Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon Hikes
Grand Canyon hikes are a truly life changing experience, as it's hard to fathom just how vast it is! The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic sights in the whole of the United States, a dramatic crease in the desert landscape that surrounds it. This plunging gorge was sculpted by the Colorado River and in some places is over a mile deep, creating a mind-bending landscape that appears to defy nature. A trip to the Grand Canyon is a must for all true adventurers, and Grand Canyon hikes are the best way to experience the landscape!
Hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park is centered on the canyon itself, but there are many different trails to choose from that are suitable for hikers of all levels. From the iconic South Kaibab Trail to the epic Rim-to-Rim hike, there are plenty of Grand Canyon hikes to keep even the most adventurous traveller happy. The rugged trails and jaw-dropping landscapes mean that you’ll be well rewarded for your efforts, and this is a hiking trip likely to remain etched in your memory for years to come.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park is also a wonderful way to learn more about the fascinating geology of the region. The steep canyon walls tell the story of millions of years of the earth’s history, with colorful layers of sedimentary rock that give us fascinating insights into the environmental history of the region. Step back in time millions of years and explore the earliest history of the development of our planet on one of the many Grand Canyon hike son offer!
This incredible natural wonder is on almost every hiker’s bucket list. To give you a little inspiration for your next hiking adventure, we’ve put together a list of all our favorite Grand Canyon hikes, together with some top tips on how to enjoy the canyon. Read on to find out more!
Types Of Hiking In The Grand Canyon National Park
As the name suggests, the Grand Canyon is the destination for some truly epic hikes in an epic landscape – ideal if you’re a keen adventurer looking for a bit of a challenge. Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is no mean feat, and you’ll certainly need plenty of energy and stamina for the steep climb back up to the top. However, this can be an immensely rewarding experience, whether you choose to do it as a strenuous day hike or camp out for the night on the valley floor.
However, you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy all that this incredible natural gorge has to offer. There are lots of shorter, easy hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park that allow you to appreciate the majesty of the landscape without committing to a long, tough canyon hike. Kids will adore the fantastic viewpoints over the iconic landscape, and it’s a great opportunity to learn a little more about the geology and nature that makes this region so beautiful and distinctive. Grand Canyon hikes really are an incredible experience that are perfectly suited to all ages and skill levels.
Easy Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
Cape Royal Hike: This short, easy hike will take you along a paved path to one of the best viewpoints in the Grand Canyon National Park. The trail is dotted with fascinating information boards that tell visitors about the geology and biology of the region, but the real draw is the magnificent panorama from Cape Royal itself. You’ll have a view that extends across the canyon all the way to Desert View on the South Rim. This is one of our favorite easy hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park.
Family Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
South Rim Trail Hike: The South Rim Trail is the most popular route in the park, and with good reason. This relatively easy hike, passing from Grand Canyon Village with Hermits Rest Point, traces the flat valley bottom, making it an ideal route for hikers of all ages and ability. This is one of our favorite family hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park.
Day Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
Bright Angel Trail Hike: Beware – this challenging hike is not for the faint of heart! It’s a strenuous day out, but we think it’s one of the best day hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park. The initial descent offers incredible views over the canyon, and the landscape just keeps getting better and better until you reach the bottom and gaze upon the picturesque steep inner canyon.
Challenging Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
South Kaibab Trail Hike: This epic trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park, and should only be attempted as a day hike if you’re an experienced, fit hiker! However, the rewards make all the effort worthwhile, with views over this incredible, otherworldly landscape. To make this trail a little easier, split it over two days and camp at the Bright Angel Campground.
Best Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
Santa Maria Springs Hike: This hike in the western tip of the Grand Canyon passes by some impressive rock formations, as well as offering wonderful views over the canyon edge. The path descends steeply down a series of switchbacks before reaching the flat valley bottom, and the Santa Maria Springs. Although the climb back to the trailhead is steep and arduous, this is one of the relatively short Grand Canyon hikes, and is a great way to spend a morning in the park.
Cape Final Hike: This short, easy hike is one of the lesser-known routes in the Grand Canyon National Park, meaning that it’s a good option if you want to escape the crowds. You’ll also enjoy a fantastic panorama of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. It’s possible to extend this hike into an easy overnight backpacking trip, perfect for families and beginner hikers!
Grandview Trail Hike: The steep descent into the eastern section of the Grand Canyon is a little challenging, but the views along the way are simply spectacular. Your destination is Horseshoe Mesa, a plateau that juts out into the canyon. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as there is little shade in the later stages of the hike, and it can get hot underneath the afternoon sun!
Bright Angel Point Hike: The route to Bright Angel Point is a wonderful short hike for all the family! The views are simply remarkable, with a panorama that extends across the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails that weave their way down the into the gorge. The path is well maintained but steep, so not suitable for strollers.
Shoshone Point Hike: Hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park can often be crowded, but this short, easy hike is usually much quieter than the other routes listed here. The destination is an incredible viewpoint, where you can gaze out at the remarkable scenery from the viewpoint – a white, jutting rock that hangs over the canyon. This is one of the best places in the Grand Canyon National Park for a picnic!
Dripping Springs Hike: This secluded, shady hike is perfect for a hot day, as you’ll enjoy plenty of shade from the warm sun. The trail passes through a lush valley, and you’ll need to negotiate some tricky places where cacti and plants have invaded the path, making you feel as though you’re on a real adventure. The destination is a picturesque spring, with water dripping from the mossy roof of a stone alcove.
When Is The Best Time To Go Hiking In The Grand Canyon National Park?
Although some parts of the Grand Canyon National Park (such as the South Rim) are open year-round, the main hiking season runs from April to mid-October. Outside this time, the North Rim is subject to snowy conditions and the trails are closed. The summer months of July and August can be extremely warm, making uncomfortable conditions for hiking, and at this time the park can often be saturated with visitors. As a result, we think that the best time to go hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park is spring or autumn. Early spring is ideal as the weather is still cool, wildflowers adorn the trail, and there are fewer crowds in the most popular areas of the park. However, some areas around the North Rim are likely to be closed. In autumn, the fall colors add an extra layer of beauty to this already spectacular landscape.
Other Outdoor Activities In The Grand Canyon National Park
The best way to appreciate the majesty of the Grand Canyon is on foot, but in addition to hiking, there are many other outdoor activities in the Grand Canyon National Park! There are many opportunities for cycling around the park, including guided bike tours. Take advantage of the Colorado River and try your hand at whitewater rafting or smooth water trips on the river. It’s also a wonderful place for camping and backpacking, and there’s no better place to appreciate the beauty of the night sky than on a camping trip in the Grand Canyon National Park!
How To Plan A Trip To The Grand Canyon National Park
If the Grand Canyon National Park is on your bucket list, it’s time to start planning your adventure today! We’ve put together everything you need to know in our guide to planning a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to information about when to go and where to stay, we’ve got plenty of ideas for how to spend the perfect day in the Grand Canyon National Park, and of course, our top 10 hikes. We’ve done the hard work to make sure your trip goes perfectly – all you need to do is grab your hiking boots and head out on one of the many amazing Grand Canyon hikes!
Frequently-Asked-Questions About The Grand Canyon National Park
How long does it take to hike down the Grand Canyon?
Whichever route you choose, it usually takes around four or five hours to reach the Colorado River and the valley floor. The ascent back to the top typically takes around seven or eight hours, which is why it’s not usually advisable to attempt an out-and-back hike to the canyon floor in one day unless you are very fit. Obtain a backcountry camping permit in advance and split your hike over two days.
Do you need hiking boots for the Grand Canyon?
The trails in the Grand Canyon National Park are typically uneven and therefore it’s advisable to bring sturdy hiking books with appropriate ankle support.
Is the Grand Canyon dangerous?
The vast majority of visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park enjoy their trip in safety and security. However, as with any wilderness area, accidents can happen, and therefore it’s important to take precautions. Water can be scarce on many trails, so make sure to bring plenty of drinking water to ensure you stay hydrated. Fatalities occur each year due to falls at the Grand Canyon, so take care when walking on the steep cliffs.
Are there bears in the Grand Canyon?
Black bears can be found in the conifer forests around the North Rim. However, encounters with humans are very rare.
Best Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park
Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trail
The North Kaibab Trail is the most thrilling of the three maintained routes in the Grand Canyon, and the hike to Ribbon Falls on this route is an adventure you’ll remember for years to come. This is a big trek, taking you down from the rugged North Rim, through tunnels blasted into the rock, past viewpoints, along the canyon floor, and to a waterfall. The out and back trip is 27.4 km long, so while this hike can be done in a day by experienced, fit groups, we do recommend splitting it up with a stay at Cottonwood.
If you plan to hike to Ribbon Falls in a day, we recommend getting a very early start to avoid the heat of the day, packing lots of nutrition, electrolytes, and water, and having the right gear to take you through. It’s a big trip to say the least! If you’ll be backpacking, book your stay at Cottonwood as far in advance as you can, normally 4 months ahead of time.
User Ratings
Skeleton Point via South Kaibab Trail
The hike to Skeleton Point via South Kaibab Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon from the South Rim. South Kaibab Trail is the second-most visited trail in the canyon after Bright Angel Trail and there are a variety of viewpoints and turnaround points along the way. Skeleton Point is the furthest you can go before the terrain becomes more extreme, so it’s the best view the average hiker can earn on South Kaibab. The views you’ll get from the lookout are ones you won’t soon forget, so make sure you’ve got a camera with you to capture the moment.
This hike is at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is the area most tourists visit during their time at the canyon. It’s located near Yaki Point, and while you won’t be able to park right at the trailhead, you can take one of the shuttles there for easy access.
User Ratings
Grand Canyon Rim Trail
If you plan to visit the Grand Canyon, you’ll almost certainly find yourself on the Grand Canyon Rim Trail at one point or another. This trail covers almost 20.9 km from the eastern end to the western end, spanning across the best viewpoints on the South Rim. The route is easy and suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s paved, so aside from steeper or rockier paths to viewpoints, the Rim Trail is perfect for all visitors to the park.
You can hop onto this trail at any point and hike as far as you like. This guide will detail the route from one end to the other, and while hiking the whole trail is an amazing experience, most visitors enjoy a shorter section or use it to access other routes into the canyon. Expect heavy traffic.
User Ratings
Grandview Trail Loop
The Grandview Trail Loop is a challenging 20.1 km loop hike off the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This trail heads out to Horseshoe Mesa along a ridge, circles the mesa, and returns. The views are sublime and the trail won’t be as crowded as Bright Angel or South Kaibab. That being said, you should prepare for a very strenuous climb with limited access to water and some exposed sections. While this trail can be done in a long day, booking a night at Horseshoe Mesa Camp to break it up is recommended.
User Ratings
Grand Canyon Village to Hermit’s Rest
Hermit’s Rest is the most westerly viewpoint accessible on the Grand Canyon Rim Trail. This route guide details the 27.4 km out and back trip to Hermit’s Rest and back from the Grand Canyon Village. With a relaxed, well-maintained route that features constant canyonside views, this is a great trip on its own or as a warmup for bigger hikes beginning from Hermit’s Rest. Note that there’s a free shuttle to Hermit’s Rest and back should the length of this hike as an out and back be too much for your group.
User Ratings
Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trail
The North Kaibab Trail is the most thrilling of the three maintained routes in the Grand Canyon, and the hike to Ribbon Falls on this route is an adventure you’ll remember for years to come. This route begins and ends at Phantom Ranch so it’s perfect for campers and backpackers who’ve arranged to stay in the canyon. This is a hard hike, so bring lots of water, avoid the heat of the day, and use good gear. Expect heavy traffic.
User Ratings
Yavapai Geology Museum to Verkamp’s Hike
Exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? Take a hike from the Yavapai Geology Museum to Verkamp’s Visitor Center, an easy and short hike accessible right from the Grand Canyon Village. More of a very scenic walk than a hike, this route can be done by all ages and all skill levels. Don’t assume that because it’s easy, it misses out on scenery through– the Rim Trail boasts perfect, wide-open viewpoints of the Grand Canyon.
User Ratings
Uncle Jim Trail
While the trails on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon tend to be more rugged than those on the south side, the Uncle Jim Trail is a perfect way to experience the wild scenery on this side of the canyon without needing to exhaust yourself. This route is 7.6 km long and has a much gentler elevation profile than anything else on the North Rim. You won’t miss out on those jaw-dropping views, though. Expect moderate traffic.
User Ratings
Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa Trail
Hiking from Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa Trail is a hard 9.2 km out and back hike off the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This trail heads out to Horseshoe Mesa along a ridge with dazzling views. This trail won’t be as crowded as Bright Angel or South Kaibab. That being said, you should prepare for a very strenuous climb with limited access to water and some exposed sections. This route is easier to complete in one day than the Grandview Trail Loop. Expect heavy traffic.
User Ratings
Soap Creek Trail
The Soap Creek Trail is an 13.4 km out and back hike in Grand Canyon National Park that is rated as moderate, but consider it moderate with an asterisk. This hike requires good climbing skills, rope or webbing, and the knowledge of how to use them. There are intimidating boulder descents and ascents where you’re quite exposed, so we recommend this route for hikers who are comfortable with hands-on climbing and rappelling if necessary. Families, find another route! Expect light traffic.
User Ratings
Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail
The Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail is a challenging 19.6 km loop hike off the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This trail heads out to Horseshoe Mesa along a ridge, circles the mesa, and returns. The views are sublime and the trail won’t be as crowded as Bright Angel or South Kaibab. That being said, you should prepare for a very strenuous climb with limited access to water and some exposed sections. While this trail can be done in a long day, booking a night at Horseshoe Mesa Camp to break it up is recommended. Note that this follows a slightly different trail than the Grandview Trail Loop, so we recommend referring to a GPS track if you’re unsure which loop you’re following.
User Ratings
Maricopa Point, Powell Point, and Hopi Point via Rim Trail
If you plan to visit the Grand Canyon, you’ll almost certainly find yourself on the Grand Canyon rim Trail The hike to Maricopa Point, Powell Point, and Hopi Point on the Rim Trail hits three major viewpoints on the South Rim. Consider this your go-to Grand Canyon view hike if it’s your first time here. The route is easy and suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s paved, so aside from steeper or rockier paths to viewpoints, the Rim Trail is perfect for all visitors to the park.
User Ratings
Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail
The hike to Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon from the South Rim. South Kaibab Trail is the second-most visited trail in the canyon after Bright Angel Trail and there are a variety of viewpoints along the way. Phantom Ranch is a set of lodges on the canyon floor, so use this route as part of a longer backpacking adventure. You’ll also pass the Bright Angel Campground on the way.
User Ratings
Vaseys Paradise via South Canyon Trail
The hike to Vaseys Paradise via South Canyon Trail is an exciting adventure that leads you to a viewpoint featuring a lush oasis with cascading falls. This hike starts at the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon and descends a steep slope with the occasional scramble required. It’s a tough hike despite its modest distance, so make sure you come prepared. Expect light traffic.
User Ratings
South Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail
Combining South Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon from the South Rim. Experience inner-canyon scenery in all its glory. You’ll also pass the Indian Gardens Campground on the way, so this can be made into an overnight trip. Note that this route is a point-to-point hike, so plan to catch the shuttle to get back to where you began. Doing this hike as an out and back in one day would be too strenuous. Expect heavy traffic.
User Ratings
Transept Trail
The Transept Trail runs along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim Lodge to near the North Rim Campground. If you’re visiting the North Rim, this is one of the easiest and most convenient routes you can take. It’s suitable for all skill levels and has almost no elevation change. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.
User Ratings
Phantom Overlook via Phantom Ranch
The hike from Phantom Ranch to Phantom Overlook is a fairly quick trip that won’t tire you out before your trek out of the canyon. If you’re staying at the ranch and want a relaxed side trip with a great view of the whole spot, this is a good pick. It goes without saying, but although this hike is easier and family-friendly, the hike into and out of the canyon is not, and you won’t be able to complete this route unless you’ve already found your way into the canyon. Expect light traffic.
User Ratings
Cottonwood Campground via Phantom Ranch
If you’re down at Phantom Ranch on the floor of the Grand Canyon, use this route guide to reach Cottonwood Campground. Backpackers traveling rim to rim can also use this route no matter which way they’re headed through the canyon. This route reflects an out and back journey, but you can halve the distance if you only need to follow it one way as a point-to-point hike. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
User Ratings
Cypress Point Vista via North Kaibab Trail
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a rugged, jaw-dropping hiking destination that mostly escapes the crowds that the South Rim sees. What it doesn’t skip out on is dazzling hiking trails with scenery not found anywhere else. The hike to Cypress Point is a hard trip with varied terrain, from suspension bridges to tunnels and cliffside stretches. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
User Ratings
New Hance Trail
The New Hance Trail begins from the eastern side of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and descends over rocky, unstable, challenging terrain to the Colorado River below. This hike is demanding, has no shade, and requires careful routefinding. It’s useful as a means to an end to get from the river to the rim or vice versa, but we don’t necessarily recommend choosing it over more enjoyable, safer hikes like the Grandview Trail Loop. Expect moderate traffic on this trail.