Day Hiking from Grand Canyon South Rim

South Rim Hiking Guide...

Before taking any hike READ THESE PRECAUTIONS.

Preparing for your Grand Canyon Hike
Recommended Resources

Rim Trail

Rating: EASY to MOGERATE This is the choice if you want an easy hike. Rim trails are easy to moderate in difficulty, with offer panoramic views of the inner canyon. Portions of the trail are paved. The Rim Trail runs from the village area to Hermits Rest. You can start from any viewpoint in the village or along Hermit Road. The shuttle busses will let you start and stop at any point.

Bright Angel Trail

Rating: STEEP The Bright Angel trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge. You can take day hikes from just a few hundred yards (to get the flavor of the trail) up to a round trip of 12 miles. The trail offers some shade and water is available at times. We recommend, however, that you take your own water, just in case.

South Kaibab Trail

Rating: STEEP The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. The shuttle bus can take you to the trailhead. Round trip hiking distance is 12 miles, but it is a relatively short hike to the best canyon views. Water available at trailhead, but there is no water on the trail. There is also little shade along the way. Be prepared for some steep hiking.

Hermit Trail

Rating: STEEP-EXPERIENCED ONLY The Hermit starts a short distance west of Hermits Rest. This trail offers round trip hikes of moderate distance to several possible destinations, including Santa Maria Springs, 4.5 miles, and Dripping Spring, 6.5 miles. This trail should not be attempted by the more casual hiker. It is more rugged than either Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails. It is recommended for experienced desert hikers only, and hiking boots are recommended. Carry your water on this trail. Do not drink water from the springs without treating.

Grandview Trail

Rating: STEEP-EXPERIENCED ONLY The Grandview trail starts at the retaining wall at Grandview Point (12 miles east of the village on Desert View Drive). This trail also offers some round trip destination hikes of moderate distances (2 miles to Coconino saddle and back, 6.4 miles to Horseshoe Mesa and back). This trail is more difficult than the Bright Angel trail or South Kaibab trail. It is recommended for experienced desert hikers only, and hiking boots are recommended.

Directory of Grand Canyon Hikes
Day Hikes	South Rim Hikes	North Rim Hikes	Summer Hiking	Hiking Tips

PRECAUTIONS - TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!

You should not try to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day. Most people find that this round trip is a tough trip to do in two days.

The extreme temperatures of summer can be life-threatening. Access to certain trails may be restricted in the summer when temperatures within the canyon are most extreme. Call (928) 638-7888 for information on trail restrictions and closures.

See Summer Hiking

Trails within the Canyon are remote, making search and rescue operations difficult and expensive. If you have to be rescued, it will be at your expense. A helicopter rescue will cost you $2,000 or more.

Preparing for Your Grand Canyon Hike

Recommended Resources...

See the Trails Before You Ever Lace Up Your Boots in this

Must See DVD

with 63 Minutes of Trail Footage & Animation

Review: January 9, 2007, Amazon.com

If You're Going to Hike - Get this Video! This is an excellent introduction to the trails of the Grand Canyon. Not only do they describe the trails, distances, and difficulty level, but also valuable information on how to hike the trails without hurting yourself. In order to prepare, they provide you with brief guidelines as to your cardio ability, supplies you will need, and what to expect during your hike (including water/rest breaks). They also give some information as to locations for water and lodging. We found this information invaluable in planning our trip!