Grand Canyon National Park 2025

April 24 - 28, 2025

Trip Details

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic destinations in the world—sacred to multiple Native American tribes and celebrated as a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Join LGBT+ Outdoors for an unforgettable adventure to this breathtaking landmark!

Led by a professional Grand Canyon tour guide and LGBT+ Outdoors Ambassador, along with our dedicated LGBT+ Outdoors Staff, this trip combines education, community, and exploration. Together, we’ll uncover the stories and geology of the canyon, connect around campfire dinners, and enjoy scenic bus rides through the stunning desert landscape.

This adventure includes four nights camping at the Grand Canyon. Highlights include a hike into the canyon along the Bright Angel Trail, a sunrise walk on the Trail of Time, and opportunities to explore the historic Grand Canyon Village. Along the way, you'll meet and bond with other queer outdoor enthusiasts while also connecting with members of the LGBT+ community who call this National Park home.

Whether you’re marveling at a Sedona sunset, hiking into the canyon's depths, or learning about its sacred significance to Native American tribes, this trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create memories, find community, and experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Dates: April 24 - 28, 2025

Cost: $850

Base Location: Grand Canyon South Rim

Difficulty Level: Level 3 out of 5

Trip Leaders

Oded Wilson | He/Him

Oded Wilson specializes in group building through camping experiences. As an outdoor experiential leader, he has led numerous camping trips throughout his career. Oded’s greatest passion is fostering connections between people and creating tailored experiences for each participant on his trips.

He focuses on teaching valuable social skills, cooking together, and facilitating deep, meaningful experiences in nature. Oded has organized and led multiple trips, managing all logistics and preparing meals outdoors. He is dedicated to designing group bonding activities that align with the individual goals of each participant.

Over the past five years, Oded has successfully led extended camping trips for teens, adults, and young professionals, creating transformative and memorable experiences. Oded is also the Ambassador Program Coordinator for LGBT+ Outdoors.

Email: oded@LGBTOutdoors.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sam Trio | She/Her

Sam Troi lived in the Grand Canyon for 2.5 years training the tour guide bus drivers and mule wranglers on everything there is to know about the Grand Canyon. She’s held classes on geology, flora & fauna, trails & hiking, and the human history of the village while founding the Grand Canyon Pride Club for the local LGBT+ community. She now attends graduate school at Colorado State University for tourism management while being a LGBT+ Ambassador for northern Colorado.

Email: samtroi13@outlook.com

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 | Thursday, April 24

  • Depart from Phoenix at 2 PM and drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim

  • Arrive, welcome, and meet each other

  • Set up camp

  • Dinner and settle in

Day 2 | Friday, April 25

  • Morning hike into the Grand Canyon along the Bright Angel Trail, aiming for the Mile 1.5 rest stop and back (3 hours round trip, extreme difficulty, with 1,184 feet of elevation change)

  • Lunch in Grand Canyon Village

  • Afternoon exploration along Hermit Road using the red shuttle bus line, with stops at scenic viewpoints. Participants can adjust their activity level and return to the campground as needed

  • Dinner at the campground

Day 3 | Saturday, April 26

  • Sunrise hike along the Trail of Time, reflecting on the geological history of the canyon

  • Lunch in Grand Canyon Village

  • Afternoon Hike or downtime

  • Dinner at the campground

Day 4 | Sunday, April 27

  • Morning Hike

  • Pack up the campground and head to Desert View (30-minute drive)

  • Visit Desert View Watchtower, with a possible ranger talk highlighting Native American collaboration

  • Exit the park and drive back to Phoenix (approximately 4 hours)

Day 5 | Monday, April 28

  • Break down camp

  • Head to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Note:
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, park regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Our trips are designed specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are 18 years old and older, including bisexual individuals with straight partners, straight transgender individuals, and the straight partners of transgender people. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone within our broader community.

  • We are tent camping for this Adventure Trip. If you need to borrow a tent, please contact us.

  • Not at all! Our trips are designed to accommodate a range of experience levels, from first-time adventurers to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. However, some trips can be more challenging than others so it’s important keep a positive attitude and be a team player.

  • Costs typically cover accommodations, most meals, guided activities, gear rentals, and park entry fees. Travel to and from the trip location is not included. Check specific trip details for a full breakdown.

  • It depends on the trip. A detailed packing list is provided, and rental options for essential gear may be available. Reach out if you need help obtaining equipment.

  • Transportation details vary by trip. Participants are generally responsible for getting to the starting point, but we’ll provide guidance on airports, car rentals, and carpools where possible. Some trips offer transportation from and to the best airport option.

  • Depending on the trip, accommodations may include camping, cabins, lodges, or other options. Specifics are outlined in the trip details. On camping trips you need to bring your own tent, but not cooking supplies unless you desire to cook your own meals. We do have tents available if you do not have one.

  • Most meals are provided during the trip and can be customized to accommodate dietary needs. Please let us know your requirements in advance. You are welcome to provide and prepare your own meals. However, that does not change the trip price.

  • Absolutely! Many participants join solo, and our trips foster a sense of community and connection, making it easy to form friendships.

  • The trip deposit is nonrefundable, but can be applied to another Adventure Trip for the same year or following year. Other payment/s can be fully refunded up to 30 days before the trip start date. Within 30 days, 75% of your payment/s can be refunded. At any point you can transfer your deposit and payment/s to another attendee.

  • Yes. All trips require a $250 nonrefundable deposit to secure your spot on the trip. Depending on the amount of the trip determines the amount of payments allowed. When you pay for the trip you have three options:

    1. Pay for the trip in full

    2. Pay the deposit and the balance later

    3. Pay the deposit and make payments allowed in payment form

  • Unfortunately, by the time the trip is happening expenses have been paid for and can not be refunded. Additionally, you are responsible for any additional costs such as, but not limited to, flight changes or transportation to the airport.

  • Yes! Your trip leaders provide a detailed packing list!