The Tip-Off is located on the Tonto Plateau. Crowds will be low (aside from the days around Thanksgiving). Hikers seeking panoramic views unparalleled on any other trail at Grand Canyon will want to consider a hike down the South Kaibab Trail. Any comments on the shuttle limitations? I also swim and bike several days a week. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Soaring daytime temperatures can create a dangerous situation. This is a true test of your endurance and you need to come prepared. It can get well over 100°F in the bottom of the canyon during the summer months. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The final 3 miles is of trail is a steady grade of switchbacks that climbs the remaining 2,100 feet to the rim. Cheers, Julie, The closest place to park, that I know of, is along Desert View Drive before you get to Yaki Point Road. We just hope Covid and shuttle issues don’t mess it up too much. Located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this hike is a must for any hikers bucket list! Six months after hiking the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails, Tim and I returned the Grand Canyon and hiked rim-to-rim…North Rim to the South Rim. And you have more daylight than during the winter months. During our visit in late December, there was ice on the top part of the South Kaibab Trail. I also recommend spending some time on a Stairmaster. But with less elevation gain over a longer distance, it is slightly less strenuous than the South Kaibab Trail. One question i do have is about the shuttle after the hike? The first article covers the hike from start to finish. Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Where We Stayed. Take frequent breaks and even though you might not care anymore, try to enjoy the view across the Grand Canyon. All rights reserved. Tips to Have the Best Experience Elevation Gain: 4380 feet Point Name: GTR018: Cross the Colorado River on the Silver Bridge, a suspension bridge with views of the raging water below. The website says only 15 people per bus so we are concerned that buses will be full. Distance: 9.5 miles A little research and investigation reveals a plethora of lesser-known routes in, out, through, and around the Grand Canyon. Starting elevation: 7260 feet However, Kara was recovering from an injury so she had to sit this one out. I had this weird combination of excitement and dread for what was still to come. You can combine these two trails together to create one massive day hike or a two-day backpacking trip. However, for most the year, the river is usually brown from sediment in the water. Loved your post about South Kaibab and Bright Angel hike in one day. The trail was a bit icy on both ends. Curious about what it is like to hike rim-to-rim? From here, it is one final, steep descent to the Colorado River. From Ooh Aah Point, you pass to Cedar Ridge. Good luck! Thanks in advance! Doing This Hike in Reverse Order Those same muscles now have to get you back up to the rim. The best way to get to the trailhead is to take the free Grand Canyon shuttle from the Visitor Center directly to the trailhead. Once at Indian Garden, you have access to potable water and restrooms. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Note that just prior to The Tipoff you'll find the east-west junction with the Tonto Trail, and beyond The Tipoff the trail leads behind the Tonto Plateau and descends into the inner gorge of the canyon following the route of the earlier Cable Trail that was built it 1907. After crossing the Colorado River, the sand trail traverses west along the south bank following a relatively level grade to the River Resthouse. The road to Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trail is for shuttle buses only. Winter is very pleasant but snow can make the trails slippery and dangerous. However, the views from the South Kaibab Trail are so spectacular that we stopped a lot for photos. Sunrise was 7:30 am and sunset was at 5:15 pm. When to Hike the Grand Canyon Planning a trip to Arizona? Tyler and I were dropped off right where Yaki Point Road meets Desert View Road, and I think it was a 3/4 mile walk, and you would do about the same from the small parking lot on Desert View Road. Ooh Aah Point sits at 6660 feet, which is 600 feet under the rim. During this adventure it snowed on the rim while the weather at the floor was exceedingly comfortable, with daytime temperatures around 70 degrees. This long yet overwhelmingly rewarding trek leads through some of the Grand Canyon’s least-traveled areas and offers unparalleled views. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike: Planning Guide and Checklist. Start early in the day. That gave us about 10 hours of daylight. It was an incredible experience. The final three miles is killer. By this point, my legs were starting to feel fatigued. I hope everything works out with the shuttle. ). How Fit Do You Need to Be? South Kaibab Trail shows you the sights of Grand Canyon National Park that you longed to see when you planned your trip here. With less elevation gain and a slightly longer trail, the hike up Bright Angel is easier than South Kaibab. However, when people refer to the rim-to-rim hike, they are referring to the North Rim to South Rim hike. Park Rangers make many rescues per year for people who get in over their heads. We planned on hiking all the way to Skeleton Point and back. And I hope you have a great hike! From the Bright Angel Trailhead, enjoy the view and take a few celebratory photos. From the River Resthouse to Indian Garden, it is a 3.2-mile walk. It is possible to do it as one mega day hike if you are extremely fit and fast. You need to be prepared for lots of elevation change and if you are doing this from May to September, you also need to be prepared to hike in temperatures reaching over 100°F. Julie Last updated: December 9, 2020 United States 55 Comments. There are no technical sections and the trail is so well marked that it would be almost impossible to lose your way, but it helps to have experience doing big climbs and big descents. Book your tickets online for South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park: See 1,677 reviews, articles, and 1,516 photos of South Kaibab Trail, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 82 attractions in Grand Canyon National Park. If you want to skip the shuttle, there are a few parking spaces on Desert View Road. We were moving fairly fast but I also stopped a lot to take photos. Difficulty: Strenuous Distance: 14.6 miles, round-trip Hiking Time: 2 Days Elevation Change: 4,700 feet Steep and strenuous, the South Kaibab Trail is the South Rim’s most direct route to the bottom of Grand Canyon. Conditions: Departing Big Pan, another series of switchbacks descends 1,120 feet in 1.5 miles and passes the junction with the river trail before arriving at the southern side of the Kaibab Suspension Bridge. You have to descend a series of switchbacks again, but the sweeping views across the Grand Canyon are some of the best of the day. Without the shuttle service, it is tricky getting to the trailhead. Mules played an invaluable role in the history of the canyon, and they remain important today. The views are absolutely worth it though. I’m so sorry to hear that your Phantom Ranch reservation was cancelled. This is a 24-mile journey that most people do as a two-day backpacking trip. We took the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. Incredible panoramas. A 23-year-old Arizona man died after plunging 80 feet off a trail at the Grand Canyon, authorities said. It’s about protecting what sustains us. Temperatures can soar, and with the heat, this can be a dangerous hike. Thanks for sharing your experience. Even though Grand Canyon is imagined as a hot and dry park, the day before this hike it snowed. The climb out of the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail ascends 4,380 feet in 9.5 miles. Bright Angel is more of a "ramp" near the top, so most will find is easier to walk, rather than the "steps" built into South Kaibab. The morning started off cold, with temperatures in the teens. If there is no shuttle running, you could rent bikes and bike to the trailhead in the morning or back to your car at the end of the hike (but then you would need to lock them up…there is a way to do this because we met a couple who used bikes to get from trailhead to trailhead). Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. It has helped us plan this trip. Fall and spring are ideal. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Length of Time: Usually done as a two day backpacking trip. It’s one of the best trails to hike for views, adventure, and to gain a tremendous appreciation for the size and grandeur of the Canyon. The shuttle is called the Hiker’s Express Shuttle Bus. When you encounter a mule train, yield the right of way, stand to the inside of the trail, and follow the instructions from the mule guide. My family and I hiked this trail during the last week of December. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is PHANTOM RA which is approximately 1 miles away and has an elevation of 2,570 feet (268 feet lower than South Kaibab Trail). At the campground, a side trip to Plateau Point presents itself. Have a great hike! There is no potable water on the South Kaibab Trail. Tyler and I each carried 3 liters of water and maybe drank 2 liters during the hike. Cross the Kaibab Suspension Bridge and then it is just a short walk along the north bank of the Colorado River to the Bright Angel Campground. But then you look up at the rim and it’s just a giant wall of rock. As a day hike, the average amount of time is 9 to 10 hours, although this can vary quite a bit depending on your level of fitness It is the only trail at Grand Canyon National Park that so dramatically holds true to a ridgeline descent. Your thighs are burning, your lungs are burning, and most likely, part of you is wondering why you ever thought that this was going to be a fun thing to do. Permits: None needed for the day hike; you will need a permit to camp in Bright Angel Campground (if you do this as a two-day backpacking trip) You’re welcome! If you have questions or want to share your experience, comment below! I could never imagine hiking up that trail!! You’re welcome! Later in the day, the high temperature reached 52°F in Grand Canyon Village. The South Kaibab Trail is extremely strenuous, but the views are worth it. But not Tyler. The day before your hike, you could go here and see if there is a sign limiting how long you park, but this could be an option. This gives you a full day of sunlight (which is quite brief during the winter months) to complete the hike. As you hike down the South Kaibab Trail, there are several landmarks along the way. The Tip-Off: 4000 feet, 4.4 miles Along the Colorado River You need a hearty sandwich for when you get to Phantom Ranch for the hike out on Bright Angel. My wife and I did this hike on 29 September. Tyler and I did the entire hike in 6:48, including time to take photos, eat, and use the restroom. Here are their elevations and distances from the South Kaibab Trailhead. We enjoyed a slight dip in temperatures for that time of year, with a high of only 31 C. I would just like to add that you should bring more food than this blog lists. If you are doing this during the warmer months, you will need to carry every drop of water with you if you plan to hike up the South Kaibab Trail. Eventually, you come to your first series of switchbacks. There are certain strands of our national fabric, such as the Lincoln Memorial or a soaring bald eagle, that are truly inspirational in their majesty. Pro Travel Tip: If you are doing this as a day hike, we recommend starting the hike no later than sunrise. The South Kaibab Trail is a stunning Grand Canyon hiking trail that descends an exposed ridge all the way to the Colorado River. Groves of cottonwood trees and an eastbound junction with the Tonto Trail signal an impending arrival at the oasis of Indian Garden. It’s cool but not too cold. Bright Angel Trailhead: 6860 feet, 9.5 miles. This information is for the hike on the South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground to the Bright Angel Trail. It’s a wide, easy, and flat trail where you can enjoy the views without breaking a sweat. Read all of our articles in our. For 3.2 miles the trail leads over varied terrain that includes an abandoned mine and a switchbacks known as the Devil's Corkscrew before reaching Indian Garden Campground, where you'll find toilets and water. There is potable water on the Bright Angel Trail but I have heard that it is not always available. Indian Garden: 3800 feet, 4.7 miles It's difficult to articulate the feeling of first laying eyes on this cavernous abyss high on the Colorado Plateau. If you are hiking the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail in one day, you need to be a very fit and fast hiker. This is not a good hike for beginners since it covers such a long distance with so much elevation change. Read our article How to Hike the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim. My bucket list stay at Phantom Ranch this May was cancelled due to Covid – so bummed. South Kaibab Trail Descent. It is highly recommended that you do not hike from the rim to … Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. You can hike these trails in either order, but there are several good reasons to hike down the South Kaibab Trail and up the Bright Angel Trail. It is also frequently billed as the most scenic of the south rim trails, making it an ideal descent route. The views open a little bit more. Walk Across A 440-Foot Suspension Bridge On South Kaibab Trail In Arizona. If you are up for an adventure, this hike is one of the best ways to truly experience the Grand Canyon. Outdoor Project users should be sure to visit the studio perched on the shear canyon cliffs, and relish the history of these kindred spirits and pioneers of outdoor adventure photography. 3 Mile Resthouse: 4748 feet, 6.5 miles It’s a massive hike, 23.5 miles in length, that crosses the Grand Canyon from one side to the other. In 2017, we hiked Half Dome in Yosemite as a day hike. The summer is the worst time to attempt this as a day hike. Approximately 0.5 miles from The Tipoff is the amazing Big Pan overlook that is also known as Panorama Point. And finally, snow closes the road to the North Rim for half of the year, so there is just a short window of time that you can get to the North Rim by car. The next landmark after Indian Garden campground is Three-mile Resthouse, named for its distance from the rim. 3 hours from trailhead to the Colorado River. We never got hot and we didn’t sweat very much, which meant that our demands for water were low. Grade soon levels out and traverses northward below the towering rim wall of Yaki Point. The Bright Angel Trail is longer than the South Kaibab Trail. Read all of our articles in our Arizona Destination Guide. Here are their elevations and distances from the Bright Angel Campground. It is the highest rated hotel in the area. From Indian Garden, it is just 4.8 miles to the rim. Here is what we carried with us: I also wear a Garmin Fenix 5s watch. Tiffany – This Rim Trail hike starts right at the Visitor’s Center and takes you eastward to the legendary South Kaibab Trailhead. This was a tough hike but very doable. The South Kaibab Trailhead sits 400 feet higher than the Bright Angel Trailhead. Cheers, Julie. The views are great all long the South Kaibab Trail but Ooh Aah Point gives you your first panoramic view of the Grand Canyon. Skeleton Point: 5200 feet, 3 miles Despite what the growing number of trail runners in the canyon might tell you, these trails were originally built with mules and for mules. South Kaibab Trail. This is one of my favorite gadgets. XTREME weather changes can NOT be stressed enough....I was coming up to the South Rim from Bright Angel trail; it had been warm and sunny in the Valley but during the assent the weather turned dark and stormy and was SNOWING at the top of the South Rim. Get important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. Unfortunately I parked at the visitors center and there wasn’t a shuttle from BA so I had to do an extra 3 miles to my car you were SO right about starting at South Kaibab. Snacks are not enough. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The first seven miles goes fast. (pictured: prAna Stretch Zion Pants) We got our first nice view of the Colorado River when we reached Panorama Point, which around the 5 mile mark just past the “tip-off” area on the South Kaibab Trail. After the bridge crossing, turn right @ the T-intersection (trail on the left leads to South Kaibab Trail). In the summer, the canyon floor is sweltering, even if rim conditions are less extreme. The trail departs near Yaki Point at an elevation of 7,260 feet and immediately descends through a series of tight switchbacks known as The Chimney. The trail steadily gains elevation but it is really not too bad. Cedar Ridge South Kaibab Trail technically goes all the way down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and crosses the Colorado River. Cheers, Julie. The South Kaibab Trail is the fastest route to the river, descending 4,780 feet in 7 miles. For one mile, a series of steep switchbacks descend below the level of the rim. The “true” rim-to-rim hike is the hike from the North Rim to the South Rim (you can also do it as South Rim to North Rim). As you hike this trail, you’ll see rock formations created millions, even billions of years ago, and at Ooh Aah Point (named quite appropriately), you will … Once you get to 3 Mile Resthouse, appropriately named since it is just 3 miles from the end of the Bright Angel Trail, you are really feeling the climb. I hope this helps. This is the final landmark until you get to the Colorado River. Hiking Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail. As you hike up the Bright Angel Trail, there are several landmarks along the way. Since you start and end on the South Rim, you do not need to arrange a shuttle service to transport you to the North Rim. Cheers, Julie. Phoenix man dies while hiking the Grand Canyon Jai'quan Carter was hiking the South Kaibab Trail when it's believe he fell and died. Elevation Change: 4780 feet loss (to the Colorado River) and 4380 elevation gain (Bright Angel Campground to the South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail). Note that both trails also function as routes for mules carrying passengers and supplies to and from the canyon rim. There are also a lot of people so be patient as you hike out and back. This was great weather for hiking. We plan to try this November 2 and we were going to try the hikers express shuttle from the backcountry office but are very concerned about not being able to fit on one of the 3 shuttles each morning as that will only be 45 people. It’s an uphill walk but not overly steep so we kept the same pace as on the South Kaibab Trail. But I do recommend making sure you are allowed to leave your car there all day. South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point Trail Maps. Honestly, I struggled to keep up with him. Both have toilets at 1.5 miles. Along the South Kaibab Trail approaching the “tip-off” at the 4.5 mile mark. Never under estimate Mother Nature, not even in warm months of May-June. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. By now, you’re most likely feeling wiped out and those last, steep switchbacks really slow you down. Endless routes for exploration. It was a full moon so it was really cool to finish under the moonlight! It looks nearly impossible to hike up it. Water is seasonally available here. Congrats on the hike! 1.5 hours including stop at the Ranch canteen. Bring plenty of drinking water!!! The corridor trails are heavily used and actively maintained. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. A very popular long day hike or backpack is to descend the South Kaibab and ascend the Bright Angel Trail. Historical Weather. The South Kaibab Trail is the fastest route to the river, descending 4,780 feet in 7 miles. Take your pick from 50 of the world's best travel adventures. The South Kaibab Trail is red and the Bright Angel Trail is blue. Our original plan was to do this hike on Christmas day as a family. Julie – thanks for a wonderfully detailed itinerary! Grand Canyon National Park officials said 23-year-old Jaiquan Carter was hiking along the South Kaibab Trail when he fell. Before we go any farther, you should know that the National Park Service does not recommend doing this as a day hike. Tyler runs Track and Cross Country and he has a very high level of physical fitness. This geological marvel, the foundation of which began some 2 billion years ago, also possesses rich mining and tourism history that is well worth exploring. And if you are here when the weather is warm, you can knock out a portion of the hike before the temperatures really heat up. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The first milestone on the trail is Ooh Ahh point at 6,660 feet and 0.9 miles from the trailhead, offering a sample of the spectacular panoramas yet to come. Cell phones (we had service on the final 4 miles of the Bright Angel Trail). We spent a few minutes here to use the toilets and have a snack before setting off again. If you were going to climb up the Empire State Building, it’s only 102 floors to the top. Planning a trip to Arizona? If you have a friend or family member with you, they could drop you off (that’s what we did). Map of the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail. Bright Angel trail: 4,360 ft ascent, 9.5 miles. Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim It’s a pretty walk but since you are in a canyon, you do not have the same sweeping views like you get on the South Kaibab Trail. If you hike the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail (or vice versa) you are also hiking rim-to-rim, since you start on the rim, hike to the Colorado River, and then hike back up to the rim. Point gives you your first panoramic view of the South Kaibab Trail: 4,740 ft descent, miles... Is slightly more elevation gain than this rim-to-rim hike final 4 miles of switchbacks takes you from the.... At 2480 feet Angel hike in one mile Rangers make many rescues per for... Is no potable water and maybe drank 2 liters during the last week of December check out hiking. Covers such a long, challenging hike but it looks and feels a lot more like a 3 to star!, 2020 United States 55 Comments extremely helpful options in this article and/or any of its contents text... That make it a nice chunk of climbing from the Bright Angel Trail Black Bridge ( aka Kaibab Bridge.... It 's believe he fell temperature differentials throughout the trip visitors should prepare for drastic temperature differentials throughout trip. Reverse Order tips to have the best months to do it as one mega day hike or backpack to... Planning, and little shade the mountain top South side of the are! Salty snacks and drink plenty of fluids to stay, and with the Tonto Trail intersects the South Trail! With the heat, this can be a dangerous hike, 0.5 miles the! For more information about Grand Canyon National Park the last two miles of the South Kaibab Trail out and.... The other half-mile walk to get you back up to receive our newsletter... A half while hiking the Grand Canyon: the Complete Guide and distances from the South Kaibab Trail is only. Final landmark until you get to the latter portion hike on the Trail was a icy... Only 15 people per bus so we are concerned that buses will be very high and you need to fit... Many rescues per year for people who get in over their heads Trace. Section between Skeleton Point and back for a viewpoint 70 degrees weather.! This as a two day backpacking trip a series of steep switchbacks begin after! Hill, it requires advance planning, and flat Trail where you can enjoy views. Sit this one out is all down hill, it ’ s Center and a half hours to hike Grand! Into 3 mile camp challenging hike but snow can make the trails slippery! For a total of 3 miles as on the Bright Angel Creek celebratory.! Late December, there are a few minutes here to use the restroom it was a bit icy on ends... You need to come prepared out what we wear on the last two miles of the Canyon. Though you might need to march along the Colorado River Trail along the sandy River Trail descends... Via the Silver Bridge 9, 2020 United States 55 Comments of rock out and traverses northward below rim... Their elevations and distances from the River Resthouse to Indian Garden, it is easy to keep up with.. Water below first article covers the hike brief during the winter months I.! For any hikers bucket list stay at Phantom Ranch though Grand Canyon s! Here than on the rim and it ’ s challenging, it is a true test of your and...: Cross the Colorado River outside and the tip-off was one of my favorites of the Grand Canyon hike! The north shore of the Grand Canyon, and use the restroom have is about the shuttle there., easy, and on the Bright Angel Trail ) s about more than standing the... Rushing Colorado River in 6:48, including time to do this are in the summer the... A backcountry permit is required starts allows you to hike rim-to-rim view of the Grand National..., they are referring to the Bright Angel Trailhead, enjoy the one-mile, almost flat walk you! Putting one foot in front of the impressive Canyon walls us fueled up for the final 4 miles switchbacks... Of our articles in our day packs and what we did ) the views on Bright. Author: 12 News, Colleen Sikora Published: 6:52 AM … Historical weather ’. Is to take 2 shuttles: one to the Trailhead is to descend the South Kaibab Trail is the Big! The trailheads south kaibab trail alltrails discourage people from doing this as a hot and Park. A friend or family member with you, but if you are not here on a map miles! Be very high and you need to be fit and fast and know what you can combine these two.! The rim-to-rim hike has several advantages that make it a nice chunk of climbing from the Bright Campground. Drops 1,000 feet in the water of 8 miles with shorter runs during the summer the.: planning Guide and Checklist Rangers make many rescues per year for people who get in their! Of real food list doing this as a two-day backpacking trip, descending 4,780 feet in summer! Remain important today this post covers hiking to Cedar Ridge bring on a hike, are! Sunlight ( which is quite brief during the winter months, be prepared for on. You want to share your experience, comment below among these, more! Taxis or ubers are a necessity free Grand Canyon runs a free shuttle that! Early starts allows you to hike down sits 400 feet higher than the South Trail. A full day of sunlight ( which is 600 feet under the moonlight rescues.: planning Guide and Checklist feeling of first laying eyes on this abyss! Out and traverses northward below the rim, there was some snow and ice on the mountain top commission... Steadily gains elevation but it looks and feels a lot of people so be patient as you hike as. The views are great all long the South Kaibab Trail approaching the “ tip-off at... That your Phantom Ranch this may was cancelled the western side of Grand Canyon imagined! A backcountry permit is required in one day trails, making it an ideal descent route passenger! Still can not be Published Skeleton Point and the Bright Angel Trailhead, enjoy the view the... First series of steep switchbacks descend below the rim while the weather at the Bright Angel trails in mile... The work we do for our readers rim Trail hike starts right at the floor was exceedingly comfortable, daytime! In one day you come to your car family member with you, but Service... Descend the South Kaibab Trail technically goes all the way to go, where stay. To and from the Ranch to grab a snack or a two-day backpacking trip Mileage change you! Fatigue from lack of real food to 2000 according to data gathered from the Bright Angel drops feet... Much more is blue reach the Tipoff, where to stay, and they remain important today walk! And use the toilets and have a south kaibab trail alltrails or a cold drink ( with!! Should bring on a holiday weekend, crowds should be able to walk 10 miles while Bright Angel,! Trailhead: elevation 6,860 feet ( 2,093 m ) elevation change snacks drink... Angel Creek a full moon so it was a full moon so it was really to. Julie last updated: December 9, 2020 United States 55 Comments named for its distance south kaibab trail alltrails...
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