Three trip options –
Grand Canyon National Park Backpacking – Dec 5 – 12
Joshua Tree National Park Hike/Explore – Dec 7 – 14
Joshua Tree National Park Rock Climbing – Dec 7 – 14

Register for the trip!

***Registration opens Monday, October 7th at 7pm***

Cost: $75, due by 5pm the business day after registration, by cash, check, credit, or to student account.

All trips begin and end at Las Vegas Maccarran Airport (LAS)

Grand Canyon Backpacking

December 5 – 12

12/5: Fly into LAS, camp at Red Rock Canyon Group Campsite

12/6: Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, camp on South Rim

12/7 – 12/9: Backpacking to Indian Garden then two nights at the bottom of the canyon at Bright Angel before hiking out

12/10: Hiking out from Bright Angel to the top of the South Rim. Requires a 9 mile hike with 5,000 ft of elevation gain. Camping on South Rim

12/11: Drive back to Las Vegas and camp at Red Rock Canyon Group Campsite. Hike at Red Rock.

12/12: Drop off at LAS

Joshua Tree Hike or Rock Climb

December 7 – 14

12/7: Fly into LAS, camp at Red Rock Canyon Group Campsite

12/8: Drive to Joshua Tree National Park, camp at Indian Cove

12/9 – 12/12: Days will be a mix of toprope rock climbing, bouldering, desert/peak day-hikes, and exploring

12/13: Return to Nevada, camp at Red Rock Canyon Group Campsite

12/14: Drop off at LAS

Additional information:

• Students are responsible for the cost of getting to Las Vegas. However, once the trip starts on, all transportation, camping fees, permits, food, rental equipment, etc. is covered by the program. 
• The program will provide all group equipment, including climbing equipment (shoes, harness, helmets, etc), tents, stoves. Personal items, including a backpack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and some other items can be rented out from the Gear Room.
• Online registration for the trip will open on Monday, October 7th at 7:00pm. There are 9 open spots for Grand Canyon and 10 open spots for each of the Joshua Tree trips. After registering, students must pay the trip cost by 5pm on Tuesday, October 8th to secure a spot on the trip. If more than 29 people register, a waiting list will be created. If someone from spots 1-29 fails to pay the trip cost by 5pm on Tuesday, the spot(s) will be opened up to the individuals on the waiting list, in the order they were received. 

Winter weather in the Desert Southwest:

Average temperatures for –
Las Vegas in December are mid-to upper 50’s during the day and low-to mid 30’s at night. 
Grand Canyon – South Rim highs in the 40’s and lows in the high 10’s and low 20’s.
Grand Canyon – Bottom of canyon lows in the high 30’s and highs in the mid-50’s
Joshua Tree in December averages highs in the 50’s to 60’s and lows in the 30’s.

In all areas it is possible that it may snow, and temperatures can fluctuate greatly. It is important to pay close attention to the packing list and to make sure to bring the required clothing and equipment. 

Trip questions can be sent to OutdoorPrograms@kzoo.edu