South Kaibab

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Views from the South Kaibab trail
Crossing the bridge across the Colorado river on the South Kaibab trail
A snowy South Kaibab trail
Views from the South Kaibab trail
Views from the South Kaibab trail
South Kaibab trail
Mules on the South Kaibab trail
Bridge across the Colorado River
shy deer drinking from Phantom creek
map: South Kaibab trail
Elevation plot (descending): South Kaibab trail

Location

How to Get There
This hike is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

From Flagstaff, take HWY 180 north towards the Grand Canyon. Once you enter the park, you'll head east on the East Rim Drive (Yaki point turnoff). The trailhead is closed to parking, so you'll need to take the free shuttle bus from multiple points in the Grand Canyon village to get to the trailhead. There are pit toilets, but no water at the trailhead.
city
Grand Canyon
state
AZ
country
USA
Region
Grand Canyon and Marble Canyon area

Hike details

Distance
14.60 [Miles] Total
Hike Distance- Details
7.3 miles one way to the Bright Angel Campground.
Time
24.00 [Hours]
Time-details
This is a full day hike one way.
Elevation Change
10,000 Total gain/loss [Feet]
Elevation Loss
5,000 Total Elevation Loss[Feet]
Elevation Details
A monster 5000 ft !
Hike Trail Type
Out and Back

Difficulty

Difficulty Rating
Death March
difficulty detail
If you are hiking downhill with a full pack, this hike is Strenuous. If you are hiking uphill, this is a Death March. A 5000 ft elevation gain will get your attention... trust me! The views from this hike are much more impressive than on the longer and flatter Bright Angel trail. This is one of those hikes you will never forget.

Kids in good shape can make this hike with adult experience and supervision. Don't even mention this hike to Grandma... it would probably give her a heart attack just listening to the description. She can listen to the nice Ranger at the rim talk about geology.

Permits

Permit Info
Backcountry permits from the National Park Service must be acquired prior to this hike. See www.nps.gov for details. You can reserve up to three months in advance.
Permit link
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm
Be Aware of
Outrageous elevation changes, extreme temperature changes. Lack of H2O. Mules. If you are camping you need a back country permit from Grand Canyon National Park.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER TIMES:

, For Winter Hiking: Remember that the South Rim is damned cold in the winter. Snow and Ice will cover the trail for the first few miles. Crampons recommended.

, For Summer Hiking: Get an early start and don't hike during the heat of the day. Remember that the bottom of the canyon will be MUCH hotter than the top.

Hike the South Kaibab trail in Grand Canyon National park, Arizona.

This is a well hiked and well maintained trail in the Grand Canyon. I prefer descending the Grand canyon from the South Kaibab and going back up the Bright Angel Trailhead. The views are amazing, as this is one of the few rim to river trails that stays along the ridgeline. Chances are you'll be hiking from one photo opportunity to another.

Simply put, this trail is steep. Flat doesn't exist on this trail.

We have to share this hike with mules. When a mule train approaches, move to the side and wait for them to pass. Wave to the nice guides and sore bottomed people as they admire your amazing stamina in hiking the Grand Canyon.

After about 1.5 miles of hiking, you will reach Cedar ridge. There are some wonderful views here to enjoy, which makes this a popular spot for day hikers. There are also toilets here. After 4.4 miles of hiking from the rim, you'll reach the trail junction with the Tonto trail (also known as 'The Tipoff'). There are bathrooms here as well. The Tonto trail parallels the river and is a popular route for creating loop hikes between the trails that descend from the rim to the river.

After much hiking, you'll reach the Colorado River and a really cool suspension bridge (Black Bridge) to cross to get to the campground. You will sleep good that night! Spend a few days in the canyon before climbing back out. You'll be glad you did.

Map

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