With miles of caves to explore, more than 1,500 unique plant types to discover, and more than 300 species of birds to spy, the canyon offers incredible hikes with excitement at every switchback. The Grand Canyon's most popular hike is the Bright Angel Trail, which starts at Grand Canyon Village – but there are several hiking trails to explore.
Bright Angel Trail
19 miles, round trip
This comfortable and safe two-day trip (one day down, one day back) will take hikers through the lush green strip of Garden Creek before reaching the Inner Gorge, including a challenging set of switchbacks known as the Devil's Corkscrew. The last section involves crossing the slender, see-through Bright Angel Suspension Bridge, which also provides the quickest route to Phantom Ranch and the end of the trail. Note that the National Park Service does not recommend hiking in and out of the canyon in one day. If you’re looking for a day hike, descending just to Indian Garden or Plateau Point are good options.
South Kaibab Trail
14 miles, round trip
Shorter than the Bright Angel Trail, and with an initial section that stays atop the narrow, exposed Cedar Ridge, the South Kaibab Trail offers hikers fantastic views of the canyon. If you’re just out for the day, Cedar Ridge is your cue to turn back toward the rim – at this point, the trail starts a steep descent to Skeleton Point, where you can catch your first glimpse of the Colorado River. From there the hike continues along the Tonto Trail to Tipoff, the entrance to the Inner Gorge, and over the narrow 400-foot Kaibab Suspension Bridge before finally ending at Phantom Ranch.
North Kaibab Trail
14 miles
This North Rim hike is a challenging two-day trek from rim to river and back again. The trail begins by descending into Roaring Springs Canyon before continuing through the brief Supai Tunnel – your turnaround point if taking a day trip – and on into the canyon's striking Supai Group layer, which includes sandstone, limestone, and shale. From there, the trail takes hikers over Redwall Bridge, past Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls, and on into the Inner Gorge between the twin thousand-foot walls of the ancient black Vishnu Schist before ending at Phantom Ranch.
Havasupai Trail
10 miles
Off the beaten path but unbelievably beautiful, the Havasupai Trail from Hualapai Hilltop to the Village of Supai makes for a comfortable day hike through Havasu Canyon, at the heart of Havasupai Tribal Lands, where you’ll spy the turquoise, cascading waterfalls of Havasu Falls. This trail is not within Grand Canyon National Park but on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Hike down into the canyon and spend the night at one of the most amazing campgrounds you will ever see, just outside of the Supai village. Or stay at the Havasupai Lodge, which requires advance reservations.
Note: Permits are required for the campground, and often sell out as far as eight months in advance. Please plan accordingly.
For More Information
Before you begin, also read the Grand Canyon National Park website’s hiking tips. Despite the park’s popularity, many areas can be remote, difficult to reach, and dangerous – meaning it’s up to you to stay prepared, educated, and well equipped for your own safety.
For a complete list of hiking opportunities at Grand Canyon National Park, as well as information on guided and group recreational and educational hikes, visit:
It’s a trek you’ll never forget – begin by exploring the listings below for more information:
