Grand Canyon Hiking – Best Trails To Take (Expert Guide)

• Area: South Rim, Grand Canyon
• Permit: Not required
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: First Resthouse (1,5 miles); second Resthouse (3 miles); Indian Garden (4,8 miles)
• Elevation: first Resthouse (1,100ft); second Resthouse (2,100ft); Indian Garden (3,000ft)
• Time Hiking: From 30 minutes to 2 hours (there and back), depending on your pace and whether you go to the Indian Garden.

This scenic trail features smooth terrain, accessible water and rangers. It takes you into the ancient coral reefs of Kaibab Limestone, and offers phenomenal views of the Indian Garden campground, as well as Plateau Point.

The Bright Angel is a fascinating trail, offering evidence of ancient, and recent cultures, passing through this trail. It is a generally pleasant hike as there are plenty of shaded areas, but those summer afternoons can become a bit uncomfortable. Fortunately, there is plenty of water and shaded rest-houses on the way.

Best Time to Hike

This trail is open to hikers all year round and is generally very pleasant due to the smooth terrain and ample shade. However, caution and proper gear is needed in winter.

Accommodation

The Bright Angel Lodge is available all year-round and is conveniently located only feet from the rim. This rustic lodge is made up of cabins and lodge rooms, two restaurants, and the front room boasts a fireplace for those cold winters. Alternatively, you could stay in any of the other lodges on the South Rim: El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge and Yavapai Lodge. Check Tripadvisor for the places with best reviews! 

Bright Angel Trail Tips

• The trail is known to ice over in winter; ensure you wear the appropriate hiking boots.
• Keep an ear out for the fascinating array of languages that will be spoken on this popular trail by your fellow travelers; you may end up learning some French or German along the way.

• Area: South Rim, Grand Canyon
• Permit: Not required
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (depends on the weather)
• Distance: Cedar Ridge (3 miles); Skeleton Point (6 miles); The Tipoff (8,8 miles); Bright Angel Compound (14 miles)
• Elevation: Cedar Ridge (1,140ft); Skeleton Point (2,040ft); The Tipoff (3,260ft); Bright Angel Compound (4,780ft)
• Hiking Time: 1 day or 2 hours – 12 hours (there and back)

The South Kaibab Trail begins at Yoki Point and is steeper than the Bright Angel, so be prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen. The spectacular vistas and stunning scenery along this trail are not without cost. The trail descends to the Colorado River over the course of 7 miles (11 km), with several overlooks.

Although, the trail may be similar to the Bright Angel Trail, but it does not provide much cover from the sun and there is no water fountains on route. You will need to ensure that you have more than enough water and appropriate protection against the harsh summer sun.   

Best Time to Hike

The trail is open to hikers all year round, and winter hikes are possible. While most would prefer to hike in summer, it is best to steer clear of this trail in the heart of summer, as heat stroke is quite possible without proper protection.

Accommodation

El Tovar Hotel seems to be the best accommodation option on the South Rim, although there are numerous other lodges available. The El Tovar is a historical landmark and is a full-service hotel with a dining room, cable TV, full-bath and room service.

South Kaibab Trail Top Tips

• It is better to avoid  this trail in July and August, as temperatures can get incredibly brutal and there might be heavier rains too.
• It is essential to bring your own water as this trail has no refills available. Always pack more than you think you’ll need, as it can get very hot on this trail.
• Wear a hat that protects your face, neck and shoulders from the sun.

• Area: North Rim, Grand Canyon
• Permit: Not required
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Distance: Coconino Overlook (0,75 miles, one way); Supai Tunnel (2 miles one way); Roaring Springs (4,7 miles one way)
• Elevation: Supai Tunnel (1,400ft); Roaring Springs (3,000ft)
• Time Hiking: From 30 minutes to 4 hours (there and back)

The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained trail that descends to the Colorado River from the North Rim. It's longer than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails, with a total distance of 14.3 miles (23 km) to reach the river. It passes through a variety of ecosystems and several waterfalls. This trail is also challenging, with steep descents and ascents, so hikers should be prepared with proper gear and a good level of fitness.

It is the prefect cool contrast to South Kaibab’s heat in the heart of summer. The North Rim is also incredibly lush and vibrant with vegetation.

This trail starts out with a bit of a steep drop, taking you through ferns, aspen and firs. Once you reach the Coconino Overlook, the views of the Bright Angel Canyon are incredibly stunning. You can take a break here and just enjoy the spectacular vista.

A little further away is the Supai Tunnel, and you can turn around here and head back. If you want to make a day of it, you could continue to the magnificent Roaring Springs, and turn around there.

Best Time to Hike

The cooler Northern Rim is great for those hot summer days, when the Southern Rim is too dangerous to hike. But note that the North Rim is only open from mid-May to Mid-October.

Accommodation

Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim only has two accommodation options: Grand Canyon Lodge, and Jacob Lake Inn.

Grand Canyon Lodge is the only accommodation within the park, as Jacob Lake Inn is located along Highway 67, roughly 45 miles from the North Rim. The Grand Canyon Lodge is only open from May to October while Jacob Lake Inn is open all year-round. The lodge offers motel rooms and cabins, and all lodging has a private bathroom.

Jacob Lake Inn may be the better option, as it offers additional services such a restaurant, bakery, gas station, Native American art gallery, convenience store and a small gift shop. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms, motel rooms and cabins.

North Kaibab Trail Hike Tips

• While there is water available along this trail, always pack over enough water when hiking, even if the trail isn’t known to be particularly hot. Staying hydrated is incredibly important.
• Camping is only available 7 miles down the rim, at Cottonwood campground, or on the rim itself.

• Area: South Rim, Grand Canyon
• Permit: Only for overnight camping
• Difficulty: Difficult. Some previous experience in Canyon hiking is recommended
• Distance: Red Canyon overlook (2 miles one way); Colorado River (6,5 miles one way)
• Elevation: Red Canyon overlook (2,000ft); Colorado River (4,400ft)
• Time Hiking: From 2 hours to 5 hours (there and back)

This is a very secluded and rugged trail, and you won’t see many other hikers. The unmarked trailhead alone might pose some difficulty finding, and therefore those who are not experienced in Canyon hiking should not try this trail alone. Find a good guide and then head for a great short adventure.

This is a very hands-on (and elbows, knees and backside) kind of trail. You won’t just be hiking, and it will really test your endurance. Be sure to take over enough water and food along, and don’t push yourself too hard.

While this trail is difficult with its boulders and rugged terrain, it offers complete solitude and mesmerizing views. If you have some experience and a good fitness level, this trail is a great choice. It even offers the most wonderful river rapid beach camps – if you have what it takes to find it.

Best Time to Hike

It is generally best to avoid the South Rim and Inner Canyon during the heart of summer, as temperatures can become dangerously high.

Accommodation

The South Rim offers 6 accommodation options: Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge and Yavapai Lodge.

The Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar Hotel are the most popular options, and El Tovar is said to be the best option on the South Rim.

New Hance Trail Tips

• Camping is available at the river and Mid Canyon.
• Avoid this hike from June to August, as Mid Canyon can be dangerously hot.

Visiting the Grand Canyon is at the top of many bucket lists. It is a stunning landscape with a rich history. It was formed over millions of years by the erosion of the Colorado River, which still flows through the canyon today. The rocks that make up the canyon walls are estimated to be between 1.2 and 2 billion years old. 

Stretching for 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and over a mile (1.6 km) deep, the Grand Canyon is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including over 70 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 25 species of reptiles.

The Grand Canyon has a rich human history, with evidence of Native American occupation dating back over 12,000 years. Today, the Hualapai, Havasupai, and Navajo tribes still call the Grand Canyon region home.

The Grand Canyon has several notable landmarks, including the famous Bright Angel Trail, the Desert View Watchtower, and Phantom Ranch, a historic lodge at the bottom of the canyon.

It is also known for its stunning night skies, with thousands of stars visible on clear nights. In fact, the Grand Canyon is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal destination for stargazing.

One of the great things about Grand Canyon National Park, is that when you pay the entrance fee, you receive a permit that is valid for 7 days. You could make an entire week of it, and only pay the entrance fee once.