Best trails in Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park in northwestern Arizona is an iconic destination at the top of many travelers' bucket lists. The highlight of the park, of course, is a gorge carved by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is the largest canyon in the United States, measuring up to %{18_miles} wide, %{277_miles} long, and %{6000_feet} deep! The Colorado River has been carving the canyon for more than 5 million years. The process has revealed rock layers that are much older — the youngest rock layer, the Kaibab Formation, is 270 million years old!
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience this amazing geological wonder, and the South Rim of the park offers a trail for everyone. Short, family-friendly hikes offer sweeping vistas of the canyon from viewpoints along the rim. For experienced hikers, there are several trails that descend into the canyon with epic views along the way. No matter which trail you choose, make sure you're prepared before setting out. Take enough food and water, and don't forget sun protection. Go slowly and know your limits. Hikes into the canyon can be especially deceptive — remember to save enough energy for the hike back up to the rim.
In addition to driving, there are other ways to travel to the South Rim. Grand Canyon Airport is about %{7_miles} from the South Rim, and you can take a flight there from the Las Vegas area and a few nearby cities. Buses are also available, including the shuttle from the nearby town of Tusayan, which operates from late May through early September. If you're interested in the scenic route, Amtrak offers service to Flagstaff, or you can take the historic Grand Canyon Railway from the town of Williams right to the South Rim!
Once you've arrived at the South Rim, there are lots of ways to get around the park. Guided tours are available by bus, bicycle, or even mule! If you want to explore the park at your own pace, the free shuttle is your best bet. There are 4 shuttle routes, and 3 of them operate year-round. The Hermits Rest (Red) Route operates from March through November, and the road is closed to private vehicles during that time. You don't need a ticket to ride the shuttle, and they arrive at clearly marked stops every 15 to 30 minutes.
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in spring and fall when the weather is mildest. The South Rim of the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, though it can be quite busy in summer. If you've visited the South Rim before and are looking to shake the crowds, check out some less-traveled hikes on the North Rim!
There is an entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay online in advance or in person at various locations in and around the park.
Top trails
- (10215)·Moderate·1.8 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis "halfway" point to Cedar Ridge is a beautiful hike all in itself. This is the most accessible view of the canyon from the South Kaibab Trailhead and is best for families with young children. If you want to get away from the crowd at the top of the rim, but don't want to go on an all-day hike, this is a good option. Once you reach the end of the trail, you will understand why this lookout is named "Ooh Ahh" after seeing the incredible views.
- (8508)·Moderate·3.0 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrThe South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. This trail is suitable for a day hike to the mule-hitching post at Cedar Ridge. It offers incredible views for a relatively short hike, but it is steep and lacks water and shade. Seasonal water is available at the trailhead. In winter or early spring, the upper portion of the trail can be extremely icy, while summer months may bring thunderstorms. Notably, this is the only trail in Grand Canyon National Park that follows a...
- (6359)·Hard·5.8 miThis is a must-see viewpoint along the Grand Canyon South Rim and is perfect for a day hike. There are stunning views of the Colorado River from this viewpoint, as well as the beautiful desert canyon landscape. This trail is tough and gradually descends to Skeleton Point. Other incredible 360-degree vistas are located at Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge. On the way back, the hike is all uphill so save some energy and snacks! For those who wish to hike further along the South Kaibab Trail, you...
- (8495)·Hard·3.2 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrThis route travels along the Bright Angel Trail and ends at the 1.5 Mile Resthouse. This is one of the shorter routes in the canyon, and one of the most popular ones as well. The trail is challenging, with over 1,000ft of elevation gain along the way, therefore it is important to plan and prepare ahead of time. At some points of the day, the canyon walls provide some shade, however, there are also exposed areas so bring sun protection.
- (5186)·Hard·15.8 miThe Bright Angel Trail is a challenging and adventurous route in the Grand Canyon. The trail begins in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, with several rest houses and water along the way. Since the trail is out and back, you can turn around whenever you want. It is not suggested that you do the full route in one day but rather in sections along a multi-day backpacking trip. The trail offers iconic views of the canyon and access to the Colorado River for those up to the challenge. If...
- (4858)·Hard·6.1 mi3-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Grand Canyon and is one of several Bright Angel Trail hikes available. The route begins at the Bright Angel Trailhead. This route offers gorgeous views, so remember to stop often for photos. The earlier you begin the hike, the fewer crowds. The route ends at the 3-Mile Resthouse, but there are options for shortening and lengthening your journey. You may choose to stop at the 1.5 Mile Resthouse or continue on...
- (3075)·Hard·14.3 miThis route features a fantastic descent into the canyon with a difficult ascent back up. The trail is challenging and requires preparation, but it is a must-do multi-day trip in the park. From the trailhead, the path begins with switchbacks known as "the chimney" and descends steeply and narrowly through the canyon. Along the way, there are several stunning vantage points, including Ooh Ahh Point and Cedar Ridge. Wear sturdy footwear because the terrain can be uneven and rocky in some places....
- (4666)·Easy·6.0 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrThe Rim Trail stretches from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermit's Rest, offering stunning Grand Canyon views. The mostly paved trail is lined with markers that highlight the canyon's geological history, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both scenic beauty and educational opportunities. Mather Point, a popular overlook, provides a breathtaking panorama and is easily accessible from the visitor's center. A particularly scenic section of the trail lies between the Yavapai...
- (5094)·Strenuous·16.6 miThis is a combination of two extremely classic routes in the historic Grand Canyon National Park. Starting from the South Kaibab Trail, this easy-to-follow trail has awe-inspiring views along the rim and also leads to the Colorado River. There are many series of switchbacks leading up and down the canyon. It's challenging and sometimes steep, however, the adventure and views are worth the effort. If completing this trail as a day hike, it is best to start early. If backpacking this route,...
- (2317)·Hard·4.5 miThe Havasupai Gardens Campground can be reached using this point-to-point route which can also be incorporated into a multi-day camping trip. The trail is very well-maintained, clear to follow, and offers stunning canyon views at every turn. Before the 1.5-mile house and on weekends, the trail may be congested. Bring appropriate sun protection, as the trail is primarily exposed to the sun. On the way to the campground, there are restrooms with drinking water available for a portion of the year.
Visitor info
Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).
Individual ($20 valid for 7 days): for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians.
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15 person passenger van. Organized non-commercial groups over 16 passengers require different charges. Commercial groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.
Available to the general public for purchase for unlimited visits to Grand Canyon National Park only. This is an annual pass, valid one year from month of purchase; it is non-transferable.
It admits the pass holder and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (train, shuttle, bicycle, or foot).
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The North Rim Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Tusayan Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. All the bookstores and gift shops are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, except for South Rim’s Kolb Studio and Desert View Watchtower. Orientation films include open captioning.
Loaner wheelchairs are available at Bright Angel Bicycles and the North Rim Visitor Center. Tandem bicycles are available for rent at Bright Angel Bicycles.
Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call 928-638-7888 or email grca_information@nps.gov at least 3 weeks in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Grand Canyon National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
All park shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate manual or motorized chairs under 48 inches long and 30 inches wide (122 by 76 cm). However, most motorized scooters cannot be accommodated on the shuttle buses.
A Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit is available at the entrance gates and service centers for visitors with mobility disabilities. It allows access to some areas not open to public traffic, but a state-issued parking placard is still required for parking in wheelchair accessible parking spaces.
The North Rim Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Tusayan Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. All the bookstores and gift shops are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, except for South Rim’s Kolb Studio and Desert View Watchtower. Orientation films include open captioning.
All hotels have wheelchair accessible rooms.
There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Hermits Rest, Hopi Point, Grandview Point, and Buggein.
Mather and North Rim Campgrounds have individual wheelchair accessible camping sites.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Visitors must check in at the Backcountry Information Center to take service animals into the canyon.
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Frequently asked questions
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Birding trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Camping trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Hiking trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Running trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Snowshoeing trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Walking trails in Grand Canyon National Park
Attractions
- Beach trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Hard trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Easy trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Forest trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Grand Canyon National Park
- Long trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Moderate trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Grand Canyon National Park
- River trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Short trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Strenuous trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Trails with views in Grand Canyon National Park
- Waterfall trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Wildflower trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Wildlife trails in Grand Canyon National Park
Suitability
- Trails for leashed dogs in Grand Canyon National Park
- Kid-friendly trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Partially paved trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Paved trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Stroller-friendly trails in Grand Canyon National Park
- Wheelchair-friendly trails in Grand Canyon National Park
