Grand Canyon National Park Hiking Guide
Planning to enjoy a hike when you visit the Grand Canyon National Park? There are an astonishing 136 trails throughout the North and South Rim! All trails are available to the public for day hiking without the need to obtain a permit (overnight or multi-day hikes require a special use permit). Many trails are also accessible via a free shuttle service that reaches multiple destinations throughout the canyon.
South Rim trails range in length and difficulty, with some featuring paved walkways and others traversing steep, rugged terrain. You can even hike beneath the canyon's edge or make the arduous journey all the way to the canyon floor! Whether you're an experienced hiker or just want to enjoy a peaceful walk amongst the stunning canyon scenery, you'll find the perfect trail with this helpful guide to top Grand Canyon hikes.
Best Grand Canyon Trails for Sightseeing
Grandview Trail
Length: 2.2 mi. (3.5 km) roundtrip to Coconino Saddle and 6.4 mi. (10.3 km) roundtrip to Horseshoe Mesa
This incredible trail actually winds beneath the canyon's surface! This trail begins 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive. You'll wander the unmaintained pathway into the depths of the South Rim for views that simply cannot be replicated back at the rim.
Best of all, you can experience Grandview Trail on a guided Grand Canyon hike that also includes a ground tour aboard a military-style Hummer vehicle. Your professional driver/guide will transport your group to several scenic lookout points along the South Rim, where you'll have time to explore and take photos. After the Hummer tour, your guide will lead your group approximately one mile roundtrip along this iconic Grand Canyon trail. This tour package also includes a box lunch for each member and the option to privatize your Hummer excursion.
Bright Angel Point Trail
Length: 0.5 mi. (0.8 km) roundtrip
Bright Angel Point Trail is located at the North Rim and begins at the parking area of the visitor center. At the end of this short trail, hikers will find a truly stunning canyon view!
South Kaibab Trail
Length: 6 mi. (9.6 km) roundtrip
This trail begins near Yaki Point and is accessible via the South Rim's complimentary shuttle service. This route also offers incredible canyon sightseeing and water is available seasonally at the trailhead.
Top Grand Canyon Trails for Beginners
Rim Trail
Length: 13 mi. (21km) total length
The Rim Trail lies along the canyon's edge between the South Kaibab trailhead and Hermit's rest, a total distance of 13 miles. This is the perfect Grand Canyon trail for beginners, as the majority of the walkway is flat and paved, making it also wheelchair accessible. There are also multiple shuttle stops across the trail, allowing hikers to customize the length of their hike or get a ride back to Grand Canyon village once they're tired.
The Rim Trail offers nonstop views of the Grand Canyon due to its location right along the South Rim's edge, and a decent amount of shade compared to other trails. This is the perfect route for beginners, families with children, or visitors who simply want to enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Bright Angel Trail
Length: 12 mi. (19.3 km) roundtrip
Bright Angel Trail begins near the historic Bright Angel Lodge in Grand Canyon Village and offers up to 12 miles of hiking and sightseeing. Hikers along Bright Angel Trail will enjoy more shade than other trails and seasonal water.
Hiking to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon
Hiking from the surface of the South Rim to the Colorado River on the canyon floor is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list item for experienced hikers. The 6,000 ft (1,828 m) descent to the bottom of the canyon is a journey only extremely skilled and accomplished hikers, and the National Park Service strongly advises that you do not attempt to complete this hike in one day. Remember, the return ascent will take at least double the time and energy as the descent.
In order to accomplish this incredible yet arduous hike over the course of several days, you can reserve lodging at Phantom Ranch located on the canyon floor (you'll likely need to book over a year in advance) or request a backcountry permit to camp at the various campsites like Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campgrounds located within the canyon.
Trails that Reach the Bottom of the Grand Canyon
Bright Angel Trail
Length: 9.3 miles (15 km) to the bottom
Bright Angel Trail offers hikers water, shade, areas to sit, toilet facilities, and a ranger station en route to the canyon floor.
South Kaibab Trail
Length: 6.8 miles (11 km) to the bottom
While this is the shortest trail to the canyon floor, South Kaibab Trail offers nearly no shade and no access to water. If you plan to take this route, be sure to pack more than enough water and supplies.
North Kaibab Trail
Length: 14 mi. (22.5 km) to the bottom
This is the least popular route to the canyon floor as it is considered the most difficult and potentially dangerous trail. Only the most physically fit and experienced hikers should plan to attempt this hike.
Top Grand Canyon Hiking Tips
- Understand your physical limitations: Turn around before you start to feel tired, dehydrated, or pain.
- Bring more water than you need: Inexperienced hikers often underestimate how much water they will need to stay properly hydrated. It's also helpful to have extra in case you encounter another hiker in need.
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and layered clothing: Protecting yourself from the powerful desert sun is essential when hiking in the Grand Canyon. The weather in the inner gorge can also fluctuate unexpectedly.
- Never throw anything into the canyon gorge for others' safety: Never toss or roll personal belongings, logs, rocks, or any other object into the inner gorge.
- Never interact with any wild animal you may encounter: The Grand Canyon National Park is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. While many Grand Canyon animals have become accustomed to humans in their presence (like mischievous squirrels who like to beg for food), it is never a good idea to approach or attempt to touch a wild animal.
Hike the Grand Canyon with Papillon!
Papillon is the world';s largest and longest-running air tour operator. Our first Grand Canyon helicopter tour took place in 1965, and since then our Grand Canyon tour offerings have grown to include flights from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park, trips to Antelope Canyon, Hummer tours, and now hiking experiences!
If you're preparing to visit the Grand Canyon National Park, you don't have to add on the additional task of planning your South Rim hiking trip. Papillon can take on a thrilling sightseeing adventure, first aboard an open-air military style Hummer vehicle. Your professional guide/driver will select some of the best lookout points along the canyon's edge, and your group will have time to explore and take photos at each. After your ground tour, you will arrive at Grandview Point for a 1-mile roundtrip hike led by your experienced guide. You'll descend below the canyon's surface and witness once-in-a-lifetime views from inside the Grand Canyon National Park.
Experience some of the most world-famous views of the South Rim with Papillon today!
Are the South Rim trails open year-round?
Yes, the entire Grand Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, during winter or other extreme weather conditions, it’s always a good idea to check the National Park Service website for any unexpected closures.
Are the Grand Canyon trails kid-friendly?
There are several trails across the Grand Canyon that are perfect for kids and families. For example, the Rim Trail located at the South Rim offers a paved and level walking surface with plentiful sightseeing along the canyon’s edge.
How many trails are located at the Grand Canyon National Park?
There are an astonishing 136 trails traversing both the South and North Rims of the Grand Canyon, all ranging in length and difficulty. No matter your skill level, you’ll find a hike that’s perfect for you.
How long is our guided hike?
The roundtrip distance of your guided hike on Grandview Trail is approximately 1 mile.
Which trail will our guided tour take place on?
Your guided tour takes place on Grandview Trail, a route that actually descends below the surface of the Grand Canyon.