Grand Canyon Sunset Hiking Adventure Deep Below The South Rim

Jon was am excellent guide. He taught us trekking techniques that greatly improved our experience. He also had great food/snacks and took masterful photos for us. The scenery of course was amazing.

A few weeks ago, three girlfriends and I booked a guided sunset hike below the South Rim, and it exceeded every expectation. From start to finish, our guide, Jon, was outstanding—knowledgeable, professional, encouraging, and deeply attuned to safety. He arrived fully prepared with top-notch gear, plenty of water, and snacks, and he even taught me how to properly use trekking poles, which completely transformed the hike for me. Jon set a comfortable, patient pace that accommodated different hiking abilities and kept the entire group laughing and engaged. Just before sunset, he prepared a healthy, hearty, and delicious dinner while we took in the views. Watching the canyon shift colors as the sun dipped was like watching a living painting unfold, capped off by catching the harvest moon rising over the cliffs and hawks soaring on the canyon drafts. Hiking back up in the dark with headlamps was an absolute blast and felt like a true adventure. Jon also captured incredible photos of our group along the way so we could just stay present in the moment. I cannot recommend Jon highly enough—I will definitely request him on my next trip out west!

We booked two days with Jon, and it was perfect. We were nervous, not knowing what to expect and it was raining a little. Jon picked us up on time, had a backpack for each of us, prepped with water and snacks. Then he fitted us with our poles and he taught us how to properly use the hiking poles, which I believe allowed us to do back to back hikes. Our sunset tour on the Kaibab was great, with our home made dinner at O’Neil Butte! He even had lights for us to end the hike. Our second day, Kevin picked us up right on time, same prepped equipment and on to Grandview Trail, which was challenging but great! We finished early so Kevin took us to the Brite Angel Trail. We could not imagine doing what we did on our own without a guide!! Jon & Kevin are worth every penny!!!

Jon made the hike a memorable experience for us. The canyon's colors were beautiful at sunset. This is definitely the time of day for this hike. And having a guide who provides everything takes the stress out of planning. Win-win! We are casual hikers and were concerned about how well we'd do going into the hike. We took the South Kaibab Trail down a little beyond Cedar Ridge, only 2 mi but about a 1200 ft elevation drop (think Empire State Building). We've used hiking poles before, but Jon took the time to show us the proper technique to minimize exertion and stress on our joints. This, along with Jon's proper pacing, made us completely comfortable the entire time. Oh, and the chicken wrap, snacks, and drinks Jon brought helped to keep us fueled along the way.

I have been to the Grand Canyon twice before with family but had never considered hiking into the canyon. Jon guided us to areas beyond our imagination and thoroughly prepared us for our journey. He provided us with a backpack full of provisions, water, walking sticks and instructions for how to use them. We hiked over a mile down the south side of the canyon, experiencing vast panoramic views as we went. Our destination was a special place with an outcropping with a nearly 360 degree view, at SUNSET! He walked me to a rock jutting into the canyon, and walked away to take a picture. He showed me I could be brave. Later we stepped back to that spot and ate the delicious fresh wrap he made for us as the full moon rose over the horizon. In addition to the awe of the experience, Jon was a caring and experienced guide. He kept an eye on other hikers in the canyon as well. I tried to pick up his pack, it was impossible. He carried extra water for the hikers he knew he would encounter on the journey. I’m sure he saved some lives that day.

We are four lifetime educators, three who are over 70. Jon gave us a gift of creating an experience that worked for all of us. The views were unparalleled as if on another planet. We traveled 1.5 miles down to the Canyon where we viewed the sun setting on the Canyon walls, the panoramic vista was like a light show - 360 degrees. At this point, Jon made us a delicious fresh meal. We marveled at the fact that the Ravens hung out with us and appeared to be friends with Jon. We thought at this moment it couldn’t get any better, but then rising over the East Canyon Rim, the Harvest Moon appeared. Most importantly, we felt safe with Jon as our guide and caretaker. Throughout our day with Jon, we noticed that it was important for him to travel with plenty of water for others on the trail who were not prepared.

Excellent hiking adventure in the Grand Canyon. Our guide Jon did an excellent job guiding us down the canyon and back. He made lunch for us, had snacks and water for the backpacks that he provided. Saw several beautiful sites along the trail and he made sure to get us in several photos with the Canyon in the background. Thanks, Jon!

Incredible views, kind and knowledgeable guide. A once in a lifetime experience and worth every penny.

My best friends and I were awed not just by the beautiful vistas but also by the safety and knowledge that Jon (our guide) shared! He is so experienced and knows the Canyon like the back of his hand. Looking for safe and exhilarating hike, Jon is your guide.

Kevin, the “Yes we canyon” man! We had an incredible day. Thank you so much for sharing the magic of the canyon with us. From the warm conversation to the copious snacks —it was a 10/10 experience!

Jon took us on the South Kaibab trail into the Grand Canyon. We are an older couple and he really took great care of us. We had such a great time, he told us all about the trails and the canyon and took us to a wonderful lookout for our dinner, which was delicious! We sat and enjoyed the sunset and he got many great pictures of us in many great locations. We just had an amazing experience!!

Amazing experience! Jon was our guide - with 28 years experience leading groups into the canyon, he had it spot on. From pre-trip communication to pick-up to the hike itself, everything was fantastic. We couldn't have asked for more. If you're thinking about doing it, JUST BOOK IT. You won't regret it.

This was the highlight of my vacation. Jon was an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced guide. He provided all the equipment needed for the hike and gave tips on how and why to use all the equipment. Along with equipment expert knowledge of the canyon and the best picture spots were provided all throughout the hike. He provided a one of a kind experience, you'd be crazy not to take this offer if youve never hiked the grand canyon before. The only regret I have is I cant give more than 5 stars! Truly an unforgettable experience, thank you for the wonderful time!

My hike with Jon Shkolnik on Tuesday, August 18, was an extraordinary experience—far more powerful and memorable than I had anticipated. From beginning to end, Jon was exceptional. We started promptly at 2:00 p.m. and finished exactly on schedule at 9:00 p.m. Throughout the hike, he established a pace that seemed perfectly calibrated to me, both during the descent into the canyon and, more importantly, during the demanding climb back out. I never felt rushed, yet we kept moving steadily and efficiently. The scenery was magnificent, but what struck me just as deeply was the extraordinary stillness of the canyon. At times, the silence was almost deafening. Jon understood when to provide insight and when simply to allow the canyon to speak for itself. He kept me well fed and properly hydrated throughout the hike and continually demonstrated both professionalism and sound judgment. His knowledge of the canyon—its geology, natural history, environment, and character—added enormously to the experience. His explanations during both the descent and ascent gave me a much deeper appreciation of what I was seeing. Most importantly, Jon made a challenging hike feel safe, well managed, and thoroughly enjoyable. He was attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without lecturing, and personable throughout seven remarkable hours. The views were unforgettable, but Jon’s skill, preparation, and understanding of his guest made the experience exceptional. I could not recommend him more highly.

We had an amazing experience hiking the Grand Canyon with Kevin from Only Grand Canyon. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the canyon, its history, geology, and wildlife, but what really stood out was how fun and personable he was throughout the entire hike. I was especially nervous about some of the drop-offs, and he was unbelievably patient and reassuring with me. He never made me feel embarrassed or rushed and took the time to make sure I felt comfortable and safe every step of the way. That made such a difference and allowed me to actually relax and enjoy the experience. Besides bringing gear for us to use, Kevin gave us extra water and incredible snack bags!!! He didn't leave one stone unturned! Having dinner in the canyon was really special and the wraps Kevin prepared were fresh and delicious! It was such a unique and memorable experience and definitely something we will never forget! I would highly recommend the sunset hike with Kevin from Only Grand Canyon. He made our Grand Canyon hike truly unforgettable!

Great time with Jon in the canyon. Very experienced and knowledgeable, very well prepared and great photos throughout. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

We just completed our sunset hike of the south rim. I was hugely impressed with this company for their professionalism and expertise. We trekked for around 5 hours at a pace that absolutely matched our family and the supplies of food, water and Gatorade help beat the heat and tiredness. It is so worth taking this hike. The things you see and experience were so special. The sunset itself was amazing. I cannot recommend this highly enough as it was such a special experience.

The sunset hike on the South Kaibob trail was amazing. As novice hikers, this trail is no joke with an elevation drop on almost 1200 feet, but Jon did a fantastic job guiding us at pace we could manage. The views are amazing from within the canyon. I highly recommend this trip!

This tour and the tour guide is amazing. They treat you first class from providing water, Gatorade, snacks and lunch. The hike is at your own speed and you can go down as far as you like remembering that every step down needs to return up. No other tour will provide you with such an amazing experience.

Kevin made this hike unforgettable for us for the views and for his enthusiasm and humor. His knowledge of the key places also helped making this visit one for the books.

Tremendous experience and one we will always remember. Truly the best way to experience the Canyon in a way few people get to. Hike was challenging but doable and our guide Christy was amazing and interesting individual that we enjoyed spending time with. You are really set up to succeed here - from necessary equipment (poles, backpack, etc), to plenty of supplies/snacks and a pace that matches your ability.

Hike was a little challenging but Jon was definitely the perfect guide for us. He was patient, kind, knowledgeable! Thank you Jon!

From the start, this experience was incredible. Our guide Kevin picked us up right from our RV site! They provide everything - Gatorade, water, snacks, hiking poles, even a backpack. We felt safe thanks to Kevin and how he prepared us. Having dinner while overlooking the Canyon was wonderful. Watching the sunset was breath taking. This was a day my family will treasure forever.

This is an amazing activity and I cannot recommend Canyonjon highly enough. It was perfect from beginning to end. Canyonjon takes care of everything and tailors it all to your needs. I don't think you could not be in safer and better hands and whatever your level of fitness, age or hiking experience Canyonjon will look after you and make sure you really enjoy the trip. If you only visit the canyon rim you are really missing out Dinner at sunset 1200 ft down into the Canyon is an experience of a lifetime. Stunning views stunning photos just stunning! Thank you Canyonjon!

Hands down the perfect way to visit and experience the Grand Canyon! Our incredible guide, Kevin, tailored the hike to our level at a pace that worked for us. Our girls were 7 and 10 and had a blast. We loved learning fun facts along the way and coming out of the canyon in headlamps were quite a fun experience! Dinner in the canyon was delicious. We started at 2pm and hiked down in the heat of the day and came up with no one around us. We felt like we had the canyon to ourselves! I would 100% recommend this to anyone on the fence!

Kevin our guide picked us up in Flagstaff where we were staying which was very convenient. He was very personable and explained what we would be doing for the day. Once we arrived at the park, he showed us where we would be hiking the South Kaibab trail. I was a little worried since my fear of heights but Kevin did a great job describing how he would help us navigate the trail. Apparently Kevin has been doing this for years. I liked that the tour company provided everything, from backpack, water, snacks, poles, etc. You basically just have to dress for the weather and definitely wear hiking boots! We went mid May. Don't use weather apps to tell you how warm or cold it is. It's much warmer in the canyon. We started down about two. The trail was fairly busy. About a quarter way down I slipped on the the loose gravel, but after I bandaged up again we were on the way. Kevin was a great guide because he knew all the right stops and also gave me lots of encouragement. This is not for faint of heart because the decent can be steep in some spots and there are many steps and switchbacks. We hiked down to Cedar Ridge about 1.5. miles down. Here we rested and enjoyed the fabulous views and the quiet. I sure needed it. It took us about 2 hours to get down. By the time we reached the bottom, the crowds had thinned out. While we rested Kevin made my husband and I the best wraps. I feel these gave us the power to start or ascent back up. Apparently you can go farther down the trail if requested. I was a little worried about the hike because it seemed so steep, but Kevin stressed that I take it nice and slow and take a lot of breaks I could do it. It was nice to take it slow because it gave us another chance to look at the stunning views. We passed several people who had hiked rim to rim. Wow! Before we reached the top we stopped to view the stunning sunset! It was special because no one us was around. It's like you were the only ones in the world. We finally reached the top and just about dark. Let me tell you the feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming! For someone who is afraid of heights and has no frill seeking gene her body this was a great feat. If you are having doubts, go for it. I am in average shape and 63 years and I DID IT!! You can be one the view people that experiences the Grand Canyon in all its glory. That being said, we could not have enjoyed it without Kevin. I felt safe because he showed me the skills and gave me the encouragement to press on. Plus he has such a good personality. If we go to the canyon again, we would definitely personally request Kevin and us this tour company.

If you are lucky enough to get Kevin as your guide for the Grand Canyon sunset hike, you are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kevin was one of those rare people you meet once and never forget — and somehow we were lucky enough to meet him here! From the very beginning he made us feel excited, safe, seen, and completely immersed in the adventure. His passion for the canyon was contagious to the point where we genuinely wanted to move there, never mind stay another night haha. What made this hike so special was how much knowledge and heart Kevin brought into every moment. He taught us about the different layers and grades of the canyon, the Native American history, the settlers from the past, conservation efforts, the birds, bighorn rams, snakes, trees, flowers, weather patterns, the dangers, and the thrill of the canyon itself. Every conversation felt natural and never forced. Spending 7 hours with a stranger somehow felt like catching up with an old friend we hadn’t seen in years. Kevin was patient, kind, passionate, and full of incredible stories from his own adventures in the canyon, the people he had met along the way, and experiences working with the company. It felt like we traveled through multiple places and stories all within one hike. It wasn’t just a tour — it was an experience within an experience. The wraps he made for us and the ice-cold Gatorades honestly kept us going during the more challenging sections, and those little thoughtful touches made such a difference. And then came the sunset… absolutely unforgettable. Kevin never rushed us once. He let us stop, take in the views, capture as many photos as we wanted, and he even took some epic pictures of us that we’ll treasure forever. This sunset hike will stay with us forever. It felt like traveling within traveling. Thank you Kevin for your time, your energy, your stories, and for making this one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

Epic…Bucket list….Unforgettable memories….The only way to truly experience the Grand Canyon. Not sure how else to describe this Sunset Hike. Our guide John was absolutely amazing. He perfectly challenged us and found the optimal point of effort vs reward. We descended an additional mile and 650 feet than we expected ultimately eating dinner cooked by John on the Dark Side of O’Neil Butte. We felt like the only people on the planet while watching the sunset from within the canyon. We can’t thank John enough for his guidance, his patience, and his attention to detail. We made multiple stops where he took photos that my wife and I will cherish for a lifetime. We will be back and we will book John again. You can come to GCNP and look at the canyon from the rim…or you can book this Sunset Tour with John and truly experience the canyon “below the rim”.

This was the best tour I’ve had through Viator. Kevin was an amazing guide! He was very knowledgeable and friendly. He let us go at a pace that was comfortable for us and timed seeing the sunset perfectly. My boyfriend and I had so much fun seeing the sunset at the Grand Canyon and Kevin’s personality made us feel like we were just out hiking with a friend and enjoying the view. Thank you Kevin!

This was the perfect hike! Our guide really took the time and tailored our hike to meet the needs of our group. Dinner was served to us fresh and delicious with a stunning view. Sunset was amazing. Take this hike!!!

Jon was the best guide ever! He was patient, kind and extremely knowledgeable!!! He did not fail us! The views were amazing and he is an excellent photographer! My family and I have the best pictures! His chicken wrap was the delicious! He is very personable so much so that we had a mini birthday celebration for my son! It was the best! 5 plus stars for sure and highly recommend this private guided hike! The experience, the photos and the memories that we left there with are priceless and will last us a lifetime! Thank you Jon!

Jon hosts a fabulous (but somewhat strenuous) 3+ mile hike down into the Canyon to incredible views of vistas for hundreds of miles as well as down to the Colorado River. Jon is incredibly well prepared with backpacks full of everything that you need. He has done this thousands of times and is very knowledgeable about all things Grand Canyon. As the sun set, the shadows were spectacular and the colors amazing. Jon also has great locations for pictures and he is a very particular photographer which produces great shots!

Our guide Kevin gauged our group’s abilities naturally and timed it all just right so we could enjoy a meal they provide while we enjoyed the sunset deep in the canyon. He said only 1% of those who visit the Canyon go that deep and si many miss out on emersing themselves into the majesty of the natural wonder. They provide hiking poles, backpacks, water and generous snacks/supplies. We wouldn’t have been as courageous without an experienced guide to go quite as far where most people don’t venture nearing sunset. We had the whole canyon to ourselves and it was incredible to share with our 7 year old. It was just the right amount of challenge to tap into one’s strength and focus. The feeling, the experience we will cherish always. Incredible family time.

Jon gave us an unforgettable experience hiking below the rim. Having an experienced guide with intimate knowledge of the terrain and safety precautions was a great value to us, as was the personal 1-to-1 attention afforded in a private tour like this. Jon came prepared with backpacks, snacks, dinner, and hiking poles. He took amazing photos and took care to make it a great experience. The views were truly phenomenal, and dinner was awesome! This hike truly exceeded all our expectations.

We had a wonderful sunset hike into the canyon with our guide Kevin. He was so knowledgeable about the geology and different layers of the canyon, maintaining a great pace while offering up info about the wildlife we observed. Our 13-year old absolutely adored this hike too, thanks to Kevin’s positive energy and enthusiasm. We were well equipped with plentiful water & snacks, and hiking poles and backpack. Our dinner deep in the canyon was delicious too!

We had a wonderful hike down into the canyon with the best guide - Kevin - who was patient, knowledgeable and motivating! Fun facts, plentiful snacks & water, and a delicious dinner before we trekked back up to our home base several hours later. Our 13-yr old son said it was his favorite hike ever, thanks to Kevin and his expertise and positive energy!

Jon was very knowledgeable and on top of confirming the tour. And Kevin was an amazing tour guide. My kids and I had the best day in the Grand Canyon! He was patient, engaging, prepared, knowledgeable, but most of all made it fun for everyone. Highly recommend this company!

This experience was the highlight of our trip. Our guide, Kevin, was so friendly and especially great with our 8-yr old. He brought everything we needed. He had a delicious dinner for us in a beautiful spot, and kept us at a very manageable pace. So glad we did this.

The Sunset Hiking Adventure was the perfect way to make the most of our one day experience in the Grand Canyon. Our guide, Cristy, gave us an unforgettable adventure. There is something truly magical about watching the sunset and climbing out of the canyon under the night sky. Every encounter with this company was top-notch. They are so thoughtful and attentive to individual needs to ensure a perfect experience. Our snack bags were loaded with quality selections customized for our group's varied dietary needs, our "lunch with a view" was terrific, and Cristy was continually ready and willing to make hike accommodations for any limitations. 100% recommend this trip. The experience + service you get with Only Grand Canyon Day Hikes is well worth it.

An amazing experience. Everything you need is provided for you, backpacks, hiking poles, water and food. All you have to do is show up. Christy was a tremendous guide and especially wonderful with our 9 year old daughter. She was extremely knowledgeable about the canyon and tailored the hike to how far we wanted to go. We had some great views and even saw a bighorn sheep. This was the highlight of our weeklong trip and a lifelong memory for our family. Would highly recommend to anyone.

We had a fantastic time exploring the canyon with Kevin as our guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and ensured we went at the right pace for us to ensure we enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend!

We booked a sunset tour and we were so glad we did. Our guide, Christy, had a genuine love of the canyon, a heartfelt desire to make sure our experience was unforgettable and the knowledge to make it happen. She sprinkled interesting facts in along with personal knowledge of the best places for photos and tips to make the ascent feel like we were pros…and the dinner? It was spectacular! I can’t thank Christy enough for all she did to make our excursion unforgettable! I would highly recommend this tour. Again and again.

Awesome first time experience for family of four with teenagers. Kevin was awesome, informative, and entertaining. He brought cupcakes and candle to celebrate our 14 year olds birthday. If you are hesitating, don’t! Will be everything you need for a superb bucket list experience!

It was an unforgettable experience having Jon, the experienced guide with us all the way from Oh Ah Point, Windy Tip to Cedar Ridge. The views were phenomenal and really reached beyond our expectations. Jon knew the ins and outs, highly encouraged us to keep our own pace, hydrate hydrate and take it all in safely. Jon came prepared with our backpacks, snacks and poles. Jon took amazing photos and really cared about making it the Best experience for Us with great memories We will always have. We highly recommend Only Grand Canyon (… Jon’s a great chef - sandwich was so fresh & healthy !!!😀😀) Many Thanks Jon, MaryKate & Gerry

A must do experience. Only Grand Canyon Day Hikes does a superb hike. John the owner and guide is excellent. He is extremely knowledgeable and knows the best photographic spots.

My husband and I travelled to Las Vegas for Formula 1, and decided to do the drive to the Canyon for the last day of our mini-vacation. We had less than 24 hours to spend in the Grand Canyon Village, and in order to maximize the experience, booked the private guided tour with Jon. Maximum experience is exactly what we received! The hike experience, trail selection, and timing were all carefully tailored to match our expectations, weather, fitness level, etc. Starting the hike in the afternoon, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, and while there were smaller crowds in the first few lookouts including the famous Ooh Aah Point, Jon knew we were ready to put in the work to get the extra special views inside the Canyon. We ended in Skeleton Point, with not another soul on the trail, watching the sunset, and eating a delicious home-cooked meal. The 4.5h hike was bookended by an awesome after-dark hike back to the beginning of the trail, with headlamps and a sky full of stars. Everything from personal Camelbaks full of nutritious snacks, water, electrolytes, hats, sunscreen, hiking poles, and everything else you might need, was provided, and above all, absolutely elite vibes. Jon is knowledgeable and laid back, talking you through hiking etiquette and optimal hiking form, sprinkled in with genuine humour. It was hands down the most special private hiking tour experience we've had - the Grand Canyon is beyond breathtaking and after hiking into the Canyon, we would recommend everyone that is able to, to take advantage of this experience with Jon and his team.

If you are taking the time to read this, stop and book the trip. Jon is everything you are looking for and so much more. He takes care of everything for you, he knows all of the spots for the most amazing pictures, he adjusts every trip to you and whoever you bring with you. That level of individualism to a tour is something you don't realize you are missing until you experience it, it's a hike into the Grand Canyon that is centered around you, the pictures, pace, food, distance, you name it, it is about you.

The sunset hike was truly a bucket list experience for my sisters (ages 54 and 50), mother (76), and me (53)! I agree with all 5 star reviews with how amazing it was but do want to note that it is a long day and there are steep drops. However, our guide Jon ensured we were comfortable, hydrated, and safe throughout the day. He also looked out for other hikers who were not part of our group by providing water, food, or guidance. Seeing some folks struggling back up the canyon reinforced our decision to use an experienced guide. I want to do it again with my kids!

This is hands down the best viator experience out there. Adventure, laughs, food and an amazing guide Jon.