Not for the faint of heart, the ~30 mile Deer Creek & Thunder River loop is the undisputed crown jewel of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim loops. 

About Backpacking in the Grand Canyon

Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park is an adventure of a special kind.  Out of the nearly five million visitors that the Grand Canyon receives each year, fewer than 1% venture below the rim.  Out of the adventurous few who hike and backpack below the rim, the vast majority spend time on the so-called “corridor” trails – Bright Angel, South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails, home to the classic Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim and Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim itineraries.

There are a lot of considerations that go into preparing for a Grand Canyon backpacking adventure. Given the steep initial descent and final ascent that come with any below-the-rim adventure, physical fitness is paramount. Advance permits are required for any overnight stays below the rim, and campgrounds regularly book up months in advance.

Due to the ~5,000 ft vertical difference in altitude between the rim and the Colorado River, prospective hikers also have to be prepared for extreme temperature swings and wildly varying conditions. It is not unusual for temperatures at the bottom of the Grand Canyon to be 20 degrees hotter than at the rim. If the forecast calls for a pleasant 78 degrees Fahrenheit at the South Rim, it may be a scorching 100 degrees at Phantom Ranch. 

Yet for all those who are not deterred by the steep terrain, highly variable weather, and extreme remoteness of the Grand Canyon below the rim, any backpacking trip into the canyon is bound to create memories that will last a lifetime.

About Deer Creek & Thunder River

The Deer Creek / Thunder River loop is far, far beyond the “popular” corridor trails.  In addition, just getting to the Thunder River Trailhead requires a long and remote approach on dirt roads that deters all but the most seasoned desert explorers.

The remoteness of the Deer Creek / Thunder River loop is matched by its exquisite natural beauty.  Over the course of almost thirty miles, you will descend from the North Rim to the expansive Esplanade level before dropping into the inner canyon, where the oases of Deer Creek, Tapeats Creek and Thunder River await. From waterfalls to swimming holes, from exposed traverses to a spectacular slot canyon – the Deer Creek / Thunder River loop has it all. 

To complete the Deer Creek / Thunder River loop, you have to be prepared for almost 30 miles with >12,000ft of vertical change (including over 6,000ft of ascent) and several demanding traverses that require sure-footedness.  This backpacking adventure also requires some short scrambles and is not suited for those who are afraid of heights. 

About Dreamland’s Guided Deer Creek / Thunder River Backpack

At Dreamland Safari Tours we are proud to utilize our decades of experience in desert adventures, backcountry risk management and expedition planning to whisk you away to these magical Grand Canyon locales. You bring your personal backpacking gear & camera; we take care of the team gear logistics. Rental options for select gear such as backpacks and sleeping bags are available.

Our 6-day guided Deer Creek / Thunder River Backpacking Adventure includes:

• 4 days on the Deer Creek / Thunder River loop plus two nights in Kanab (one before the backpack, and one afterwards)
• Main meals & lodging in Kanab pre- and post-trail, double occupancy; contact us to inquire about the possibility of a single supplement
• Trailhead transport from and to Kanab
• Experienced backpacking guides at a 1:4 guide-to-guest ratio
• Lightweight backpacking tents (unless you prefer to bring your own)
• Team cooking equipment
• Breakfasts and dinners while on the trail
• Water purification and/or water resupply
• Team first-aid kit and Wilderness First Responder certified guides
• Satellite messenger communication in case of emergency
• Human waste bags where required
• Pre-trip gear & training advice as desired
• Overnight permits for Grand Canyon National Park

You will receive a detailed trip handbook & gear list once you reserve your spot on this adventure. Meanwhile, the below rough gear list provides guidance on what backpacking equipment to bring or rent:

• Backpack (55 – 65 liters)
• Sleeping bag, rated to 20 degrees or warmer
• Sleeping pad/s
• 4 liters of water capacity
• Personal bowl, cup and spoon
• Hiking boots
• Down jacket
• Rain jacket
• Hiking attire
• Personal snacks

Gear provided by Dreamland Safari Tours:

• Tents
• Trekking poles
• Team cooking gear & meals
• Water purification
• Team first aid kit
• GPS communication

Permits & Group Size

Please note that there is a 3 person minimum for this itinerary.  The maximum group size is 9 guests + 2 guides.

Overnight permits for Grand Canyon backpacking adventures become available three months prior to departure and are competitive in nature. We take care of all permitting requirements on your behalf and will reconfirm the details of your departure as soon as we have permits in hand. In the event that we are unsuccessful in obtaining permits for your scheduled dates and itinerary, we will work with you to establish an alternative and/or provide a refund for any fees already paid. 

2023 DATES

November 4-9 2023

Check back as we intermittently add new dates to our schedule!
Interested in a private Deer Creek / Thunder River backpacking trip just for your group? Call us at 435.644.5506.

Itinerary

Day 3 & 4
8-10 daily miles of hiking to visit Deer Creek, Tapeats Creek, Thunder River and the Colorado. Campsite selection and precise itinerary are flexible based on permit allocations.

Day 5
Hike out to Indian Hollow (~8 miles, 1,000ft of ascent)

Afternoon trailhead pickup and return transfer to Kanab, hotel check-in. Team celebration dinner.

Dinner & lodging are included in the price.

Day 6 – Depart  

Guest Experiences with Dreamland Safari Tours