It's highly encouraged for day hikers to trek only partway down the trail. Hiking back up can easily take twice as long as hiking into the Grand Canyon. The trail encompasses endless switchbacks and unfolding views as it descends over 4,000 feet in nine miles, spanning the South Rim to the Colorado River.

It descends steeply from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, revealing fantastic views that cannot be experienced from the rim. The Bright Angel Trail is an iconic hiking trail of America. Bright Angel Trail Bright Angel Trail | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane Caution needs to be applied while exploring and photographing next to the steep cliffs of the South Rim Trail.Ģ.

This selection of canyon hikes includes the popular Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail. Other nearby facilities include the Market Plaza and Mather Campground, and hikers on the South Rim Trail can access every South Rim trailhead that navigates into the canyon. The ease of access to these viewpoints can lead to crowded conditions, especially throughout the summer. Iconic lookouts and Arizona photo opportunities are seen from places like Mather Point and Powell Point along the South Rim Trail, and Yavapai Point is one of the best to catch a sunset. interpretive information is displayed along the way.

Shuttle stops line the route, connecting scenic viewpoints with park facilities like the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. This 13-mile paved route has minimal elevation change, but you can make this as long or short of a hike as you like. It's an experience not easily forgotten, and the viewpoints are plenty. South Rim Trail South Rim Trail | Photo Copyright: Brad Laneįor many visitors, the South Rim Trail is where they first lay eyes on the Grand Canyon. Other special Grand Canyon experiences like mule rides, guided hikes, and special permitted waterfall hikes are facilitated by the national park or within communities like Tusayan just outside the gates.Įxplore this famous attraction with our list of the top hiking trails at the Grand Canyon.ġ. For backpacking into the Grand Canyon, including trekking options on the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and North Kaibab Trails, the park's Backcountry Information Center is a good resource for trip planning. Drinking plenty of water, wearing appropriate clothing, and checking in at the visitor center is recommended upon any visit–as well as watching your step when walking close to the edge.įor day hikers, what goes down must come up, which can be quite the challenge when climbing out of the Grand Canyon. During the summer season, visitors should avoid physical activity after 10am and throughout the heat of the day. Most hiking trails at Grand Canyon National Park navigate at least some challenging terrain. And one common aspect of all walking trails in the Grand Canyon is panoramic grandeur. The hiking selection ranges from easy hikes overlooking a beautiful view to more rugged trekking options that descend into the canyon.

This includes great day hikes and backpacking routes on the North and South Rim of this century-old national park. Scenic hiking trails line the Grand Canyon from its rims to the Colorado River.

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