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.
Rim Trail – Begin from any viewpoint in the village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail offers excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike.
The trail is paved along the Village Rim and takes approximately 15 minutes – 1.5 hours. The roundtrip distance is your choice on this trail. It is the best easy walk and passes through historic buildings.
Or you can walk the Rim Trail along Hermit Road. This route takes approximately 15 minutes – all day. It becomes an unmarked dirt path west of Maricopa Point. Detour around Orphan Mine. The roundtrip distance is your choice on this trail
Bright Angel Trail (Steep) – Trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge. Some shade, seasonal water subject to pipeline breaks; check at the Visitor Center at Canyon View Information Plaza for status. Upper portion may be extremely icy in early spring. Use crampons for safe walking.
This trail has four possible destinations with varying distances.
The 1.5 Mile Rest house is a 3-mile, roundtrip hike. It takes approximately 2-4 hours to hike roundtrip with elevation changes up to 1,131 feet (345 m). Restrooms are available and no water until May.
The 3-Mile Resthouse is a 6 mi. (9.6 km) roundtrip hike which takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete roundtrip. The elevation changes 2,112 feet (644) and there is no water at this location until May.
Indian Garden is 9.2 miles (14.8 km) roundtrip and takes approximately 6-9 hours. The elevation changes 3,060 (933 m). Restrooms and water are available at Indian Garden.
Plateau Point (EXTREMELY STRENUOUS) is 12.2 miles (19.6 km) roundtrip and takes approximately 8-12 hours. The elevation changes 3,195 (974 m). You are rewarded with an amazing view of the river 1.5 miles beyond Indian Garden. No water.
South Kaibab Trail (Steep) – Trail begins south of Yaki Piont on Yaki Point Road. Best views for a relatively short hike. Steep trail, no water and little shade. You can access trailhead via shuttle bus. Upper portion may be extremely icy in early spring. Use crampons for safe walking.
This trail offers three destinations with varying distances.
Ooh Aah Point - Distance roundtrip is 1.8 miles (2.9 km). The roundtrip hike time is approx. 1-2 hours. The elevation changes 600 feet (183 m). This trail offers the first view east. No water.
Cedar Ridge – Distance roundtrip is 3 mi (4.8 km). Hike time takes approximately 2 – 4 hours roundtrip. The elevation changes 1,140 feet (347 m). There are restrooms, but no water. First hitching rail.
Skeleton Point – Distance roundtrip is 6-miles (10 km). Hike time is approximately 4-6 hours roundtrip with elevation changes of 2,040 feet (622 m). Second hitching rail and first view of the river. No water.
Hermit Trail (Steep) – Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking. For experienced, desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended. Access to the trailhead restricted beginning April 1.
This trail has three destinations with varying distances.
Waldron Basin – Distance 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip. Hiking time is approximately 2-4 hours roundtrip with elevation change of 1,240 feet (380 m). No water.
Santa Maria Spring – Distance roundtrip is 5 miles (8 km). Hiking time is approximately 5-8 hours roundtrip with elevation changes of 1,760 feet. Treat water.
Dripping Springs – Distance roundtrip is 7 miles (11 km). The hiking time is approximately 6-9 hours with elevation change of 1,400 (430 m). Treat water. Use extra caution along narrow sections.
Grandview Trail (Very Steep) – Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins on canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of village). For experienced, desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended. May be extremely icy in early spring.
This trail offers two destinations with varying distances.
Coconino Saddle – Distance roundtrip is 2.2 miles (3.5 km). Hiking time requires approximately 1-2 hours roundtrip. Elevation changes 1,190 feet (360). No water. Use extra caution along narrow sections.
Horseshoe Mesa – Distance roundtrip 6 miles (9.6 km). Hiking time requires approximately 6 – 9 hours. Elevation changes 2,600 feet (793 m). Toilet. No water. Use extra caution along narrow sections.
Source: NPS
Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
General Inquiries: 928-638-7888
