Gorgeous Grand Canyon Hikes

Fall and spring are the time to hike the Grand Canyon trails. The oppressive summer heat hasn’t begun or is over, and hiking temperatures are perfect. A couple of years ago I did a few epic hiking days as part of a Rim to Rim to Rim hike. The reality is that there are very few people in the world that aspire to hike 71 kms (44 miles) with 10,000 feet of elevation gain and loss over a couple of days (though I highly recommend it). But there are thousands of people who would be thrilled to hike some of the outstanding trails available.

Grand Canyon’s North Rim Hikes

There are approximately 12 day hikes out of the North Rim area though four of them are a mile or less each way. Of those the Bright Angel Point Trail scores one of the best views, especially at sunset. Leave the log shelter at the parking area of the visitor center and follow the paved path to the point. It is only half a mile each way so you can always squeeze this one in at the end of the day.

North Kaibab Trail Some people do not recommend this as a day hike and in the summer months that rings very true because of the heat. In the shoulder season a fit person can make it up and down in 8- 10 hours depending on just how far one commits to descending. It is ¾ miles to the Coconino Overlook and another 1.5 miles to the Supai Tunnel where you will also find toilets and water. Roaring Springs makes a good turnaround point for many as it becomes a 10 mile roundtrip with an elevation gain and loss of 3050 feet. This is a hike which seems very easy going down but heat and fatigue at the end of the day can make it a tough trek out for many. Exercise some common sense and keep up with the water intake.

Beginning  Elevation: 8,200 feet (2,556.1 meters)
Ending Elevation: 2,480 feet (773.1 meters) at the Colorado River
Elevation Gain- Round Trip: 5,720 feet (1,783.0 meters)
Length One way: 14 miles (23.33 kilometers)
Difficulty – Difficult
Usage: Heavy

Widforss Trail This is one I haven’t done but it is supposed to be a nice mix of forest and canyon scenery and the end of it would make a picturesque lunch stop. It is easy to follow and not too strenuous with a total distance of 10 miles. The trailhead is accessed at the Widforss Trail parking area which you will find one mile (1.6 kms) down Point Sublime Road (which is dirt), a ¼ mile south of Cape Royal Road turnoff.

Ending Elevation: 8,080 feet (2518.7 metres) at Widforss Point
Elevation Gain Round Trip: 160 feet (49.9 metres)
Length One Way: 5 miles (8.33 kilometres)
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy in summer

Here’s an assortment of hikes available from Grand Canyon’s South Rim

Rim Trail This is the easiest trail. It meanders along the rim from the village area to Hermit’s Rest. Water is not available once you are west of Bright Angel Lodge. You do have the option of walking one way and returning via shuttle buses. Some of this trail is even paved.

Beginning Elevation: 6,400 feet (1995 meters)
High point: 6,800 feet (2120 meters)
Elevation Gain: 400 feet (125 meters)
Length One Way: 3.8 miles (6.3 kilometres)
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Moderate to Heavy

Bright Angel Trail This is a fantastic trail to hike. It will give you a real sense of the canyon and it is far easier to climb up it than the South Kaibab Trail. Views are fantastic from start to finish. The trail is wide enough so that you never feel that you are going to fall off and hurt yourself. It will be a 12 mile round trip jaunt with water available at the Indian Garden’s Campground providing no water mains have broken – which seems to be a frequent occurrence. If you are fit and keen you could cross the river, continuing on to Phantom Ranch, enjoy lunch and retrace your steps. That will add many more miles, though the bottom will be relatively flat and quick walking. Count on a minimum of 8 hours hiking if you go all the way to Phantom Ranch and back. YOU NEED TO BE IN SHAPE TO DO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beginning Elevation: 6,860 feet (2138 meters) at Grand Canyon Village
Ending Elevation: 2,480 feet (773 meters) at the Colorado River
Elevation Gain Round Trip: 4,380 feet (1365 meters)Length One Way: 9.5 miles (16 kilometers)
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy

South Kaibab Trail South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point and can be reached via shuttle if you plan to return via the Bright Angel Trail. If you plan to do and up and down hike you will still need to take a shuttle in both directions as the parking lot is closed from March 1 until November 30. My recommendation would be to hike down this steep trail with its wonderful vistas, cross the Colorado River and head left towards Phantom Ranch. Before you get to the turnoff for the ranch another bridge will appear. Cross back over the river and join the Bright Angel Trail. Hike back to the top coming out near Bright Angel and Kaibab Lodge. Water is not available at all on the South Kaibab Trail but you could refill if you went to Phantom Ranch or at the Indian Garden Campground if you ascend the Bright Angel Trail. This circular route gives you ever changing vistas and allows you to maximize your Grand Canyon experience. Allow a minimum of 8 hours. A high level of physical fitness is required for this hike.

Beginning Elevation: 7,200 feet (2244 meters)
Ending Elevation: 2,480 feet (773 meters) at the Colorado River
Elevation Gain Round Trip: 4,720 feet (1471 meters)
Length One way: 6.3 miles (10.5 kilometers)
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy

You can’t help but be awed by the wonder of the Grand Canyon. Go at least once in your lifetime. Despite the numbers of tourists it’s one of my all time favourite areas to visit. For more information download my free guide for hiking the Rim to Rim to Rim Trail with information on getting to the Grand Canyon and where to stay.

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

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