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| Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim viewpoint within Grand Canyon Village. |
'Rim to Rim' - South Kaibab and North Kaibab Trails
There is no better way to experience the Grand Canyon than hiking from Rim to Rim on the South Kaibab and North Kaibab Trails
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a must see for many travellers with nearly 5 million visitors coming to the the National Park annually.
The Grand Canyon is an average of 1 mile in depth from top to bottom, taking 3 to 6 million years to form as a result of the Colorado River.
2 day 'Rim to Rim' hike
Direction: South Rim to North RimGroup/solo: Solo
Distance: 21.2 miles total
I hiked from the South Rim to the North Rim, but it can be done in either direction.
Starting at the South Kaibab Trailhead, I hiked 7.1 miles down the South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground. The next day I hiked 14 miles up the North Kaibab Trail, staying at the 'North Rim Campground'.
- Hiking South to North allows you to descend the steep 7.1 miles of the South Kaibab Trail.
- North Kaibab Trail is 14 miles upwards, however the first 8.5 miles are not too steep but the last 5.5 miles are very steep!
Elevations:
South Rim Trailhead - 7,260 feet
Bright Angel Campground - 2,480 feet
North Rim Trailhead - 8,240 feet
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| Follow one of the many well marked signs in the park |
Well marked trails
The Kaibab trails are extremely well marked and easy to follow, making it feasible to hike solo and virtually impossible to get lost!
I met many interesting people along the way from all over the world (I am eternally grateful to Patrick and Mike for the 'loan' of a large trail mix bag!).
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| 7.1 mile descent to the bottom of the South Kaibab Trail |
Hike at your own pace
The Rim to Rim Trail can be hiked at your own pace, with many people taking more than two days to explore the area. I even met a few people who completed the full distance from the South Rim to the North Rim in one day - this is not recommended!
To get back to the South Rim, I took the Transcanyon Shuttle (reservations are required).
Don't forget - take plenty of food and snacks with you as once you start hiking, there are no facilities to buy extras (unless you have booked in advance at the Phantom Ranch).
South Kaibab Trail
The Grand Canyon National Park caters for a wide variety of hikers and if you have the time,
a hike into the canyon on the South Rim is well worth it. Starting at the South Kaibab Trailhead, you can decide on how far you want to hike by using three clearly marked lookout points as a guide.
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| Breathtaking open vistas on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. |
All the way down - The 7.1 mile hike down to Bright Angel Campground follows a well maintained trail, steep with multiple switchbacks for the first 2 miles, but then follows a natural ridge line all the way down to the Colorado River.
Starting point: Distances shown from South Kaibab Trailhead:
Lookout 1 - 'Ooh Aah Point'
Lookout 1 - 'Ooh Aah Point'
- Just under 1 mile (1.8 miles return).
- Great hike with a spectacular view if you are short for time.
- There are no water or restrooms facilities available.
Lookout 2 - 'Cedar Ridge'
- 1.5 miles (3 miles return) from the trailhead.
- Ideal hike for casual hikers and late starters.
- Beautiful plateau that over looks the canyon, with plenty of room to sit down and enjoy lunch!
- 3 miles (6 miles return) from the trailhead
- Catch your first glimpse of the Colorado River!
- The NPS advise that you should not travel beyond this lookout on a day hike.
Lookout 3 - 'Skeleton Point'
NPS Guide: Day hike - South Kaibab Trail (PDF)
Tips:
> If you don't have much time, a short hike to 'Ooh-Aah Point' is a great way to explore the park.> Take plenty of water (there is no water available along the trail) and lots of high-energy snacks and food.
> Remember that the hike is strenuous and it will take you twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down!
> Take lots of layers of clothing to accommodate for the wide range of weather conditions.
> Start early to stay in the shade and give way to mules (yes, mules!).
North Kaibab Trail
Known as the most difficult trail in the Grand Canyon, the North Rim is often overlooked with 90% of visitors not venturing outside of the South Rim. At 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim and the North Kaibab trail covering twice the distance, what it lacks in expansive 360 degree views it makes up for with a variety of ways from the ecology to waterfalls, bridges and its wildlife.
The North Kaibab Trail descends steeply down into the valley via a series of seemingly endless switchbacks. This top portion of the trail (down to Roaring Springs) is the most challenging part of the hike as you descend almost half of drop in the first 5 miles.
Elevations:
North Rim Trailhead - 8,241 feet
Roaring Springs - 4,800 feet
Colorado River - 2,425 feet
As with the South Rim, you can plan how far you hike by using the well marked lookouts as a guide.
Please note that when planning a day hike in the North Rim, it is not recommended to go further than 'Roaring Springs' as it is a tough climb to the top due to the extreme elevation changes.
Starting point: Distances shown from North Rim
Trailhead
Lookout 1 - 'Coconino
Outlook'
- 0.7 miles (1.4 miles return)
- A short hike offering a different perspective of the canyon and a great view of Roaring Springs Canyon.
Lookout 2 - 'Supai
Tunnel'
- 1.7 miles (3.4 miles return).
- A good day hike, experiencing an elevation change of 1,440 feet.
Lookout 3 - Roaring
Springs
- 5 miles (10 miles return)
- Start early in the morning for an enjoyable and strenuous hike!
- NPS advise that you should not travel beyond this lookout on a day hike.
For those with a back country permit, the trail
from Roaring Springs to the Colorado River is relatively long but not difficult.
Tips:
> Take plenty of water (there is no water available along the trail) and lots of high-energy snacks and food.
> Remember that the hike is strenuous and it will take you twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down!
> Take lots of layers of clothing to accommodate for the wide range of weather conditions.
> The car park is full by early morning so arrive early to guarantee a spot!
> The car park is full by early morning so arrive early to guarantee a spot!
> Start early to stay in the shade and give way to mules (yes, mules!).
Kaibab Trail Campgrounds
If you are not able to get a backcountry permit for a camping site at Bright Angel Campground, there are two alternative options available:
- Cottonwood Campground - 6.8 miles below the North Rim, along the North Kaibab Trail
- Indian Garden Campground - 4.8 miles below the South Rim, along the Bright Angel Trail
These campgrounds are extremely popular and also require a backcountry permit to camp - you need to apply well in advance to get a backcountry permit from the National Park Service.
Phanton Ranch Dining
Phantom Ranch is the only place at the bottom of the Grand Canyon to purchase breakfast, sack lunches and a hot dinner (you do not have to be a guest at Phantom Ranch). You can pre-order online and make sure you book well in advance as there are a limited number of meals available at each seating.
- Dinner - steak $44.05, vegetarian chili $28.39 and hiker stew $28.39
- Sack lunches - $12.66 per person, available anytime (this alone is not sufficient for a day hike)
- Hearty breakfast - $20.88 per person
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| The Colorado River running adjacent to the Bright Angel Campground |
HIKE SMART:
The National Park Service (NPS) advises that you read their 'Hike Smart' guidelines, to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike by preparing before you arrive.
Please read their advice if you are thinking about hiking in the Grand Canyon. The climate is extremely unpredictable and the weather can change quickly - you need to be prepared for a range of temperatures and conditions.
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| Crossing Redwall Bridge over Roaring Springs Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park. |
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