All water on the trek will be bottled water. Additonal bottled water will also be available to buy at your accommodation. Tap water in American hotels is safe to drink. 

Meals will be substantial. Breakfast will include hot drinks, toast, fruit, pancakes and bacon. A typical lunch will feature sandwiches, salad, fruit and snacks. Evening meals will consist of carbohydrates such as pasta, rice and potatoes along with vegetables and meat. 

Feel free to bring a few of your favourite snacks too and please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements. 

We recommend you seek professional medical advice from your GP to ensure your vaccinations are up to date.

Beforehand: You will be sent a fundraising pack with great tips on how to meet your sponsorship target. We will be in touch regularly and will organise a briefing day where you’ll meet other participants and hear more about the challenge. We'll invite you to a social media group where you can arrange to meet fellow participants for training events and social gatherings. 

During the trip: Your group will be accompanied by a qualified medic and trek leader, as well as a Marie Curie representative. Local guides will escort the group along the route. Your luggage is transported by vehicle to each night’s hotel.

We ask you to raise a minimum of £3,800. A minimum of £2,210 will go directly to Marie Curie, as well as anything you raise over the minimum sponsorship. If you would like to pay for the trip yourself please contact us on 0800 716 146 for further information.

We'll experience cold mornings and evenings, with temperatures getting a little warmer during the day. Temperatures will range from -5C in the morning/evening to 14-15C during the day. The rim of the Grand Canyon will see cooler temperatures than Zion Canyon. We recommend packing for all weathers just in case. 

Participants should have at least six months' validity on their passports from the date of return to the UK. Although British passport holders do not need a visa to travel to the US, from January 2009 it became compulsory for all British passport holders to register themselves online before depature to the United States. 

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) is valid for up to two years, and for multiple visits to the United States. 

Other nationalities are advised to check with their embassies or consulates. 

Anyone wanting to stay on after the trek can arrange to do so through The Ultimate Travel Company at an additional cost and subject to availability.

Marie Curie is committed to responsible tourism. This challenge is organised by our tour operator, The Ultimate Travel Company, which will provide guidelines on responsible tourism.