Grand Canyon Hikes

Grand Canyon hikes can range from a stroll along the rim trail to weeks in the Canyon interior. This page will focus on the main developed trails available for hiking in and around the Grand Canyon. They are well maintained and have a lot of traffic. Water is available along some of these trails for part of the year, and park rangers keep fairly close watch on the hikers. The south rim is open all year, though there may be snow and ice on the upper portions of the trails in the winter. Crampons are available to rent or buy.

If you are venturing into the Canyon, carry plenty of water! You need a gallon a day per person. Grand Canyon hikes are more dangerous than most people believe. Any trail that goes below the rim is potentially hazardous. Even the rim trail can be challenging for the unprepared or foolhardy.

We'll start with the Rim Trail. This trail never goes below the rim and is relatively easy as Grand Canyon hikes go. Part of the trail is paved and handicapped accessable. There is a 3 3/4 mile paved section of trail that runs from Pipe Creek Vista west through Grand Canyon Village. This is the easiest leg of the trail. You'll run into a LOT of people on the trail in the Village, but you may find a bit of solitude for the other 3 miles. Most visitors never make it out of the Historic District on this trail.

As you head west from Hermit Road Interchange in the village, the paved trail becomes steeper. It is only about 3/4 of a mile to Trailview Overlook. The next stop is Hopi Point. The trail becomes progressively more difficult, losing the pavement along the way. From there the trail heads out to Hermits Rest. The total length of the Rim Trail is around 12 miles. You can pick and choose sections for Grand Canyon hikes of differing lengths and difficulty. The ever-changing views are magnificent, and you can pick up the shuttle at various points of the trail.

The next three trails are the "corridor trails". These trails all go down to the Colorado River from the rim. All Grand Canyon hikes that go below the rim are strenuous. Allow twice as much time to hike up as it took you to get down. It is easy to misjudge the difficulty when you are hiking down!

Bright Angel Trail is probably the most famous of the Grand Canyon hikes. The trailhead is just west of the main activity in Grand Canyon Village. You can see it just below you from inside Kolb Studio. This trail goes down about 4 1/2 miles to Indian Gardens, then another 4 1/2 miles down to Phantom Ranch. A popular day-hiking trail, there are a couple of good places to turn around. The 1 1/2 mile Resthouse and the 3 mile Resthouse offer water during part of the year (if the pipes don't break!). Always check with the Rangers before you go, and carry plenty of water. This trail is heavily used by mules and the views are limited in the upper sections.

The South Kaibab Trail is used by mules for the return trip from Phantom Ranch. It is steeper than the Bright Angel trail and there is no water along the way. This is one of the more scenic Grand Canyon hikes and there are good day hikes of 3 or 6 miles. Prepare for a strenuous hike and carry lots of water. Many people say that this trail has the best views of the Canyon. The trail begins by Yaki Point, which is east of Grand Canyon Village and accessable by car or the free shuttle. It is about 7 miles to Phantom Ranch on this trail.

From the north rim, the North Kaibab Trail also goes down to Phantom Ranch. It is about 14 1/2 miles long and a very challenging hike. Water is available during the summer at about 5 miles and 7 miles down the trail. The north rim is higher in elevation than the south rim and the road to the Grand Canyon Lodge is closed during the winter.

If you decide to undertake a rim-to-rim hike, it is preferable to start on the north rim since it is higher. It is less of a climb out to Grand Canyon village, and more services are available when you get there. You'll need to stay at least one night in the canyon, and you could take as many as 4 days to make the hike if you want to take your time. You'll need a backcountry permit for every night you plan to stay in the Canyon.

These are some of the most well-known trails in and around the Grand Canyon. There are many unmaintained trails and alternate hikes for more experienced hikers and backpackers. Stay safe and enjoy your time at the Canyon. See more Grand Canyon hikes here.

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