; HL - 3+
This class is designed to examine the cultural significance of the Grand Canyon through the prism of several South Rim trails, most of which were purposefully constructed by pioneer prospectors, miners and tourism operators between 1880 and 1920. To lay a foundation for this topic, participants will learn about the canyon’s two-billion-year-old geologic history and the many diverse ecosystems sustained by its often harsh terrain. This natural history overview will begin to explain why the region’s first inhabitants chose the forested rims, sheer cliffs, and fertile riparian drainages of the canyon as a place to call home, and why more recent European Americans intent on mining found a better life in the fledgling tourism industry. Impromptu lectures will also describe how early pioneers branched off from the nation’s coast-to-coast arterial railroads, wagon roads and automotive roads to develop a more complete transportation infrastructure in the Grand Canyon region—one that would eventually prompt the federal government to include Grand Canyon in the growing network of protected federal lands.

Rim-to-Rim Geology Backpack
7 - 12; $675 per person non members; $650 per member; HL - 4
The rim-to-rim journey across the Grand Canyon is considered one of the quintessential hikes in North America—and for good reason. The North Kaibab and Bright Angel trails combine to exploit a rarified cross-canyon thoroughfare, one that harbors many delights for the experienced backpacker. Boasting one of our planet's most spectacular and accessible geologic cross-sections, Grand Canyon routinely draws geology buffs of all stripes.
This class will examine the canyon’s rich geological story, from ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks to recent debris flows. Discussions will include the structural geology, stratigraphy, hydrology and formation theories as evidenced along this amazing 24-mile route. Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, Phantom Ranch and Plateau Point are but a few of the treasures awaiting those who take part in this moderate-intensity backpack. After being shuttled to the North Rim, the class will spend its first night at the North Rim Campground. During the precipitous descent into the canyon, participants hike from an aspen-clad forest to the banks of a desert stream in a few short hours. Nights are spent at Cottonwood, Bright Angel and Indian Garden Campgrounds respectively. The final day of class includes a 4.5-mile hike to the top via the Bright Angel Trail, each hiker traveling at his or her own pace.

Horseshoe Mesa Backpack
8 - 12; $625 per person non member; $600 per member; HL - 4
This rugged corner of the canyon will serve as the setting for participants to develop skills in desert backpacking, Leave No Trace camping, water management, food storage, and the proper use of map and compass. Practice sessions will be conducted amidst the stark expansiveness of the Tonto Platform, the lush riparian habitat of Cottonwood and Hance creeks, in the serpentine Cave of the Domes and perhaps on a descent on an abandoned mining trail to the Colorado River itself. In addition to the wilderness skills primer, participants will learn basic geology, and consider the modern and historic forces that are shaping the grandest of canyons.

Introductory Backpack
12 - 15; $495 per person non members; $470 per member; HL - 3
Our introductory backpack begins with a thorough orientation, pack check and afternoon stroll along the scenic South Rim. The following day includes a 4.5-mile descent of the Bright Angel Trail to the towering cottonwood trees of Indian Garden Campground—home for a two-night camping adventure. A sunset visit to nearby Plateau Point with its commanding view of the Inner Gorge will cap the group’s inaugural day below the rim. The following day will feature a backpack-free day hike to the sandy beaches of the Colorado River for a glimpse at the forces that carved this marvel of a canyon. Depending on group hiking strength and weather, an optional visit to historic Phantom Ranch (several miles upriver), may also be an option. The final day of class includes a return to the South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail, each at his or her own pace, and a proud look back at the canyon that doubled as classroom and playground for three splendid days.

Hermit to Boucher Backpack
13 - 19; $635 per person non member; $610 per member; HL - 5
This rugged corner of the canyon just west of Grand Canyon Village will serve as the setting for participants to develop skills in desert backpacking, Leave No Trace camping, water management, food storage, and the proper use of map and compass. Practice sessions will be conducted along lushly-vegetated Hermit and Boucher creeks, the sandy banks of the Colorado River, and the steep cliffs and windswept ridges that cradle Boucher’s namesake trails. In addition to the wilderness skills primer, participants will learn basic geology, and consider the modern and historic forces that are shaping the grandest of canyons.

Take a Load Of: Mule-Assisted Backpacking
18 - 21; $635 per person; HL - 4+
With a little help from four-legged friends, participants in this class descend into the heart of the Grand Canyon for a two-night camping adventure beside picturesque Bright Angel Creek. This class begins with a thorough morning orientation after which camping gear is taken to the nearby mule corral for next-day delivery to the canyon floor. The afternoon is spent on an educational walking tour along the breathtaking South Rim. On the second day of class, participants hike seven miles down the South Kaibab Trail, enjoying a combination of sweeping views and intriguing facts about geology, ecology and human history. As pack mules are hauling the bulk of the group’s camping gear and food, participants can devote more time and energy to uncovering the canyon’s secrets. Upon retrieving their camping gear at historic Phantom Ranch, the class will set up camp for a two-night stay at Bright Angel Campground. For the remainder of the day and all of the next, the focus will be on learning about the geologic formation of the canyon from the inside out. The diverse flora and fauna of the canyon, and the human inhabitants it has sustained for millennia, will also be discussed at length.

Havasu Canyon Natural History Backpack
18 - 22; $665 per person non members; $640 per member; HL - 4
The class will begin with an eight-mile backpack to the inner-canyon village of Supai. After a brief visit, participants will continue several miles down the trail to the campground at the base of picturesque Havasu Falls. From this base camp, subsequent days will be spent hiking, swimming and sharing the beauty of this storied locale. Participants will learn about the history and ways of their host tribe and study the numerous plants, birds and other animals found in this amazingly diverse riparian drainage. The final day will include a retracing of steps back to the South Rim for closing discussions and departure. Note: fee-based horse-packing service is available from the tribe for those wishing to have their gear carried in or out of the canyon. Information about this service will be included with pre-course materials.

Nankoweap Geology Backpack
18 - 27; $725 per person non member; $700 per member; HL - 5+
During this high-intensity backpack, the class will visit the upper reaches of the Chuar Valley, created by the massive Butte Fault, and examine rare rock groups that hold a key piece to the canyon’s many unfolding formation theories. Participants will also explore other rugged mesas and buttes where breathtaking views await, and consider such geologic wonders as Tilted Mesa and the Nankoweap Delta beside the Colorado River. The delta was home to a thriving Ancestral Puebloan community centuries ago, the architectural remains of which will also provide ample interpretive fodder.

Hands-on Archaeology Backpack
24 - 30; $455 per person non member; $425 per member; HL - 5+
During this moderate-intensity backpack to Shinumo Creek, participants will learn and employ the latest archaeological surveying methods under the guidance of park archaeologists. Besides learning how to seek, identify and record archaeological artifacts, participants will learn about the lifestyles and history of indigenous cultures that have called Grand Canyon home. This class will rendezvous at Jacobs Lake, Arizona, and utilize the rugged North Bass Trail to access the area of study. Participants provide their own food and backpacking/camping gear. Previous experience with field-based surveying is a prerequisite. Please inquire to see if you qualify.

November
December - No scheduled classes

For more information call the Grand Canyon Field Institute at 866-471-4435 or visit their web site at http://www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute

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