Backland Luxury Nature Resort, a glamping property near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, opened in 2022 and occupies 160 acres of wilderness outside Williams, Arizona. The resort offers ten “nature suites” designed for immersive outdoor experiences with modern comforts.
Each suite includes a king-size bed, en suite bathroom, air-conditioning, and a skylight for stargazing. The resort also provides a central reception and dining area with a restaurant, fireplace, board games, books, and Wi-Fi, though connectivity is intentionally limited in the suites to enhance the experience of being in nature.
Founder Jeremy Budge, who previously developed resorts for Under Canvas, described the property as designed for “total comfort, with unobstructed views,” differentiating it from glamping operations located directly on highways or in more tourist-focused areas.
Access to the resort involves a drive through remote terrain, with directions provided by a recorded message from Budge, as cell service is limited.
According to Travel + Leisure, guests can arrange guided excursions to the Grand Canyon through local outfitters such as Grand Canyon Adventures in Flagstaff. One less-frequented route is the Grandview Trail, which is not served by the National Park Service’s shuttle system and is described by the Park Service as “a rocky, exposed, strenuous trail requiring experience and caution.”
The trail is historically significant, likely developed by Hopi or other Native American tribes and later adapted by 19th-century miners.
Experiencing the canyon outside peak tourist areas offers visitors a combination of natural scenery, wildlife sightings, and solitude.
Observing a meteor shower from Backland and hiking less-traveled trails highlights the potential for glamping operators to develop offerings that integrate nature, history, and curated adventure experiences.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality industry, Backland’s model illustrates several key trends: prioritizing remote, immersive locations; balancing luxury with natural settings; offering curated experiences that differentiate from traditional tourism; and using design and amenities to enhance guest engagement with the outdoors.