Photo: Grand Canyon National Park, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A mile deep and wider than it looks in any photo, the Grand Canyon changes color by the hour. The South Rim is open all year and holds most of the classic hikes; just remember that every trail into the canyon goes down first, and the climb back out is the hard part. Two or three days lets you walk the rim at sunset, hike partway in at dawn, and catch a sunrise from a quiet point. These are the hikes we'd plan around, all doable as day trips.
TRAILS
1 OF 7
South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
1.8 mi
Elevation gain
790 ft
South Rim · South Kaibab trailhead (shuttle only) — The quickest way to feel the canyon open up around you. The trail drops off the rim in tight switchbacks to a point with a huge view east and down. It's short, but remember you hike back up every foot you went down. Go at sunrise, when the light pours across the buttes and the trail is cool.
⚠︎ No water on the trail. Mules use this route; step to the uphill side and wait.
Photo: Vulturesong, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 7
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
Difficulty
Hard
Length
3 mi
Elevation gain
1,100 ft
South Rim · South Kaibab trailhead (shuttle only) — Keep going past Ooh Aah Point to a broad ridge with a full panorama, including O'Neill Butte right ahead. The South Kaibab follows ridgelines instead of side canyons, so the views never stop, but there's almost no shade. Strong hikers on cool days can continue to Skeleton Point, 6 miles round trip. Bring more water than you think you need.
⚠︎ No water on the trail. Not a summer midday hike.
Photo: P. Hughes, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 7
Bright Angel Trail to 1.5-Mile Resthouse
Difficulty
Hard
Length
3 mi
Elevation gain
1,100 ft
South Rim · Grand Canyon Village — The canyon's most-traveled trail starts right in the village and winds down through two rock tunnels and long switchbacks under towering cliffs. It follows a side canyon, so you get some morning shade, and the resthouse is a natural place to turn around. It's the best first hike into the canyon. Allow twice as long for the climb out as the walk down.
⚠︎ Water at the resthouse is seasonal (about May to October) and can be off for pipeline repairs.
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 7
Bright Angel Trail to 3-Mile Resthouse
Difficulty
Strenuous
Length
6 mi
Elevation gain
2,100 ft
South Rim · Grand Canyon Village — Double the first leg and the canyon starts to wrap around you, with the green of Havasupai Gardens in view below. Below the first resthouse the switchbacks tighten as the trail drops down the Redwall cliffs. This is a big day by Grand Canyon standards and a serious climb out. Start at first light and turn around early if you're tiring.
⚠︎ Extreme heat in summer. Do not try to reach the river and back in one day.
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 7
Rim Trail
Difficulty
Easy
Length
Up to 13 mi one way
Elevation gain
Mostly flat
South Rim · Mather Point to Hermits Rest — Walk as little or as much as you like along the edge of the canyon, with a new viewpoint every few minutes. The stretch from Mather Point to Yavapai Point is paved and great for any group, and the western section along Hermit Road gets quieter the farther you go. Hopi and Mohave Points are favorites for sunset. Hop on a shuttle when your legs say enough.
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 7
Grandview Trail to Coconino Saddle
Difficulty
Hard
Length
2.2 mi
Elevation gain
1,000 ft
South Rim · Grandview Point, Desert View Drive — An old mining trail from the 1890s that drops steeply off Grandview Point on rock steps and cobbled switchbacks. The saddle looks into the upper reaches of Hance Creek, and you'll share it with far fewer people than the corridor trails. It's rugged, exposed and not maintained like Bright Angel. Wear real boots and expect ice in winter.
⚠︎ Steep and unsigned. Upper trail is often icy in winter and spring; traction devices recommended.
Photo: On^ste82, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
7 OF 7
Shoshone Point
Difficulty
Easy
Length
2 mi
Elevation gain
100 ft
South Rim · Desert View Drive pullout — A flat walk on an old dirt road through ponderosa forest to one of the quietest viewpoints on the South Rim. The point juts out over the canyon with wide views east and west, and you may have it nearly to yourself. A perfect calm spot for sunrise or a picnic. The parking area is small and unmarked, so watch for the gated road.
⚠︎ The point is sometimes reserved for permitted events; the road may be closed to walkers then.
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Grand Canyon trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.