A half mile below3 Mile Resthouse, the switchbacks level off and straighten out down to Indian Garden, a wonderful Cottonwood-shaded oasis fed by a gushing, clear spring. Its not recommended by park officials in the heat of the summer as heat hazards can make it especially hazardous. The temperature will rise as you hike into the canyon. Check the NPS map for each shuttle stop on the Rim Trail. Years of trail experience and use means the conditions are as smooth as possible for a gradual descent into the Canyon, and in this case drops 2,000 feet to Skeleton point. Our logical way of listing hikes is simply by trail difficulty. At one point, the trail runs along the spine of a ridge, with abrupt drop-offs on both sides, creating the illusion of a trail meandering to the end of the Earth. A ranger told us the first shuttle was at 7am and this gave us another hour of daylight to complete our long hike. But please only attempt this popular hike if you are a strong and experienced hiker, and you prepare correctly. It represents a hard hike for the average hiker, or a good day out for a strong hiker. For example, it states the hikers express shuttle began at 8am in December when we hiked, but we were able to catch one at 7am. Potable water is also available from mid-May to mid-October. This is an excellent spot for a snack and relaxing break. Hikers can continue South Kaibab to Skeleton Point or the Tipoff where this trail intersects with Tonto Trail. Our popular 30+ Page Grand Canyon South Rim Guidebook and Itinerary covers every aspect of planning a trip to Yosemite including hikes, hotels, restaurants, getting around, things to do and so much more! If you want to hike any of South Kaibab Trail, you are going to need to either park one mile away from the trailhead on Desert View Drive and walk, or take the orange Kaibab shuttle to the start of the hike. The trail begins with stunning views and steep switchbacks down a section called The Chimney. (In the winter this section can be icy and treacherous, so be sure to have trekking crampons.) You get the best of both trails and we can say from experience this has been one of our most rewarding hikes to date. You can read our full hiking walkthrough from South Kaibab to Bright Angel with plenty of photos so you can really see the trail. Lets descend into the 17 best easy, moderate and hard hikes at Grand Canyon South Rim! North Kaibab Trailhead sits at a higher elevation, which means you will have an easier descent into the canyon instead of ascending the extra 1000 ft elevation at the end when you are tired. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Below the Chimney, the trail begins a long, snaking traverse through softer, sedimentary layers that include sandstone and shale. If youre planning a trip to Grand Canyon South Rim and need a hand with planning where to stay, where to eat, how to get there and use the shuttles, which hikes to do, which overlooks to visit, where to watch sunrise or sunset and any other question you have about your trip, our 30+ page South Rim guidebook with example itineraries is perfect to download to your phone or print a hard copy. You will enter Grand Canyon National Park through ranger stations and pay entrance fees in order to reach any of the best hikes in the park. Phantom Ranch is the only lodge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and an incredible experience for those lucky enough to stay the night. Weve hiked many of the most famous national park trails and a handful of those true bucket list hikes, but we can honestly say one of the most memorable hikes we have ever experienced was at Grand Canyon National Park. It also is ideal for any campers staying at Indian Garden.
We have been lucky enough to visit Grand Canyon South Rim twice, at different times of year and with different goals.
It is an unlikely trail snaking down an exposed ridge that wows even the most cynical of visitors. Its a big day, so be prepared. You will find day use areas, restrooms, water stations, a campground and a ranger station at Indian Garden. If you want to take on the Rim to Rim trail, you will have to descend or ascend via one of these two trails. You can expect sand and small rocks underfoot throughout your hike into the canyon. The first tunnel can be found at the 0.18mi marker and the second tunnel can be found at the 0.75 mi marker. Even if the trail is made for safety, every hiker must be surefooted and in adequate physical condition to make the trip back up after enjoying life below the rim. There are a number of natural turnaround points along both trails and most visitors to Grand Canyon South Rim will choose to hike one of these trails to one of its obvious stops. 
The Colorado River as seen from Plateau Point off the Bright Angel Trail, The view from Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon (See the trail switchbacks lower right. The good news is all the trails can be accessed right off the main road. Its an excellent choice for families and for people doing their very first foray into the Canyons depths. If you are able to get a permit, chances are youre hiking the South Kaibab trail down to Phantom Ranch. And there are layers of potential experience to choose from, much like the rock layers that form the canyons walls. Bright Angel Campground as well as Phantom Ranch are accessed by following North Kaibab Trail along the river after crossing Black Bridge at the bottom of South Kaibab. With that said, you will be able to see a path leading to Plateau Point which is a very obvious spur trail leading away from Indian Garden and out onto a flat shelf-like floor. This section of the trail can be intimidating for people with a fear of heights, as the trail is narrow, exposed and at one point its pinched off with a rock jutting out. The trail will continue through the gorge until Boucher Trail Junction and through a dry wash section until you get to Dripping Springs. Carry plenty of water and never depend on water sources. First to sightsee, shoot sunrises and sunsets, and see the canyon from every single viewpoint on the Rim. The trek into Phantom Ranch from the Bright Angel trailhead serves up 9.9 miles, 4,300 feet of elevation loss, and takes anywhere from 5-7 hours to complete on average. If you have one day, and you want to make the most of it, this is the Grand Canyon hike to do. The top layer of experience is standing on the rim, gazing into the canyons incredible depths. There are no canyon views from this trail but you might see Elk depending on the time of year. And lastly, there is the option of a multi-day backpacking or rafting trip to explore in-depth the intimate details of the worlds most famous canyon. Summer thunderstorms will also bring lightning. The 1.5 mile Resthouse is a good spot to grab a break on a longer hike down, but it is also the perfect turn around spot for first time canyon hikers. The views along this trail are exceptional. This trail will be much quieter than both South Kaibab and Bright Angel. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. South Kaibab Trail begins east of Grand Canyon Village near Yaki Point. 
There are restrooms located here but no water.
There are two short tunnels located along this section which are a fun photo spot. You will encounter some switchbacks early on so be prepared to come back up. We will break down this list of best hikes at Grand Canyon South Rim by easy, moderate, hard and very hard ratings. This is an excellent turnaround point for folks not wanting to push it too far, as the most dramatic scenery is behind you, and the way up is much more difficult than the way down. But each app is a little different so will go over the benefits to both. This 9.8 mile (one-way) trail drops 4,340 ft from Rim to Phantom Ranch. It will also tell you altitude, current speed, average speed, moving speed, max speed, and pace. With the South Rim becoming farther and farther away up above, the trail continues down through geologic layer after layer. Shuttle stops are located at several points along this well maintained paved trail with plenty of shade. It can also be hiked in reverse order, South Kaibab to North Kaibab or with Bright Angel Trail instead of South Kaibab.
Do not underestimate the harsh elements and unpredictable weather conditions when hiking the best trails at Grand Canyon South Rim.
If you click on one, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.*. This 7.3 mile (one-way) trail plummets 4,700 ft from Rim to Phantom Ranch. The parking lot for this trailhead is unmarked and it is very easily missed, which means not many people know the hike exists. Several hikers have found fossilized traces of lizards and other reptiles, so go and see if you can find some yourself! The next layer is going on a day hike below the rim, and there are many micro-layers to this option: one-hour hikes, six-hour hikes, full-day hikes, popular trails, remote trails and so on. This trail is a great option if you want those stunning canyon views without actually hiking down into the canyon. So before you make the trip, educate yourself about some of the best Grand Canyon South Rim hiking trails. The South Kaibab trailhead is one of the best trails due to its proximity and access to many popular features. A quick overview on these routes includes: Bikes are not allowed on the rim trail or any of the inner canyon trails. Grandview Point Trail is only 5.7 miles roundtrip to Horseshoe Mesa but it is very steep, it is not maintained and theres a lot of elevation loss/gain over a short distance.
Have you been to Grand Canyon? Indian Garden is an oasis that offers plenty of shade from the large amount of vegetation and Cottonwood trees growing in the area. Starting with Hermits Rest in the West and stretching as far as Grandview Point on Desert View Drive to the East, all of the trailheads we have included can be found along this 19 mile section of the canyon. Dont be a statistic! The reality is, if you are a very strong and experienced hiker, you can day hike to the Colorado River and back out. If you are coming from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, this small lot will be the first left after you pass Yaki Point Road, just over a mile further down Desert View Drive. The South Kaibab Trail was blasted out of the canyons walls by the National Park Service in the 1920s. Parking is limited and arriving early in the day is recommended. Please let us know if you have any questions or need help planning your hike by commenting below. Overnight options include Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch which sit right next to the Colorado River. Plan on 2 to 4 hours to complete this trail. Distances between shuttles stops range from 0.3 to 1.8 miles. Now that we have covered what you can expect from day hiking in the Grand Canyon, we are going to go over each hiking trail in order based on difficulty. If you plan to hike in remote places, GAIA will be your best choice. Just remember the roads are closed at North Rim in Winter. We have to start by saying the NPS does not recommend this as a day hike but it is the most popular hike at Grand Canyon for experienced hikers. Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the US. This is a great stopping point for beginner hikers or hikers who are short on time. From South Rim, there is a Resthouse at both the 1.5 mile and 3.0 mile marker. Whether you stay on the Rim, hike 1 mile down or all the way to the Colorado River, you are going to be staggered by the unimaginable scale of this unique and truly awesome landscape. This is one of the best hikes at Grand Canyon if you want to get away from the crowds. This perfect turnaround point is almost exactly three miles from the trailhead and offers tremendous views of the surrounding cliffs, pinnacles, buttes and side canyons. Well, were going to show you 17 scenic hikes at Grand Canyon South Rim including easy, moderate, hard and very hard trails so you can pick out exactly which hike you want to take on each day. Youll get a much more varied and diverse selection canyon and trail views to Skeleton Point. This section of the trail can get busy but it opens up incredible views. Many people at this point think hiking the Grand Canyon doesnt feel that hard to me! But they havent gotten back to the rim yet. Need Help Planning A Trip To Grand Canyon South Rim? GAIA GPS has become a hiking app we can not live without. If you continue, a very long traversing section of the trail takes you through layers of red shale and mudstone, past saddles with jaw-dropping views into the Pipe Creek Drainage, eventually coming to Skeleton Point. The Tonto Trail is an inner canyon route along a plateau that runs parallel to the Colorado River. How We Are Ordering The Best Hikes at Grand Canyon South Rim, Important Apps for Hiking Grand Canyon South Rim, Two Most Popular Hikes At Grand Canyon South Rim, Best Easy Hikes At Grand Canyon South Rim, Best Moderate Hikes At Grand Canyon South Rim, Best Hard Hikes At Grand Canyon South Rim, 12. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The majority of the elevation change will occur within the first four miles through multiple series of switchbacks. Grand Canyon National Park is one of very few places in the world that is guaranteed to cause your jaw to drop the very first time you see it in person. You would be better heading further down to Indian Garden, which we will cover later. Check times for the Grand Canyon South Rim Hikers Express Shuttle here. Wildland Trekking shares the best one-day Grand Canyon hikes to do in the national park. There is no water or restroom at this point. Of all hikes on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this trail is the most accessible, so you can expect dense crowds and congestion almost year round, especially during the busy season (spring fall). Find more hiking advice at www.wildlandtrekking.com. Do not solely depend on these water sources. For the majority of Grand Canyon visitors, this is as far as they and their experiential understanding of the canyon go.
When you arrive on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon the trailheads, visitor centers, shops, and other to-dos can be overwhelming.
Surrounding the river is the Inner Gorge, a chaotic, mashed up tangle of ancient rocks, contrasting dramatically with the neat, horizontal layers above it. We ourselves hiked this amazing route in December 2021 and it surpassed our high expectations. We have never heard of anyone who has hiked the entire 95 mile Tonto Trail but it would certainly be one to remember! Just be aware that it is a steeper trail so the 3 miles back up will be challenging. South Kaibab is one of the most popular hikes along Grand Canyon South Rim. This write-up however, is about hiking to Plateau Point and back, which is 12 miles round trip with 3,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. The most important considerations are: Generally people know that enough water is necessary, but continuing to fuel your body with salty energizing snacks can be just as important to a hikers well being on the trail. The trail begins like most South Rim trails, with steep switchbacks through the sheer Kaibab limestone layer. Use this trail if you want to shorten a Rim to River hike or get a different view by paralleling the Colorado River. Was This Post Helpful? Keep in mind reservations are required for either option. So you really have options depending on your preferences. Built in 1893 and originally known as the Berry Trail, the Grandview Trail was meant to connect the Rim with copper mines on Horseshoe Mesa. You can stay in campgrounds along the route, including camping at North Rim. Verify times with a ranger before your hike if possible. At $80 you will instantly save money if you plan to visit just a few parks. After three miles is 3 Mile Resthouse with the same amenities. Pick and choose trails depending on your time frame and skill level. By now the trail will have gotten steeper with multiple switchbacks as you zig zag your way down into the canyon. Many hikers will take this trail to one of the Resthouses or continue further to Indian Campground and/or to Plateau Point. Shorter trail with more elevation loss makes South Kaibab the steeper trail down to the Colorado River. The hike out is back up the Grandview Trail, which beware! For ambitious hikers, heading out to the edge of the mesa to gaze down onto the Tonto Plateau is well worth it!
There is much to be gained from standing on the rim and contemplating this phenomenal landscape!
The elevation change from Indian Garden to Plateau Point is only 40ft. While there are water sources located throughout this trail, all water must be treated and purified before drinking. Full wheelchair accessibility begins at Lookout Studio and ends at the South Kaibab trailhead. Much like 1.5 Mile Resthouse, you will find an emergency phone, restrooms and seasonal water available. The Grand Canyon is a place that must be experienced to be understood. Its more important than ever to remember that a 3 hour descent could be a 6 ascent, so watch your time carefully. You can see up and down the canyon, and across into the Bright Angel drainage. Keep track of your time, especially if hiking in the winter when daylight hours are shortest.
A good rule of thumb is an increase of 5.5F for every 1,000 ft that you descend in the canyon. There are pros and cons to hiking this trail in either direction. Rim to Rim: North Kaibab To South Kaibab, Grand Canyon South Rim Hikers Express Shuttle To South Kaibab Trail, Quick Tips for Hiking Grand Canyon South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park Passes, Fees and Entrances. Please be aware that this trail has no water and very little shade. This trail begins at Grandview Point, about 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. A half-mile past Ooh Aah Point is Cedar Ridge: a broad, open saddle with scraggly cedar trees, mule posts, and a bathroom. This trail is a better option in warm and sunny weather as it offers more shade when compared to South Kaibab. But they are aiming that at the average hiker and they do have to rescue a lot of hikers every year. This section of the South Kaibab offers some of the best 360-degree views of the canyon. Either option will make for an excellent day hike into the Grand Canyon. If you are looking for another easy and paved flat trail, this one is for you. The upper section of the trail is very steep, dropping almost 2,000 ft within the first few miles.
What makes this app great is the reviews about each hiking trail. Restrooms and an emergency phone are located here. Whether hiking on a well maintained and heavily populated trail or hiking in the desolate backcountry, it is essential to understand your surroundings before setting off on your hike into Grand Canyon South Rim. The Bright Angel Trail is the Grand Canyons most popular trail, and for good reason it boasts spectacular views as well as shade, water and bathrooms on average every 1.5 miles. 3 Mile Resthouse is the next obvious turnaround point along Bright Angel Trail if you continued past 1.5 Mile Resthouse. The return is back up the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim, where you first started the day. Second to day hike Rim to River, South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch to Bright Angel in one day. Bring enough water for your hike and do not rely on the natural water sources. There is also backcountry camping available at Cottonwood Creek campsite. You will find an amazing vantage point at Cedar Ridge as it provides 360 views of the canyon and Rim. Youll reach the river in less time on South Kaibab and then have a more gradual climb back up Bright Angel. South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Trail, 16. That means a steeper ascent back to the Rim. Most hike down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel. Departure times vary depending on season. If you hike it in the summer, be sure to get a very early morning start and bring plenty of water and food. These trails are ramping up the difficulty slightly but you will be rewarded with better canyon and Rim views. Fifteen-hundred feet above the bottom of the canyon, and almost directly over it, you are gazing down on the blue-green (or brown some times of the year) waters of the Colorado River. AllTrails uses a database of trail maps and has a large amount of active users. Keep in mind water may be dry depending on the time of year. Remember, you can book a campground spot at Bright Angel or a bed at Phantom Ranch if you want to spend a night on the canyon floor. 30+ Page Grand Canyon South Rim Guidebook and Itinerary, How to Visit Grand Canyon South Rim in One Amazing Day, Best Sunrise and Sunset Locations in Grand Canyon, Where to Stay Around Grand Canyon National Park, 10 Things You Need To Know About Grand Canyon In Winter, Where To Find The Most Amazing Grand Canyon Views, Best Airports To Fly Into Near Grand Canyon National Park, Day Hiking South Kaibab Trail To Each Major Stop, Bright Angel Trail Hike Walkthrough To Each Turnaround, Day Hike South Kaibab to Bright Angel via Phantom Ranch, 23 Best Hikes In Mt Rainier National Park. After hiking from Bright Angel to Indian Garden, if you feel you still have energy left in the tank but not enough to get down to the river, Plateau Point Trail is the perfect option. After resting and having something to eat at Indian Garden, youll break off on the Plateau Point Trail to the west. The South Kaibab Trail is the number one must-do hiking trail in the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Temperatures at the bottom of the canyon can be much higher compared to the Rim giving you a false sense of security.
We used the hikers express shuttle to get us to the South Kaibab trailhead when we hiked down South Kaibab and back up Bright Angel in one day. Do you need help planning your visit to Grand Canyon South Rim?