#2 - Grand Canyon Rim Trail
Grand Canyon National ParkLength: 12.7 mi • Est. 5 h 6 m
This trail is the entire Rim Trail, stretching from the South Kaibab Trailhead west to Hermit's Rest, approximately 13 miles long. The trail is mostly paved and lined with markers to show you how far you've traveled both in feet and years (an earth-time line if you will). There is no water available along the trail but there are areas of shade. The section between Monument Creek Vista and Hermit's Rest is also called the Hermit Road Greenway Trail.
A mostly flat walk with stunning views of the canyon. There are several shuttle stops along the way, allowing you to pick and chose the areas you want to explore. Leashed pets are allowed on the trail, but not on the shuttle busses so plan accordingly. From many of the overlooks, you will have unrestricted views to the other side of the canyon, and sometimes as far as 40 miles along the canyon.
If you are looking for a place to stop to watch the sunset, try Hopi point (although if it is too crowded, try nearby Mohave Point). The Canyon is best seen during the golden hours (the hour after sunrise and before sunset) when the light is low and the canyon walls turn into amazing shades of red and orange.
Accessibility: The trail is mostly paved, typically at least four feet wide, and has a lot of flat stretches but there are some steep places where the grade is 8 - 12% or over 12% that may not be accessible for wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers without assistance. Stroller and wheelchair users may have difficulty navigating the very steep (over 12%) section leaving the Grand Canyon Village towards Hermit's Rest at about 5.1 miles. Other steep sections are at about 0.7, 3.9, 5.8, 7.9, 10.3, and 11.7 miles when going west. Between Powell Point and Monument Creek Vista the trail is a three-foot-wide dirt trail.
There are wheelchair-accessible shuttle stops close to the trail such as Powell Point and Hermit's Rest, and parking lots along the trail to access it at different points. Please note, these two shuttles run between March 1 and November 30.
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