Hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park can be a great way for you to experience the beauty and wildlife in the canyon. Whether you are hiking alone, with friends or family, you will find the Grand Canyon a great adventure. The hiking trails in Grand Canyon National Park offer views of the canyon, the river and other interesting points of interest and view points. Grand Canyon Tours are also available if you are interested in Mule Trips into the canyon, river rafting or other types of guided tours or family vacation options.
WARNING: It is recommended that you do not attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day. There are no loop trails for day hikes; you will be hiking on the same trail in both directions. Remember! You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your party. As a day hiker no permits are required. You are entirely on your own. Your descent into the canyon, however brief, marks your entry.
North Rim Hiking Trails
Bright Angel Point Trail (0.5 mi./0.8 km round-trip; 30 minutes approximate round-trip hiking time. This trail offers a short walk on a paved trail to a spectacular view of the canyon. The trail begins at the log shelter in the parking area by the visitor center are at the corner of the back porch behind the lodge. Self-guiding nature trail pamphlets are available from a box along the trail.
Transept Trail (3.0 mi/4.8 km round-trip; 1.5 hours approximate round-trip hiking time). Follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge tot eh North Rim Campground.
Uncle Jim Trail (5.0 mi./8.0 km round-trip; 3 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. This trail winds through the forest to a point overlooking the canyon and the North Kaibab Trail switchbacks. Begins at the North Kaibab Trail parking lot. This trail is also used by Mules.
North Kaibab Trail (distance and hiking times vary) This is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim. Even a short hike to Coconino Overlook (1.5 miles/2.4 km round-trip) or Supai Tunnel (4 miles/6.5 km round-trip) can give you an appreciation for the canyon's rich natural beauty and immense size. A hike to Roaring Springs and back is extremely strenuous and takes a full day (7-8 hours) - begin your hike before 7 a.m. Roaring Springs lies 3,050 feet/930 m below the canyon rim and is 9.4 miles/15 km round-trip. A day hike beyond Roaring Springs is not recommended. Many years of experience have shown that hikers who proceed beyond this point during the hottest parts of the day have a much greater probability of suffering for heat-related illness, injury or death. This trail is also used by mules. Note: Round trip to the Colorado River is 28 miles / 45 km and trail descends almost 6,000 ft./1,800 m. Under no circumstances should you attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day! Do not hike during the hottest part of the day.
Widforss Trail (10 mi / 16 km round-trip; 6 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. Blends forest and canyon scenery.) Even a short walk can be very satisfying. Take the dirt road 1/4 mile/0.4 km south of Cape Royal Rd. for 1 mile /1.6 km to the Widforss Trail parking area. Self-guiding trail brochure available at trailhead.
Ken Patrick Trail (10 mi/16 km one-way; 6 hours approximate one-way hiking time. Winds through the forest and along the rim from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab Trail parking area.
Cape Final Trail (4.0 mi/6.4 km round-trip; 2 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. A 2-mile walk from dirt parking area to Cape Final. This trail offers a view of the canyon.
Cliff Springs Trail – 1.0 mi./1.6 km round-trip; 1 hour approx. hiking time. Meanders down a forested ravine and ends where a chest-high boulder rests under a large overhang. The spring is on the cliff side of the boulder. Please do not drink the water as it may be contaminated. Trail begins directly across the road from a small pullout on a curve 0.3 miles / 0.5 km down the road from Cape Royal.
Cape Royal Trail (0.6 mi / 1. 0 km round-trip; 30 minutes approximate round-trip hiking time.) An easy walk on a flat, paved trail provding views of the canyon, Angels Window and the Colorado River. Markers along the trail interpret the area’s natural history. Trail begins at the southeast side of the Cape Royal parking area.
Point Imperial Trail (4.0 mi./6.4 km round-trip; 2 hours approximate round-trip hiking-time.) This easy trail passes through areas burned by the 2000 Outlet Fire and ends at the north park boundary. From there connections are possible to the Nankoweap Trail and U.S. Forest Service roads.
Roosevelt Point Trail (0.2 mi./0.3 km round-trip; 20 minutes approximate round-trip hiking time. This trail is a short, secluded woodland loop with spectacular views. Offers benches for relaxed enjoyment of the canyon.
Bridle Trail (watch for construction on this trail). This trail follows the road and it connects the Grand Canyon Lodge with the North Kaibab Trailhead, a distance of 1.2 miles/2 km one-way. Pets on leash and bicycles are permitted on this hard-packed trail.
Arizona Trail – The Arizona Trail is an ambitious project that traverses the length of Arizona from the Utah border to Mexico. A section of this trail enters the park near the North Entrance and roughly parallels the highway until it connects with the North Kaibab Trail, a distance of approximately 10 miles/16 km.
Source: NPS
Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
General Inquiries: 928-638-7888
