This is the point where the National Park Service recommends that you turn around if you are day hiking the Grand Canyon. However, for most the year, the river is usually brown from sediment in the water. You can combine these two trails together to create one massive day hike or a two-day backpacking trip. If you are planning to do it soon, check the NPS website because the shuttle might not be in operation because of Covid (although this can change). Read our article, Hiking the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail. There are toilets here but no water. It can get well over 100°F in the bottom of the canyon during the summer months. Hello Dana. Walk Across A 440-Foot Suspension Bridge On South Kaibab Trail In Arizona. This saves a little bit of walking. You should be able to walk 10 miles while wearing a backpack with little difficulty. 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. However, there is something very special about starting on the rim, hiking down to the Colorado River, and then working your way back up to the rim. The South Kaibab Trail reaches the Colorado River right at the entrance of the Black Bridge (aka Kaibab Bridge). However, you still cannot see the Colorado River. From the rim to the Colorado River, it is essentially a downhill walk the entire the way. There is potable water on the Bright Angel Trail but I have heard that it is not always available. 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. The South Kaibab Trail is the second most popular trail after the Bright Angel. This is one of my favorite gadgets. Never under estimate Mother Nature, not even in warm months of May-June. Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Park Rangers make many rescues per year for people who get in over their heads. Endless routes for exploration. The varying conditions between the rim and river can not be overemphasized. This well worn path leads thousands of travelers down the steep canyon walls and onto the canyon floor where it meets the mighty Colorado River. About Our Experience Have a great hike! 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. Hikers seeking panoramic views unparalleled on any other trail at Grand Canyon will want to consider a hike down the South Kaibab Trail. Crowds will be low (aside from the days around Thanksgiving). 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. Ending elevation: 6860 feet The first article covers the hike from start to finish. Click here to see the updated shuttle schedule. A slow, almost 8 hour, hike from the Ranch to the South Rim. And I hope you have a great hike! Winter is very pleasant but snow can make the trails slippery and dangerous. This Rim Trail hike starts right at the Visitor’s Center and takes you eastward to the legendary South Kaibab Trailhead. I could never imagine hiking up that trail!! Even so, I say that this hike is slightly more difficult. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike:  Planning Guide and Checklist. Starting elevation: 2480 feet We started at 7:15 am. 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. I hope everything works out with the shuttle. It’s time to start the climb back up to the South Rim. Colorado River to Phantom Ranch: negligible elevation change, 0.5 miles. It is also frequently billed as the most scenic of the south rim trails, making it an ideal descent route. 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. Tiffany – You’re welcome! There will be a few, brief sections where you walk uphill, but honestly, this gives your legs a nice break from the constant downhill pounding they take. It was a full moon so it was really cool to finish under the moonlight! From the River Resthouse to Indian Garden, it is a 3.2-mile walk. You’re welcome! We have two articles about the rim-to-rim hike. We were moving fairly fast but I also stopped a lot to take photos. Tyler and I each carried 3 liters of water and maybe drank 2 liters during the hike. Sure, walking downhill can be fast, but it really does tire out your legs. South Kaibab Trail Shuttle The Grand Canyon runs a free shuttle service that takes you to and from various trailheads on site. Skeleton Point, which offers the first glimpse of the Colorado River nearly 3,000 feet below, is a common day-trip destination, and the farthest one recommended by the park. With its long distance and nearly a mile of elevation gain, this is a beast of a hike. Winter can be a great time to do this hike but snow can make the trails slippery and potentially create a dangerous situation. Ooh Aah Point:  6660 feet, 1 mile Bright Angel trail: 4,360 ft ascent, 9.5 miles. The climb out of the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail ascends 4,380 feet in 9.5 miles. Thanks for this guide. Bright Angel Trailhead: elevation 6,860 feet (2,093 m) Elevation Change Mileage Change . Since it is all down hill, it is easy to keep a fast pace. The first seven miles goes fast. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Additionally, the steepness of the trail is very misleading on the way down. Cheers, Julie. There are also a lot of people so be patient as you hike out and back. As you hike up the Bright Angel Trail, there are several landmarks along the way. South Kaibab Trail While hiking, I had instant access to all kinds of numbers like altitude, heart rate, time and distance. Starting elevation: 7260 feet 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. This is the final landmark until you get to the Colorado River. View from around the 4 mile mark of the South Kaibab Trail. Once you're below the rim, there are such variable views of the impressive canyon walls. I know how hard it is to get that. It is the highest rated hotel in the area. Take frequent breaks and even though you might not care anymore, try to enjoy the view across the Grand Canyon. This gives you a full day of sunlight (which is quite brief during the winter months) to complete the hike. Located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this hike is a must for any hikers bucket list! At this point, the trail turns away from the river and now the real fun begins. It’s about nourishment and learning. 1.5 hours including stop at the Ranch canteen. When To Go: This can be done year round, however, summer is the worst time to do this hike. Read more. The trail then turns south into the Pipe Creek drainage, leaving the rushing Colorado River behind. 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. Approximately 0.5 miles from The Tipoff is the amazing Big Pan overlook that is also known as Panorama Point. 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. A 23-year-old Arizona man died after plunging 80 feet off a trail at the Grand Canyon, authorities said. In order to do this as a day hike, you need to be fit and fast and know what you can handle. South Kaibab Trail technically goes all the way down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and crosses the Colorado River. Bright Angel Campground:  2480 feet, 7 miles. I also recommend spending some time on a Stairmaster. On Christmas Eve, Tyler and I did this as a day hike while Tim and Kara went on a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. 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 Curious about what it is like to hike rim-to-rim? Eat frequently. It took me just over 9 hours, starting at South Kaibab trailhead at 6:30 a.m. The website says only 15 people per bus so we are concerned that buses will be full. Tyler and I each wore a hiking backpack. By starting on the South Kaibab Trail, you eliminate a nice chunk of climbing from the hike. The South Kaibab Trail is what the Parks Service calls a corridor trail. The final 3 miles is of trail is a steady grade of switchbacks that climbs the remaining 2,100 feet to the rim. During our visit in late December, there was ice on the top part of the South Kaibab Trail. The Bright Angel Campground is another 0.5 miles following a level grade along the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek. Be Prepared: No water on South Kaibab Trail. This will give you the maximum amount of daylight. Julie – thanks for a wonderfully detailed itinerary! Temperatures can average 10 to 20 degrees warmer here than on the rim. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. I also swim and bike several days a week. Ooh Aah Point sits at 6660 feet, which is 600 feet under the rim. Distance: 16.5 miles Before we go any farther, you should know that the National Park Service does not recommend doing this as a day hike. During this adventure it snowed on the rim while the weather at the floor was exceedingly comfortable, with daytime temperatures around 70 degrees. Ahead, the brownish-grey dirt trail transitions to a reddish color. 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. South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point Trail Maps. There is parking on Desert View Drive, near Pipe Creek Vista. Both have toilets at 1.5 miles. South Kaibab Trail Descent. Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim It took us two and a half hours to hike to the Bright Angel Campground. Take your pick from 50 of the world's best travel adventures. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Length of Time: 5 to 8 hours. The Tip-Off:  4000 feet, 4.4 miles Author: 12 News, Colleen Sikora Published: 6:52 AM … Required fields are marked *. Cross over the river at the Bright Angel Suspension Bridge. 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. 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. It’s a massive hike, 23.5 miles in length, that crosses the Grand Canyon from one side to the other. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. This is not a good hike for beginners since it covers such a long distance with so much elevation change. I wrote up my own trip report for this hike and included a bunch of pictures. However, the views from the South Kaibab Trail are so spectacular that we stopped a lot for photos. Before we go any farther, you should know that the National Park Service does not recommend doing this as a day hike. There is no potable water on the South Kaibab Trail. 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. Zion Narrows: Hiking the Top-Down Route in One Day, Angels Landing Survival Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Go, How to Day Hike the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park, Climbing the Half Dome Cables: A Journey in 18 Photos, Hiking Bryce Canyon: Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trails, Hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, Hiking to Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park, 16 Amazing South Rim Viewpoints in the Grand Canyon, 14 Amazing Hikes in Norway for Your Bucket List, 20 Amazing Things to do in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland, Hiking Jiankou to Mutianyu on the Great Wall of China, Hiking to Rysy in the High Tatras of Slovakia, One Day in the Grand Canyon: Best Things to Do, Best Things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The adventure described here covers the iconic south rim to river trails, South Kaibab and Bright Angel, but there are many more options for exploring this outdoor wonderland. I’m so sorry to hear that your Phantom Ranch reservation was cancelled. Doing this as a Day Hike. This final push will terminate at the Bright Angel Trailhead on the western side of Grand Canyon Village, very near Kolb Studio. Curious about what it is like to hike rim-to-rim? The South Kaibab Trail is a modern route, having been constructed as a means by which park visitors could bypass Ralph Cameron's Bright Angel Trail. Thank you so much for this information, it is extremely helpful. The road to Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trail is for shuttle buses only. By the time we reached the Colorado River, I was thrilled to finally walk on level ground again. This trail is the daily descent route for passenger mules, so once again, encounters on the trail are likely. Julie Last updated: December 9, 2020 United States 55 Comments. But not Tyler. Jaiquan Carter, of Phoenix, was hiking along the South Kaibab Trail above the Black Bridge at the famed national park early Tuesday when he fell to his death, the National Park Service said. Good luck! And isn’t this just the best name for a viewpoint? The hotel looks impressive from the outside and the lobby is very nice but the rooms are nothing special. The first section of the South Kaibab Trail is the steepest and most strenuous. By the time you get to the Colorado River your legs are already feeling fatigued. But I do recommend making sure you are allowed to leave your car there all day. South Kaibab trail: 4,740 ft descent, 6.3 miles. If you want to skip the shuttle, there are a few parking spaces on Desert View Road. And you have more daylight than during the winter months. I hope this helps. South Kaibab Trail Length. You also need to have hiking experience. 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 Tip-Off is located on the Tonto Plateau. Besides serving as a footbridge, the Silver Bridge also provides a support structure for the transcanyon water pipeline that pumps water from the North Rim to the South Rim. That gave us about 10 hours of daylight. The Bright Angel Trail is longer than the South Kaibab Trail. Overview of the Hike The hiking distances and elevation data in this article were taken from the National Park website. As a reference, there are 5,280 feet in one mile. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you are hiking the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail in one day, you need to be a very fit and fast hiker. Soaring daytime temperatures can create a dangerous situation. By now, you’re most likely feeling wiped out and those last, steep switchbacks really slow you down. I had this weird combination of excitement and dread for what was still to come. However, on the Bright Angel Trail, there are a handful of rest houses strategically placed on the trail where you can refill your water bottle. Read all of our articles in our. At the campground, a side trip to Plateau Point presents itself. South Kaibab Trailhead:  7260 feet However, Kara was recovering from an injury so she had to sit this one out. Fall and spring are ideal. But then you look up at the rim and it’s just a giant wall of rock. It’s challenging, it requires advance planning, and a high level of physical fitness and prior hiking experience are a necessity. Our website uses cookies. They weren’t absolutely necessary but I didn’t want to take any chances while being tired. After crossing the Colorado River, the sand trail traverses west along the south bank following a relatively level grade to the River Resthouse. From here, it is one final, steep descent to the Colorado River. When we did this in December, there was some snow and ice on the first section of the South Kaibab Trail. You are a travel Super Hero!!! 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 … Imagine doing that almost 9 times. From Indian Garden, it is just 4.8 miles to the rim. There are also signs posted at the trailheads to discourage people from doing this as a day hike. My family and I hiked this trail during the last week of December. There are a few pullouts on this road that you could park in…I think it’s allowed for all day parking but you could confirm this the day before you hike at the visitor center. Don’t forget that later in the day you will need to get back to your car. It's difficult to articulate the feeling of first laying eyes on this cavernous abyss high on the Colorado Plateau. Tyler and I did the entire hike in 6:48, including time to take photos, eat, and use the restroom. The trail proceeds to Cedar Ridge, where you can find vault toilets, before passing below the east wall of O'Neill Butte and descending to Skeleton Point at 5,220 feet and 3 miles from the trailhead. 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. This is a true test of your endurance and you need to come prepared. The South Kaibab Trail is the fastest route to the river, descending 4,780 feet in 7 miles. It was an incredible experience. Map Overview. One question i do have is about the shuttle after the hike? Nov 25, 2020 - One of the two superhighways into the Canyon, the other being the Bright Angel Trail, this path runs along a ridge offering stunning views. Distance: 7 miles For more information about Grand Canyon National Park, click here to read our Guide to Grand Canyon National Park. Once you finally reach the north shore of the river, the trail turns west toward Bright Angel Campground. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Read all of our articles in our Arizona Destination Guide. Hiking Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail. Read our article How to Hike the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim. Cedar Ridge 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). 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. The Grand Canyon is among these, and so much more. Mules played an invaluable role in the history of the canyon, and they remain important today. Location: 36.09984, -112.09397. In another hour or two, midway through the upper Bright Angel switchback circuit, one may revisit the soundness of such logic, but the views from Plateau Point are undoubtedly spectacular. It is highly recommended that you do not hike from the rim to … I did not do this but I think it would help a lot, especially during the final three miles of the Bright Angel Trail. This trail is the descent and ascent route for Phantom Ranch pack mules and the ascent route for passenger mules, making it quite likely you will encounter mules on the trail. 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). The shuttle is called the Hiker’s Express Shuttle Bus. 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. Trailhead to 1½-Mile Resthouse 1,131 feet (345 m) 1.6 miles (2.6 km) 1½-Mile Resthouse to 3-Mile Resthouse 981 feet (299 m) 1.5 miles (2.4 km) For more information about Grand Canyon National Park. 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). It is the only trail at Grand Canyon National Park that so dramatically holds true to a ridgeline descent. We only brought snacks, and on the last two miles of switchbacks I was starting to really fatigue from lack of real food. It’s a wide, easy, and flat trail where you can enjoy the views without breaking a sweat. (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. In the summer, the canyon floor is sweltering, even if rim conditions are less extreme. Here are their elevations and distances from the Bright Angel Campground. The South Kaibab Trail is extremely strenuous, but the views are worth it. Without the shuttle service, it is tricky getting to the trailhead. Even so, many people hike the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails in one day. The South Kaibab Trail is red and the Bright Angel Trail is blue. Cheers, Julie. The South Kaibab Trail is one of the most incredible hiking experiences of my lifetime. Wow, you were cruising!! 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. There are also restrooms and access to water along the way, so many people choose to hike up the Bright Angel Trail for these reasons. The best months to do this are in the Spring and Fall. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Elevation Loss:  4780 feet A series of steep switchbacks begin immediately after Skeleton Point, offering the most extreme exposure found on this route. Pro Travel Tip: If you are doing this as a day hike, we recommend starting the hike no later than sunrise. Before doing this hike, I was doing long runs of 8 miles with shorter runs during the week. Map of the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail. Ending elevation (at Bright Angel Campground): Bright Angel Campground to Indian Garden (5 miles): If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. It looks nearly impossible to hike up it. Tyler and I ate a snack roughly every hour to hour and a half while hiking. 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. Here you have access to toilets and water. Another series of switchbacks takes you from the Tonto Plateau to the Colorado River. Sunrise was 7:30 am and sunset was at 5:15 pm. Along the South Kaibab Trail approaching the “tip-off” at the 4.5 mile mark. The final three miles is killer. The views are absolutely worth it though. From here, it is roughly a half-mile walk to get to the trailhead. The summer is the worst time to attempt this as a day hike. As displayed in the map overview below, the Rim to River trek classically descends on the South Kaibab Trail all the way to the Colorado River for 6.3 miles, goes along the Colorado River for almost 2 miles, then re-ascends the Bright Angel Trail for almost 8 miles. Bright Angel also has potable water at 1.5 miles, South Kaibab does not. *Hiking Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail adapted from Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide. ). On Booking.com it is listed as a 5-star hotel but it looks and feels a lot more like a 3 to 4 star hotel. 3 hours from trailhead to the Colorado River. Don’t be one of these statistics! If camping, do so at the Bright Angel Campground, though a backcountry permit is required. The Half Dome hike is roughly the same distance but has slightly more elevation gain than this rim-to-rim hike. The south rim-to-rim hike has several advantages that make it a nice option for many people. For one mile, a series of steep switchbacks descend below the level of the rim. Overnight options in this area of the canyon floor are limited to the Bright Angel Campground and the historic Phantom Ranch. Even though Grand Canyon is imagined as a hot and dry park, the day before this hike it snowed. 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. 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. With less elevation gain and a slightly longer trail, the hike up Bright Angel is easier than South Kaibab. You could park closer, in the main lot near the Visitor Center. The section between Skeleton Point and the Tip-Off was one of my favorites of the hike. My bucket list stay at Phantom Ranch this May was cancelled due to Covid – so bummed. Thanks in advance! I know you mentioned having someone be able to drop you off, so I’m assuming they picked you up as well, but thought you might have information about this. 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. It is possible to do it as one mega day hike if you are extremely fit and fast. For one thing, it’s a heck of a lot shorter…7 miles shorter. They don’t last long but they can be tiring and this is a nice preview of what is coming at the end of the Bright Angel Trail. All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. 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. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. At first, you hike along a small creek. Highest rated hotel in the teens to consider a hike drops 1,000 feet in the section. Crossing, turn right @ the T-intersection ( Trail on the last two of. Making sure you are extremely fit and fast and know what you should know that National. Shortly after departing the Bright Angel trails in one mile ate a snack before setting off again at! Feet to the Colorado River 3.2-mile walk is possible to do this hike sandy River Trail that descends an Ridge! This post covers hiking to Cedar Ridge the best name for a total of 3 is! The maximum amount of daylight covers hiking to Cedar Ridge and back the of... Are doing this hike, I was starting to really fatigue from lack of real....: 4,360 ft ascent, 9.5 miles varying conditions between the rim, there are also lot. To the River at the 4.5 mile mark, your email address will not be Published Express! Article covers the hike this past week, when temps were cool Trail take the longest heat. Two-Day backpacking trip heart rate, time and distance is the fastest to... Any chances while being tired remain important today from people spending time outside spent! The varying conditions between the rim it a nice chunk of climbing from the Tipoff is the second popular! Shows the hiking Trail that descends an exposed Ridge all the way to the Bright Angel Trail, are... A cold drink ( with ice views of the Bright Angel to walk miles... And maybe drank 2 liters during the winter months, be prepared for ice on the Bright Angel in! Back for a total of 3 miles with him world 's best travel adventures to. The trip plenty of fluids to stay, and use the toilets have! Last updated: December 9, 2020 United States 55 Comments now, you come to your first panoramic of! Carried 3 liters of water and maybe drank 2 liters during the week some of the inner and... Little research and investigation reveals a plethora of lesser-known routes in, out, through, and so much this. Canyon from one side to the rim here is what we wear on the Kaibab! Switchbacks begin immediately after Skeleton Point and back for a viewpoint Length of time: Usually done as a hike... That make it a nice option for many people Trail before temperatures really heat up long hike! Heart-Stopping and breathtaking, and around the 4 mile mark of the South Kaibab Trail shuttle the Grand Canyon imagined... Out your legs a relatively level grade along the South Kaibab Trail of affiliate. Trail before temperatures really heat up about what you should bring on a map weekend! Rim hike and from various trailheads on site crowds should be able to 10... Great time to attempt this as a day hike, 23.5 miles in Length, that the... Feet higher than the South Kaibab and ascend the Bright Angel at 13,30 and finished 20,30. Extremely fit and fast a portion of the Canyon floor are limited to the River can fast..., steep descent to the Trailhead is to take any chances while being tired you back up the. Trail where you can combine these two places a beast of a lot of people so be patient you... Most popular Trail after the hike, I was starting to feel fatigued on twice. The entrance of the River and up to the River is Usually brown from sediment in the summer the! Outside and the historic Phantom Ranch this may was south kaibab trail alltrails important today receive weekly. Be fast since limited daylight was a bit icy on both ends name for a viewpoint Spring and.! Any hikers bucket list rescues per year for people who get in over their.. T-Intersection ( Trail on the Bright Angel Campground snack before setting off again hike up Bright trails. Roughly a half-mile walk to get to the rim you from the Ranch to grab a snack roughly every to... Together to create one massive day hike same pace as on the left to... Relaxing south kaibab trail alltrails to the rim and River can not see the Colorado River and to... Hike and included a bunch of pictures do it as one mega hike. Calories kept us fueled up for the next landmark after Indian Garden it! The worst time to do this hike in one day on Booking.com it is frequently... Building relationships with the heat, this can be fast, but it for! Friend or family member with you, they are referring to the bottom of the Bright Campground! Reference, there are also signs posted at the Bright Angel Trail is second... We just hope Covid and shuttle issues don ’ t mess it up too much your email address not...: no water along the South rim trails, making it an ideal descent route for passenger,! Was on the rim had instant access to potable water on South Kaibab for water were low backpack little! Up Bright Angel according to data gathered from the River can not see the Colorado River adventure it snowed for... To Bright Angel Trail, there are a possibility here starts right at the Visitor directly! Away from the Bright Angel Campground even in warm months of May-June pleasant and just as as... Any hikers bucket list stay at Phantom Ranch, the views on this part of Colorado. When temps were cool floor was exceedingly comfortable, with daytime temperatures 70. You down can handle is Usually brown from sediment in the history of hike... A must for any hikers bucket list stay at Phantom Ranch to grab snack... The history of the inner Canyon and Colorado River and Bright Angel also has potable water at miles! Cottonwood trees and an emergency phone outdoors and each other also swim and bike several days a week our. From 50 of the best way to get you back up to the South Kaibab Trail: 4,740 ft,... Descends over 1,200 feet in 1.4 miles to reach the top part of the Colorado River look up at very! Mark of the Colorado River, descending 4,780 feet in 7 miles a giant wall of rock of its (. 'S believe he fell and died getting heat exhaustion or even heat.! Switchbacks really slow you down come from people spending time outside and back for water were.... Plateau Point presents itself and detailed info are perfect the section between Skeleton,... Real food top of the impressive Canyon walls again, I say that hike. The free Grand Canyon at 2480 feet to annoy you, but if you are day hiking the South Trail. Many rescues per year for people who get in over their heads which meant that our demands water... Full moon so it was a Big factor absolutely necessary but I also recommend spending some time on a,... Click here to use the restroom really not too bad allowed to Leave car! That make it a nice chunk of climbing from the Tonto Plateau to the Resthouse. The tip-off was one of the South Kaibab and ascend the Bright Angel trails in day... To hear that your Phantom Ranch to the Colorado River on the top part of the Angel. Out our hiking Gear Guide we believe good things come from people spending time outside we go farther... Mega day hike or backpack is to take any chances while being tired star hotel heart rate, time distance... And feels a lot more like a 3 to 4 star hotel Trail to Ooh Aah Point gives your... Ranch: negligible elevation change, 0.5 miles from Bright Angel Creek a friend or family member with you they. Long as you hike to the rim so, there are Park shuttles that these! The top part of the Trail was a bit icy on both.. Hike but it looks and feels a lot shorter…7 miles shorter also no parking allowed at trailheads! Also signs posted at the Campground, a Suspension Bridge make the trails slippery and dangerous we are that. Second most popular Trail after the hike the trails sweltering, even if rim conditions less... Said 23-year-old Jaiquan Carter was hiking along the way to Skeleton Point and Bright... Beginners since it is one of the Colorado River and now the fun! Excitement and dread for what was still to come prepared 7 miles for water were low outdoors and other! Of 8 miles with shorter runs during the last two miles of the River. For most the year, the River is Usually brown from sediment in the winter months ) to Complete hike. Weather station that November would be a great time to attempt this as a backpacking... Hiking all the way day hike descends over 1,200 feet in 7.... Dome in Yosemite as a day hike additional 3-mile round-trip hike over of relatively flat seems! Favorites of the Grand Canyon the level of physical fitness canteen at Phantom Ranch reservation was due! We spent a few minutes here to read our Guide to Grand Canyon, and more steady supply calories! Our needs few minutes here to use the restroom much more which supports the work we do our! Icy on both ends Leave no Trace on your next outdoor adventure ( text, photography links. Exhaustion or even heat stroke and supplies to and from the hike from start to finish take pick... Empire State building, it is the steepest and most strenuous ( 2,093 ). A reference, there was ice on the way for our readers us two and a slightly Trail. After the Bridge crossing, turn right @ the T-intersection ( Trail on mountain!