Hiking in Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon with REI

While I have been to the south rim of the Grand Canyon twice, for many years I wanted to plan a trip to the north rim. I’d read it was less commercial than the south rim and I wanted to get that different perspective. I also wanted to stay at the lodge at the north rim. It is the only accommodation (other than camping) within 70 miles. But the lodge is closed for much of the year (approximately mid-October through mid-May). I tried to get reservations a few times in September (to avoid the summer heat) but was always unsuccessful. So when REI announced a new trip that included hiking at both Bryce Canyon and the north rim of the Grand Canyon, including a stay at the lodge, I was very excited. After a quick call to Susan, my frequent travel partner, we signed up.

We did this trip in October 2024. The meeting point was Henderson, Nevada (just outside Las Vegas). The first 2 ½ days we hiked at Bryce Canyon and then we spent 2 ½ days hiking at the Grand Canyon. It was a fabulous trip- the guides were wonderful. Very knowledgeable, great company, thoughtful, and flexible. Combined with great food, unique and comfortable accommodations, breathtaking hikes, and an amazing group of fellow hikers (we were 8 in total) this was the perfect trip. Read on to hear more!

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon was beautiful. The views, the hodoos – it seemed otherworldly. I could definitely see Bryce Canyon being used as the site for filming sci-fi films. We did many hikes over 2 ½ days- some around the rim and some that climbed down into the canyon and then back up. Trails included Fairyland Trail, Queen’s Garden Loop Trail, Tropic Trail, and Wall Street Trail. Each trail seemed different so you didn’t feel like you were always seeing the same things. Our guides were a wealth of information about the geography, plants, birds, etc. The hikes were sometimes easy, sometimes moderately difficult. They were always rewarding. While not excessively hot, climbing under the constant sun was at times a challenge.

REI Signature Camp

While visiting Bryce, we stayed at the REI Signature Camp. When I first read about it I was not thrilled at the idea of camping. I especially was not looking forward to getting up in the middle of the night and having to walk in the dark to a bathroom. But I decided this was the price to pay for my chance to stay at the lodge at the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Surprisingly, I loved the camp and it turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip.

First off, the tents were really large and we had cots. So while we slept in sleeping bags we were not on the ground. And yes the bathrooms were a bit of a walk but they were very nice as were the showers. The guides cooked the food which was excellent. Our host at the camp was a lot of fun and always thinking of ways to make our stay more comfortable. One day we came back to find tubs of hot water so we could soak our feet. A perfect end to a day of hiking.

And sitting around the fire at night under what could only be billions of stars was an unforgettable experience. One night we clearly saw the Milky Way. In fact, the camp was within an International Dark Skies Park. To enhance our experience, REI arranged for an astronomer to come one night. He brought 2 very large telescopes and focused them on numerous stars, constellations, and planets, and talked to us about what we were seeing. It was truly special. In the end I didn’t even mind getting up in the middle of the night because the walk to the bathroom was another opportunity to look at the stars.

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Over the next few days we continued our hiking. One day we did part of the North Kaibab Trail part way into the canyon. Hiking the canyon between the north and south rims is something I’ve always been interested in doing. But looking across to the countless switchbacks which would be necessary to climb up I’m not sure I could do it. Or maybe I could. It’s definitely tempting. Our last day started with a hike through trees (including those aspens that I love) along the rim which led to several look outs with views of the canyon. The terrain was very different from the other hikes and it was a perfect ending to a wonderful trip.

Henderson, NV: Before the REI part of the trip

Whenever Susan and I do a group trip together, we make it a point to arrive at least a day early. This way we start to get over jet lag, and also account for any missed flights. The one time we didn’t do this Susan missed a connection which led to her missing the first day of a trip. Lesson learned! Since the REI meeting point was in Henderson, NV, we looked for some things we could do from there. We originally planned to go to the Valley of Fire, a state park about an hour away. But it was so hot we decided it was not a good idea. Temperatures reached a high of 104 both days we were in Henderson. Luckily, there were some nice things to do locally.

Our first day we went to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden. Gotta love someplace that combines both chocolate and cacti! The cactus garden was really nice and also shady which I appreciated. And you can go into the chocolate factory. It wasn’t operating while we were there but you can read about the process. It’s also a nice place to stop and get a drink, and of course chocolate. The next day we went to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Considered a bird lover’s paradise, it contains 9 ponds and about 5 miles of walking paths. We saw many variety of birds here but the highlight was seeing a horned owl.

Want to know more?

This was a great trip which I highly recommend. It was my second adventure with REI and I am so impressed with their guides, itineraries, activities, accommodations, food, everything. I was so excited by this trip I booked my next one with REI within days of getting back home. For more information about this trip check out Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon Hiking Adventure. Or you can find a description of all REI adventures here.

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