Grand Canyon Hiking: Day Hikes and Tips

Most visitors to the Grand Canyon enjoy the park only from roadside overlooks along the rim. Although these sweeping vistas will take your breath away, if you’re physically fit enough to handle the rigors of Grand Canyon hiking, especially day hikes, by all means hit the trails. You’ll discover parts of the canyon you would never see otherwise, and even during the most oppressive congestion in the summertime, a short hike of less than half an hour can take you away from the crowds.

Know Before You Go

Be aware that Grand Canyon hiking is hardcore, due to high altitude, slippery trails, treacherous weather and extreme changes in elevation. There simply are no easy treks into the interior of the canyon. On the return, Grand Canyon trails back up are steep, and first-time guests often underestimate how difficult it will be to ascend at the end of a hike.

When planning a hike, know your own limitations and err on the side of caution. Park rangers strongly discourage folks from planning a day hike to the Colorado River—they rescue some 250 people a year who fail to heed this warning.

 

• Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park utilize a paved path on the South Rim Trail to get between Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station.

Mike Quinn, NPS Photo

With these caveats in mind, here are Grand Canyon hiking tips for five of my favorite hikes, divided by location and then listed according to difficulty (with easiest hikes first). South Rim trails are open year-round (although they can be icy and snowy in winter). North Rim trails are open seasonally, generally from mid-May to mid-October.

South Rim Hiking

Rim Trail

The Grand Canyon’s Rim Trail is a fairly level, partially paved pathway that runs along the South Rim, from Monument Creek Vista running west to Hermits Rest, for a little under three miles, one way. (Shuttle stops are available at Hermits Rest and Pima Point, a lovely vista about midway that is convenient for return trips or if you want to hike only a portion of the trail.) The route passes by Yavapai Point, with an enclosed observation area that offers shelter in inclement weather. Expect to encounter small wildlife along the trail and a lovely sprinkling of wildflowers in the spring.

Bright Angel Trail

Bright Angel Trail is likely the most famous trail in the park, and offers a tough 12-mile roundtrip, beginning at the South Rim near the Bright Angel Lodge, and running down into the canyon to Plateau Point. For hikers strong enough to go the distance, this trail offers a glimpse of the Colorado River. About halfway down, you’ll find restrooms and water at the Indian Garden Ranger Station (although note that because of freeze-thaw cycles and resultant broken pipes, water availability is not reliable in spring). This trail is also used by the mule train tours—these beasts of burden always have the right of way. (The best thing to do is step to the inside of the trail, away from the ledge, stop, and wait for the mule train to pass.) [Read more about Grand Canyon tours.]

This trail offers some fabulous canyon views, even if you don’t plan to make the full trip—but be aware that it is a steep return, and much too strenuous for inexperienced hikers and children under 12. For a more manageable hike, turn around at the first switchback, which will allow a leisurely walk down of about half an hour and another hourlong climb back up.

 

• Hikers take a break at the Ooh Aah Point on the South Kaibab Trail.

NPS Photo

South Kaibab Trail

This rigorous six-mile roundtrip from Yaki Point to Skeleton Point offers another excellent view of the river and dramatic views of the canyon along the way. Note that even though South Kaibab Trail is a shorter trail, it’s much steeper than Bright Angel Trail, and thus inexperienced hikers should seriously consider turning back at the stunning and appropriately named Ooh-Aah Point, which is a little less than a mile down. Another half mile beyond Ooh-Aah takes you to Cedar Point, where you’ll find restrooms (but no water). Park officials recommend day hikers go no further than Cedar Point when hiking in the summer heat. Note that mule trains use the South Kaibab route on their return. As noted above, give the animals and their riders the right of way.

Next: North Rim Day Hikes