FAQs
How do we book a trip?
Booking is simple — we guide you through every step.
1. Choose your adventure
Start by exploring our available trip options here:
👉 https://www.nativegrandcanyon.com/trips
2. Select your date window
Because all guided Grand Canyon trips require permits issued by lottery, flexibility is key.
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The wider your availability window, the better your odds of success
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Lottery requests must be submitted at least 5 months in advance
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Requests within 5 months are still possible and are based on current permit availability
3. Reach out — we handle the rest
Send us a message or email with your preferred trip and date range. From permits to logistics, we take it from there.
How do we get to the Trailhead?
We make this easy.
Most trips include shuttle service from Page, AZ. If you prefer, we can also help coordinate a plan to meet directly at the trailhead inside the park. All logistics are confirmed in advance so there are no surprises.
How do we get to Page, AZ?
Page, Arizona is one of the most convenient—and underrated—gateways to the Grand Canyon.
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Just 2 hours from either rim
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Avoid long 4–6 hour shuttles from Flagstaff or Phoenix
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Over 30 quality hotels and 200+ vacation rentals
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Excellent availability and pricing compared to other gateway towns
Getting here:
🚗 Drive
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About 4 hours from Phoenix or Las Vegas
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Just 2 hours north of I-40 via a scenic route
✈️ Fly
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Fly directly into Page on Contour Airlines
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Quick 45-minute connection from Phoenix
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We can arrange hotel transportation
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Discounts available on Jeep rentals if you’d like to explore the area before or after your trip
Where do we meet our guide?
You’ll meet your guide, either:
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In Page, AZ (one of two convenient locations), or
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At the trailhead inside the park
Your exact meeting location and time will be provided well in advance as part of your detailed trip itinerary.
If we meet in the park, what do we do with our car?
You may park at the designated trailhead parking area. Clear directions are included in your itinerary.
For Rim-to-Rim hikes, a shuttle is required to reach the opposite trailhead either before or after the hike. We’ll walk you through all shuttle options during the booking process so you can choose what works best.
Do we carry our own gear?
Mostly — but we keep packs as light as possible.
Your guide carries:
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First aid and safety equipment
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Most cooking gear
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Most group food
You’ll carry:
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Personal items
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Tent (ours or yours)
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Sleeping bag & sleeping pad
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~3 liters of water
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A portion of shared meal supplies
You’re welcome to use your own backpack or one we provide.
Porter services are available for guests who want to hike even lighter — just ask.
What is included in the trip cost?
✔️ A highly experienced Grand Canyon guide
✔️ All group gear
✔️ Three meals per day while below the rim
✔️ Permitting support and full trip coordination
Reservation details:
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A $250 refundable deposit is required at booking
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Full payment is due once permits are issued (typically ~4 months prior to the trip)
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Once permits are secured, all payments are non-refundable
Refund and Credit Policy
At Native Grand Canyon Guides, we are committed to providing memorable and safe wilderness experiences. Because of the unique logistics involved in securing permits and preparing each trip, the following refund and credit policy applies to all bookings:
Deposits and Payments
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A deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your spot.
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Deposits are fully refundable until permits are issued. Once permits have been secured for your trip, deposits become non-refundable, as we begin allocating funds toward trip planning, staffing, and logistics.
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Full payment is due at the time permits are issued. At that point, your trip is considered confirmed and funds are allocated to trip-related expenses.
Cancellations by Guests
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Cancellations before permits are issued: Guests may receive a full refund of their deposit.
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Cancellations after permits are issued: No refunds will be issued. However, a trip credit will be offered if we are able to resell your spot.
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Trip credits are issued at our discretion and depend on our ability to fill your vacancy.
Trip Credits
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Trip credits never expire and may be applied to any future trip with Native Grand Canyon Guides.
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Credits are non-transferable and non-refundable once issued.
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We will work closely with you to reschedule your adventure at a time that works for you.
Cancellations or Modifications by Native Grand Canyon Guides
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In the event of natural disasters, trail closures, fires, or other circumstances beyond our control, we do not offer refunds. Instead, a full trip credit will be provided.
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Once trips are permitted and confirmed, funds are used to cover trip expenses, including permits, guide wages, and preparations. Even when trips are paused, we continue to pay our staff and maintain operations to ensure we can serve you when conditions improve.
Insurance
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We strongly recommend that all guests purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, including natural disasters, illness, or injury.