Grand Canyon Under Canvas
Women’s Glamping Adventure June 4-7, 2022
with optional
Colorado River Rafting Expedition
June 7-16, 2022
The Grand Canyon
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and one of the largest canyons on earth, the mile deep gorge in Northern Arizona is a spectacle of nature. The canyon cut by the Colorado River is 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, and is known around the world for its colorful peaks, buttes, gorges and ravines. The vast area surrounding the canyon includes Grand Canyon National Park, The Kaibab National Forest as well as Tribal managed land, all of which provide immense opportunity for exploring. Surrounded by the endless natural beauty, the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring location not to be missed.
The Venue
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors without forgoing the comforts of home. Experience starry night skies, wild landscapes, healthy cafe-style dining, and upscale, private tents.
Set upon 160-acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, Under Canvas Grand Canyon is located just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Recognized in ‘Top 25 Resorts in the US – Midwest & West’ by Condé Nast Traveler, Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers upscale accommodations near one of the Seven Wonders of the world. Come explore Arizona’s vast landscape and the grandeur of the Grand Canyon with safari-inspired glamping accommodations in Valle, Arizona.
Accomodations
Each luxurious tent at Under Canvas includes daily housekeeping, organic bath products and luxe linens.
For retreat, choose from three tent types: Safari, Deluxe or Stargazer.
Safari tents offer the possibility for triple occupancy, making this the most economical (and social!) option. Each canvas safari-style tent includes three twin beds plus a wood burning stove for warmth at night. A bathhouse with private hot showers, toilet and sinks are conveniently located close to your tent.
Deluxe Tents boasts a plush king sized bed, and a private ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink and flushing toilet. Enjoy the night stars from your private deck and before retreating to the warmth of your wood burning stove inside.
Stargazer Tents offer all of the upscale amenities of the deluxe tent plus the addition of a viewing window above the king bed. Enjoy an ensuite bathroom, wood burning stove and private deck with lounge chairs.
Optional Trip Extension
Colorado River Rafting Expedition
June 7-16, 2022
The Classic Adventure is the most popular Grand Canyon rafting adventure. This is one of the MUST DO’s of the Grand Canyon area, and one which also tends to sell out over a year in advance. We have secured a VERY LIMITED NUMBER of spaces and are thrilled to coordinate this expedition.
The team consists of four oar boats, one hard-sided dory boat and one paddle boat. Each rafter has the option to sit back and relax in the oar boat with three other guests, while the guide sits in the center and rows the boat down river, or join five other guests in the paddle raft for a more hands-on experience, while the guide steers from the back and calls paddle commands.
This trip is the Lower Canyon, which begins with a hike into the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail and ends at Diamond Creek. This means that you will get to experience hiking into the Canyon and fully see the wonders of the trail.
The days are spent on the river, with stops to explore the many tributaries and side canyons in ways in which few other visitors ever get to see. AzRA prides itself on being one of the biggest hiking companies in Grand Canyon! They want to get you off the rafts and exploring this beautiful Canyon. You will go on one hike a day, on average, all varying in length, difficulty and terrain.
This is an EXPEDITION. It is an extraordinary adventure and may be unlike any other experience you’ve ever had. Keep in mind the anticipated rigors of the trip; good health and physical condition are musts for this rafting adventure. Beyond the busy and active daily itinerary, it is essential that you are able to safely get around camp. In addition, living outdoors for several days in a desert environment will quickly impact one’s health and stamina. Weather conditions can vary from extreme heat to extreme cold, heavy rain, strong winds and blowing sand.
There is a mandatory pre-trip briefing at the Maswik Lodge on June 7th.
Included in Expedition Pricing:
1 night pre-departure at Maswik Lodge on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
9 Day Classic Rafting with AzRA provided equipment
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner beginning with lunch on the rafting departure day. (Trail snacks provided for the hike down Bright Angel Trail)
Full professional guided trip with extensive pre-trip documents, packing lists, and recommended reading
$3900pp
Itinerary *
Day 1
Arrive at Under Canvas Grand Canyon this afternoon. Located just 25 minutes from the South Rim, it’s the perfect location as an exploration home base. Gather this evening for a group welcome dinner and opening circle.
Day 2 & 3
Morning coffee or tea welcome the day. Each day will offer a yoga practice, timing based on the weather. And of course, we will explore the Grand Canyon! There is so much to see and hike in the area, so we will take one day to drive to the South Rim and explore the National Park.
The hikes will be determined based upon the desires and fitness of the group. The South Rim offers stunning views and an easy trail which we can vary the length of. We also have the option of descending below the canyon rim. Whatever we choose, the Grand Canyon does not disappoint!
The second day will take us to a lovely trail in the Kaibab forest offering spectacular views and a much more serene environment.
Evening meditations and sound baths under the remarkable dark skies of the canyon are a very special experience. As one of the Dark Sky Parks, The Grand Canyon offers spectacular views of the star-filled sky and the Milky Way.
Both days include breakfast and dinner at camp, and a light packed lunch for the trail. Coffee, tea and water are provided at camp.
Day 4
After morning breakfast it is time to depart our natures paradise, unless of course you are opting to explore the canyon from the river! Then, the adventure continues on…..
Colorado River Rafting Extension
Day 1
After departing Under Canvas, we make our way to the South Rim for our pre-trip departure and overnight stay at Maswik Lodge. You’ll meet your fellow rafters and go over details such as packing your dry bags (which will be at the river), what to expect for the hike and how to pack and fit your hiking pack. This orientation does not cover many river life topics because there are more orientations while on the river to explain what river life is like!
Day 2-8
Your hiking escort from AzRA will determine the best time to meet you and the rest of those hiking in at your orientation. On average, you will be meeting your hiking escort around 5:30 AM. Then, you’ll begin your descent into the bottom of Grand Canyon, which takes on average 4-6 hours. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way!
Once you arrive to the river, you’ll receive your dry bags and start transferring your gear from your hiking backpack (we will store your hiking packs separately). Lastly, your trip leader will provide a safety orientation, you’ll be fitted for your personal floatation device (PFD) and then you’ll head down river! We’ll supply you with snacks and electrolyte replacement mix for your hike, and you’ll eat lunch somewhere along the river.
There is not a standard itinerary for each adventure simply because Grand Canyon provides so many different options every day! However, there is a general plan for each day. Coffee is called around dawn, and breakfast is served soon after. The kitchen is cleaned up after breakfast, and all the gear is loaded up on the boats. There’s generally a morning chat about what to expect for the day, and then you’re on your way down river. You may only make a couple of miles before stopping for a hike, you may make river miles until lunch and hike around there or you may make lots of river miles in one day to put you in a great place to hike most of the next day. There is almost always a hike each and every day, varying in length and difficulty. Once you get to camp for the day, everyone will help unload the boats, make up camp, socialize while the guides cook dinner, eat dinner, clean up and then either socialize or go to bed. Then you start over the next day—ready for a new adventure!
Day 9
We pick you up by bus at Diamond Creek around mid-morning and bring you back to Flagstaff. This 3 hour drive is along a creek bed, and the adventure continues on this last leg of your expedition! The trip generally return to Flagstaff at around 3-7 PM, but the exact arrival time is not guarenteed.
Pricing
Stargazer with 1 King Bed
$1450pp Shared/
$2000 Private
$500 non-refundable deposit due upon booking. Balance may be paid via interest free payments.
Deluxe with 1 King Bed
$1250pp Shared/
$1750 Private
$500 non-refundable deposit due upon booking. Balance may be paid via interest free payments.
Safari with 3 Twin Beds
$900pp Shared/
$1300 Private
$500 non-refundable deposit due upon booking. Balance may be paid via interest free payments.
Colorado River Rafting
$3900pp as retreat extension/ $4400 rafting only
$1000 non-refundable deposit due upon booking. Balance may be paid via interest free payments.
Retreat Gallery
FAQs
Is transportation included?
Transportation is NOT included in the package. It is imperative that you arrange for transportation to the camp. It is likely that a rental car will be needed. We are happy to coordinate with other retreat participants to minimize the number of vehicles required. The camp is about 25 minutes South of the Grand Canyon South Rim, and we will also need transportation to get to the other hike location in the Kaibab National Forest.
Why is it important to register early?
Early registration provides you access to the very limited number of spaces as well as assuring your preferred accommodation type! If you are considering joining the Rafting Expedition, DO NOT WAIT! This trip often books 12-18 months in advance and they are VERY LIMITED!
Are meals included?
There are many delicious meals included for you! As outlined in the itinerary above, a wonderful group welcome dinner on your arrival day kicks off the retreat. Under Canvas offers a fantastic menu from which you get to choose one breakfast entree and one dinner entree daily. In addition, a light lunch and trail snacks are provided for you! While at camp coffee, tea and water are included in your stay as well.
Are towels, toiletries, and bedding included?
Of course! Under Canvas provides all bedding including luxuriously soft sheets, pillows down comforters and blankets. They provide towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand sanitizer. The camps all have plant-based EO®️ bath products and hand sanitizer in both the private and public restrooms.
What level of fitness is required to participate?
During our stay at Under Canvas, yoga classes and daily hikes are part of your nature experience. The hikes will be appropriate for anyone with an average level of fitness. We have a great deal of ability to customize the length of the hikes! There is so much grandour to see that we can savor the moments and not hurry.
Do I have a bathroom in my tent?
That depends. Stargazer and deluxe tents have an en-suite bathroom, while safari tents have a communal bathroom located close by.
How hard is the Rafting Expedition?
This is truly an expedition. You should be prepared for the long hike down Bright Angel Trail and then active days on the river. Someone describes it as having the fitness level to work loading trucks at UPS! Thats pretty fit!