Grand Canyon Hiking Trail

To experience the true grandeur of a Grand Canyon hiking trail, hiking from the rim to the river and back can be a rewarding and life-changing adventure.

The hike from the canyon rim to the valley floor and back up again can be tackled by most relatively fit people including the novice hiker. It is a tough hike but you don’t need to be an athlete to successfully complete it.

It is possible for an experienced hiker to trek to the bottom and back in one day, however, if you have the time available try to plan your Grand Canyon trek over three or more days to make the most of this experience.

There are many helpful books available on the Grand Canyon hiking trail. There are also videos/DVDs available and these resources will begin to give you an idea of the Grand Canyon hiking trail you might prefer to take from the rim to the river and back up again.

There are guides available for the Grand Canyon hiking trail or you may prefer a self-guided hike. If you choose a self-guided hike you must start out with a good map that includes the trails you wish to hike plus the campgrounds where you’ll spend the night.

When To Hike

Let’s start with when not to tackle the Grand Canyon hiking trails! June, July and August are scorchingly hot and should be avoided. The north rim and all its facilities are closed from mid November to mid May. The most pleasant time of year to attempt a Grand Canyon hike is mid May to early June and late September to mid November. An advantage of trekking in the spring is the presence of many beautiful wildflowers on the canyon floor.

Which Track?

From the north rim the only Grand Canyon hiking trail to the canyon floor is the North Kaibab Trail. It is approximately 13 miles from the north rim to Bright Angel Campground and the trail descends 5400 feet. There is reliable water available. From the south rim there is a choice of the South Kaibab Trail which is 5.6 miles and descends 4500 feet, or Bright Angel Trail which is 9.7 miles in length and descends 4260 feet. There is reliable water on Bright Angel Trail but there is no water available on South Kaibab.

Because of the lack of water and the steepness of the gradient, South Kaibab is recommended as a descent track rather than a climbing track.

Serious backpackers who are prepared to carry a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment and food along with their drinking water, extra clothing and toiletries can stay in any of the campsites. For those hikers who’d like a little more comfort at the end of the day, Phantom Ranch, a historic National Park lodge built in the 1920s stands alongside Bright Angel Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River. They serve hearty but simple meals and this is a great place to relax before the climb back to the rim on your next Grand Canyon hiking trail.

Hiking and Camping Site

Grand Canyon Hiking Trail

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