Grand Canyon National Park Day Hikes

South Rim Day Hikes

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 South Rim 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.

During summer months: Avoid the Danger Zone! The Danger Zone results from a combination of distance traveled, elevation change, temperature, and direct sunlight that can overwhelm your body’s ability to keep cool, fueled, and hydrated. The Danger Zone generally starts to develop between 1½ and 3 miles (3 to 5 km) down inner canyon trails. It’s HOT down there!

Rim Trail: The Rim Trail extends from the village area to Hermits Rest. Begin from any viewpoint in the village or along Hermit Road. Rim trails offer excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike. By using the shuttle busses, you can customize your hike to meet your needs. Part of the trail is paved and accessible.

Bright Angel Trail: (Steep) The Bright Angel trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge and offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles (round trip). Some shade, seasonal water subject to pipeline breaks; check at the Visitor Center or Backcountry Information Center for water status.

South Kaibab Trail: (Steep) The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus. Offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles (round trip). Best views for a relatively short hike. Steep trail, no water, little shade. Water available at trailhead.

Hermit Trail: (Steep) The Hermit trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Springs, 4.5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Spring, 6.5 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. 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.
Grandview Trail: (Very Steep) The Grandview trail offers hikes to Coconino saddle, 2 miles (round trip), and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. 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.

North Rim Day Hikes

Visitor services and facilities inside the national park on the North Rim are only open from mid May to mid October.

Day hiking in Grand Canyon is one way to experience some of the canyon's rich natural beauty and immense size. No permits or fees are required for day hikes. A good rule to follow is to decide how many hours you wish to hike. When 1/3 of the time has passed, turn around and begin to hike back. Assuming that you are physically fit and have adequate food and water (at least 3 quarts per person), the following day hikes are considered reasonable for most people during the summer months.

Bright Angel Point Trail: 0.5 mi. / 0.8 km round-trip; 30 minutes approximate round-trip hiking time. 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 or 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 to the North Rim Campground.

Uncle Jim Trail: 5.0 mi. / 8.0 km round-trip; 3 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. 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 round-trip) or Supai Tunnel (4 miles 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 3050 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 from 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 6000 ft./1829 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 Road 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 approximate round-trip 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 providing 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.