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Geronimo Trail to the Grand Canyon
Arizona
USA
The rugged country along the Mogollon Rim was once roamed by Geronimo and the site of many a skirmish between the Apaches and the U.S. Army. Today, the Rim running through the Tonto National Forest contains a great area for horsemen that want to traverse steep, rocky and trails. We will take you along this breathtaking countryside and ride all the way to the edge of the Grand Canyon. This is a camping ride with vehicle support starting from the Mazatzal Wilderness "Land of the Deer" (it stretches over 252,500 acres of the Tonto and Coconino National Forests) and along the Mogollon Rim to the Geronimo trailhead. From here we follow the rim and magnificent canyons with Ponderosa Pines to the small logging towns of Pine and Strawberry before going onto the Colorado Plateau toward the Kaibab National Forest on historic cross country trails and tracks, then north through the Babbitt Ranch to reach the edge of the Grand Canyon above Moqui Stage Station. An unforgettable experience. You choose to do either Week One or Week Two, the adventure is up to you!
This is a “Point to Point” ride, so there will be camp moves on most days. You will only be requested to tend to your personal luggage during the move. The guides, wranglers, and camp jacks will see to everything else. We want this to be a fun and memorable experience. Only work you’ll perform will be tending to your trail partner for the ride (grooming and tacking your horse).
The trails and routes selected will give you the most picturesque and interesting ride you can experience and the final reward of seeing the Grand Canyon will make it the most memorable.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
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Meeting:
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Phoenix for Week 1
Drop off Flagstafff
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Airport:
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Phoenix - drop off Flagstaff
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Transfer:
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Pick up Phoenix 7 PM. Drop off Flagstaff 12 noon
Wk 2: Pick up Flagstaff 7 PM, drop off Flagstaff.
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Tent accommodations with last night in hotel at Grand Canyon, all meals, 8 riding days
| A | 2012 | 10 day camping ride, AP | 10d / 9n | $2500 |
| Single supplement | $200 |
| Overnight Phoenix airport hotel per room incl 15.27% tax | $89 |
| Overnight Phoenix airport hotel (Jan-April6) per room incl 15.27% tax | $99 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Phoenix at 7 pm included - drop off Flagstaff around noon
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Arrive in Phoenix on Day 1 and meeting the transfer at 7 pm.
Last night at Grand Canyon hote. Drop off is in Flagstaff around noon on last day (shuttle bus is available to Phoenix)
Rates do not include:
Sleeping bag - rental is not available.
Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix for a 7 PM transfer to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: We’ll select our horses and ride around Perkinsville on a nice loop ride where you will get acquainted with your horse (~15 miles).
Day 3: We ride along the Overland trail towards Flagstaff until we reach our new camp by KA Hill.
Day 4: Today we enjoy a nice long loop ride along the Sycamore Canyon Trail - back to KA Hill.
Day 5: We cross the historic Route 66 on our way to the camp by Laws Natural Tank - on the western slope of the Mogoyon Range.
Day 6: We’ll follow the Great Western Trail north to an old cow camp of the Babbitt ranch.
Day 7: A long ride to Moqui Stage
Station, a historic Stage coach stop from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon
in the 1800s. The terrain offers ample chance for long trots and
canters again. We’ll cross the historic Babbitt ranch (29 mi).
Day 8: From Moqui Stage Station we
continue along the Arizona trail to Grand View lookout tower. Along the way
we’ll have some stunning views of the north rim of the Grand Canyon (16
miles).
Day 9: We’ll undertake a ride through the wooded areas along the rim to Hulls Cabin with plenty of chance to view the abundant wildlife and in the afternoon you’ll get a chance to visit the Grand Canyon village for some souvenir shopping and a sunset at the Canyon. After a farewell dinner at the camp you’ll spend your last night at the Williams Mountain Resort in Grand Canyon Village.
Day 10: Your adventure ends with departure to Flagstaff after a “continental” breakfast at the Lodge - arriving around noon.
Subject to changes
Meeting:
Phoenix for Week 1
Drop off Flagstafff
Airport:
Phoenix - drop off Flagstaff
Transfer:
Pick up Phoenix 7 PM. Drop off Flagstaff 12 noon
Wk 2: Pick up Flagstaff 7 PM, drop off Flagstaff.
Arrive in Phoenix on Day 1 and meeting the transfer at 7 pm.
Last night at Grand Canyon hote. Drop off is in Flagstaff around noon on last day (shuttle bus is available to Phoenix)
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Tack:
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Western
Hackamoress
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Horses:
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Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Arab/Foxtrotter mix, Tennesse Walker
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Pace:
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Some long riding days. Forward going ride. The gaited horses will not gait throughout the trip. Steep mountain trails.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
210
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Riding Level:
First few days very rocky, slow moving, scenic desert environment, long days though and lots of mountain trails, some difficult terrain requires good balance. Then lots of long trots & canters & long days. Relatively flat, Cedar and later Pine and fir tree forests. some long days. Williams/Flagstaff area.
We do require riding experience. You should be able to walk, trot and canter and should be in good physical condition able to ride 6-8 hours per day for most of our trails. We do take breaks every hour to stretch our legs, but the pace can be quite challenging with long stretches of trotting and cantering where the terrain allows. However, we do adjust to everyone's riding ability to make it enjoyable for riders and the horses as well.
Horses range from Appaloosas, to Arabians, Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Foxtrotters. The tack is Western with comfortable cordura saddles. Cantle bags, saddlebags and canteens will be provided. You will choose your mount in the beginning of the trail, which will be yours for the rest of your time with us. You will be expected to groom and saddle your horse ( of course we'll help you and make sure everything is how it should be) as this is part of forming a bond between you and your 'partner' . Otherwise all you have to do is to enjoy the ride and we'll do the rest. We strictly center around horses and riding and since our horses are as important to us as our guests. Please take your riding ability and physical condition in consideration when choosing a trail.
for 2011:
Week One:
First few days very rocky, slow moving, scenic desert environment, long days though and lots of mountain trails, some difficult terrain requires good balance. Payson area.
Week Two:
Lots of long trots & canters & long days. Relatively flat, Cedar and later Pine and fir tree forests. some long days. Williams/Flagstaff area.
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES – Arizona covers 113,909 square miles, with about 350 square miles of water surface. The state has three main topographical areas: (1) a high plateau averaging between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation in the northeast; (2) a mountainous region oriented southeast to northwest with maximum elevations between 9,000 and 12,000 feet about mean sea level; and (3) low mountain ranges and desert valleys in the southwestern portion of the state. From the White Mountain area across the Mogollon Rim to the San Francisco Peaks lies an unbroken stand of Ponderosa Pine. The Kaibab Plateau north of the Grand Canyon continues this timbered strip into southern Utah. The highest point in the state is Humphreys Peak, located northwest of Flagstaff, with an elevation of 12,611 feet. Baldy Peak, in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, is the second highest in the state with an elevation of 11,490 feet. The desert valleys of southwestern Arizona are an extension of the Sonora Desert of Mexico, with elevations as low as about 100 feet above sea level in the Lower Colorado River Valley.
The higher elevations of the state, running diagonally from the southeast to the northwest, average between 25 and 30 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow) annually, while the desert southwest averages as low as three or four inches per year. The plateau country in the northeastern corner of the state receives approximately 10 inches of precipitation annually. Since vegetation in this area consists of sagebrush and native grasses, it is used primarily for grazing. Higher ridges here are covered with junipers and pinion trees.
Nearly the entire state is in the Colorado River drainage basin which empties into the Gulf of California. The world famous Grand Canyon lies within the state, extending southwestward some 217 miles from the junction of the Little Colorado with the main stream. The Grand Canyon varies in width from 4 to 18 miles, and depths from the rim to the river bed range from 2,700 to as much as 5,700 feet. This is an outstanding example of arid or semiarid land erosion by a major river whose source is in a more rainy area.
TEMPERATURE – Cold air masses from Canada sometimes penetrate into the state, bringing temperatures well below zero in the high plateau and mountainous regions of central and northern Arizona. The lowest readings can dip to 35 degrees F below zero. High temperatures are common throughout the summer months at the lower elevations. Temperatures over 125 degrees F have been observed in the desert area. Great extremes occur between day and night temperatures throughout Arizona. The daily range between maximum and minimum temperatures sometimes runs as much as 50 to 60 degrees F during the drier portions of the year. During winter months, daytime temperatures may average 70 degrees F, with night temperatures often falling to freezing of slightly below in the lower desert valleys. In the summer the pine-clad forests in the central part of the state may have afternoon temperatures of 80 degrees F, while night temperatures drop to 35 or 40 degrees F.
On these camping rides we provide
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all camping gear (except sleeping bags). You must bring your own sleeping bag, pillow as we don't have these for rent.
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hot showers in camp
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all meals (hearty cowboy breakfast, saddle bag lunches and a variety of dinner menus). Please let us know of any special dietary requests at the time of booking.
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all beverages (non-alcoholic, alcoholic beverages available at self cost)
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horses and tack (including canteens and saddlebags)
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friendly, knowledgeable staff (all guides are First Aid certified)
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Cowboy boots or other suitable riding boots |
| Full or half chaps suggested but not necessary |
| Riding gloves |
| Riding Helmet is recommended. Or Cowboy Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| A warm coat or jacket liner for colder nights at the higher elevations is strongly recommended. |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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| For Camping trips: |
| Sleeping Bag |
| Flashlight |
| Pillow |
| Towel and small bar of soap |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
You will sleep in roomy three season dome tents with cots ( 3 person tents for 2 riders). You should bring your own warm sleeping bag and if you prefer a mat to lay on top of the cot. We provide pillows and have some spare sleeping bags for anyone needing the extra warmth on the cold desert nights).
There is a hot shower set up in one of the horse trailers - you can take a short shower every day -- either in the afternoon after the ride or in the morning. Keep in mind -- there is one shower for everyone, so keep them short. It is quite a luxury out in the desert. In the morning hot water is available for freshening up from a large pot and wash basins. Although there will always be water available, please remember that it is a precious commodity out here so conservation is the key word..
Wholesome tasty meals (not gourmet) are prepared by the cook. There is a variety of menus throughout the trail. Beef, pork, or chicken, fresh vegetables, potatoes or rice, bread or rolls and some Southwest meals for dinner are served family style around a table. Breakfast menus consist of eggs, pancakes, French toast, biscuits, potatoes, and gravy, bacon or sausage, juice and a lot of coffee, tea and cocoa.
Drinking water and water bottles are provided; flavored drink mix (ice tea and fruit punch) and electrolyte supplements are also provided and you are encouraged to use them here in this southwest heat. Portable chemical toilets are provided in camp but while on the trail the bushes and trees will serve your needs. Other beverages are not included on this trip but can be brought from town “at cost” when the cook goes in for supplies.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western
Hackamoress
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Horses:
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Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Arab/Foxtrotter mix, Tennesse Walker
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Pace:
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Some long riding days. Forward going ride. The gaited horses will not gait throughout the trip. Steep mountain trails.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
210
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Riding Level:
First few days very rocky, slow moving, scenic desert environment, long days though and lots of mountain trails, some difficult terrain requires good balance. Then lots of long trots & canters & long days. Relatively flat, Cedar and later Pine and fir tree forests. some long days. Williams/Flagstaff area.
We do require riding experience. You should be able to walk, trot and canter and should be in good physical condition able to ride 6-8 hours per day for most of our trails. We do take breaks every hour to stretch our legs, but the pace can be quite challenging with long stretches of trotting and cantering where the terrain allows. However, we do adjust to everyone's riding ability to make it enjoyable for riders and the horses as well.
Horses range from Appaloosas, to Arabians, Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Foxtrotters. The tack is Western with comfortable cordura saddles. Cantle bags, saddlebags and canteens will be provided. You will choose your mount in the beginning of the trail, which will be yours for the rest of your time with us. You will be expected to groom and saddle your horse ( of course we'll help you and make sure everything is how it should be) as this is part of forming a bond between you and your 'partner' . Otherwise all you have to do is to enjoy the ride and we'll do the rest. We strictly center around horses and riding and since our horses are as important to us as our guests. Please take your riding ability and physical condition in consideration when choosing a trail.
for 2011:
Week One:
First few days very rocky, slow moving, scenic desert environment, long days though and lots of mountain trails, some difficult terrain requires good balance. Payson area.
Week Two:
Lots of long trots & canters & long days. Relatively flat, Cedar and later Pine and fir tree forests. some long days. Williams/Flagstaff area.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Geronimo Trail to the Grand Canyon
Tour Code:
RTAZGC-1
10 days /
9 nights
~$2,500.00
Dates :
June-Aug
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Western
Hackamoress
Horses:
Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Ara...
Pace:
Some long riding days. Forward going r...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Phoenix - drop off Flagstaff
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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