Hikes In Grand Canyon National Park

This is a complete list of hikes in Grand Canyon National Park for your reference. Depending on your tour itinerary and timing, you may only have time for certain hikes. If there is a hike that interests you, please contact our office team to discuss whether or not you will have time to participate on the particular hike of interest on your tour.

Grand Canyon North Rim

Trails

Miles Roundtrip

Difficulty Level

Description

Bright Angel Point Trail

0.6 mi

Easy

This paved trail leads to spectacular Bright Angel Point, on Grand Canyon's North Rim. The point is a must-see feature at the North Rim, providing exceptional views into the deep recesses of the canyon below.

Cape Final Trail

4 mi

Easy

Cape Final is a spur jutting east from Cape Royal. It is not as well known, and you've got to hike a fair distance to enjoy the vista, so it doesn't draw nearly as many people as the more famous viewpoints. It is every bit as spectacular, and you may be the only one there when you visit.

Cape Royal Trail

0.6 mi

Easy

Cape Royal is a long peninsula extending from the North Rim out over the Grand Canyon. It offers a phenomenal view, perhaps the most sweeping view of any Grand Canyon vista. You can see much of it from your vehicle, but the best views await those who take the short, easy stroll to the end of the cape.

Ken Patrick Trail

10 mi each way

Moderate

This is one of the longer trails on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It runs from the North Kaibab Trail parking area to Point Imperial. It follows the rim and affords great views at multiple points. It is best done as a one-way hike, with a vehicle waiting to pick you up at the end. Strong hikers could go out and back - 20 miles total. You could also leave a mountain bike at one end, so you could ride back to your vehicle.

North Kaibab Trail

9.4 mi (variable)

Strenuous

North Kaibab is the only maintained North Rim trail that descends into the Grand Canyon. All other Trails stay up on the rim. Hiking down to the river is a strenuous multi-day backpacking trip, requiring permits that are hard to get. We recommend day hiking as far as you are comfortable and then returning the way you came in. But be careful not to go farther than you should. You'll make good time hiking downhill during the cool of morning. Hiking back out will be a slow go during the heat of afternoon. Carry plenty of water. Lack of water is the most common problem encountered by hikers.

Transept Trail

3 mi

Easy

The Transept Trail is located at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It follows the canyon rim from the campground down to the North Rim Lodge. From the lodge, it is easy to continue hiking down the Bright Angle Point Trail to that famous viewpoint.

Widforss Trail

10 mi

Moderate

his trail, located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, runs along the forested rim above Transept gorge, offering outstanding views into the deepening canyon and out over the greater Grand Canyon area to the southeast. It ends at a viewpoint near Widforss Point. The trail is wide and easy to follow.

 

A printed trail guide is available and describes key features along the first 2.5 miles of this trail. Numbered sign posts correspond to the printed guide.

Grand Canyon South Rim

Trails

Miles Roundtrip

Difficulty Level

Description

Rim Trail

Varies

Easy

Paved trail extending from the Village to Hermits Rest. Part of the trail is paved and accessible.

Bright Angel Trail

12 mi round

Moderate

The Bright Angel Trail offers many good destinations and is easily accessible from the Village area. The trailhead is located next to Kolb Studio and starts out relatively gradual. For those who just want to get a feel of the Inner Canyon will do well to hike to Cinch Up.

South Kaibab Trail

6 mi

Moderate

(Steep) The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus. Offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles (round trip). Best views for a relatively short hike. Steep trail, no water, little shade. Water available at trailhead.

Hermit Trail

10.3 mi

Strenuous

(Steep) The Hermit trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Springs, 4.5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Spring, 6.5 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking. For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.

Grandview Trail

8.4 mi

Strenuous

(Very Steep) The Grandview trail offers hikes to Coconino saddle, 2 miles (round trip), and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins on canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of village). For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.