hikes in Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon Hikes
Grand Canyon hikes are a truly life changing experience, as it's hard to fathom just how vast it is! The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic sights in the whole of the United States, a dramatic crease in the desert landscape that surrounds it. This plunging gorge was sculpted by the Colorado River and in some places is over a mile deep, creating a mind-bending landscape that appears to defy nature. A trip to the Grand Canyon is a must for all true adventurers, and Grand Canyon hikes are the best way to experience the landscape!
Hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park is centered on the canyon itself, but there are many different trails to choose from that are suitable for hikers of all levels. From the iconic South Kaibab Trail to the epic Rim-to-Rim hike, there are plenty of Grand Canyon hikes to keep even the most adventurous traveller happy. The rugged trails and jaw-dropping landscapes mean that you’ll be well rewarded for your efforts, and this is a hiking trip likely to remain etched in your memory for years to come.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park is also a wonderful way to learn more about the fascinating geology of the region. The steep canyon walls tell the story of millions of years of the earth’s history, with colorful layers of sedimentary rock that give us fascinating insights into the environmental history of the region. Step back in time millions of years and explore the earliest history of the development of our planet on one of the many Grand Canyon hike son offer!
This incredible natural wonder is on almost every hiker’s bucket list. To give you a little inspiration for your next hiking adventure, we’ve put together a list of all our favorite Grand Canyon hikes, together with some top tips on how to enjoy the canyon. Read on to find out more!
Types Of Hiking In The Grand Canyon National Park
As the name suggests, the Grand Canyon is the destination for some truly epic hikes in an epic landscape – ideal if you’re a keen adventurer looking for a bit of a challenge. Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is no mean feat, and you’ll certainly need plenty of energy and stamina for the steep climb back up to the top. However, this can be an immensely rewarding experience, whether you choose to do it as a strenuous day hike or camp out for the night on the valley floor.
However, you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy all that this incredible natural gorge has to offer. There are lots of shorter, easy hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park that allow you to appreciate the majesty of the landscape without committing to a long, tough canyon hike. Kids will adore the fantastic viewpoints over the iconic landscape, and it’s a great opportunity to learn a little more about the geology and nature that makes this region so beautiful and distinctive. Grand Canyon hikes really are an incredible experience that are perfectly suited to all ages and skill levels.
Easy Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
Cape Royal Hike: This short, easy hike will take you along a paved path to one of the best viewpoints in the Grand Canyon National Park. The trail is dotted with fascinating information boards that tell visitors about the geology and biology of the region, but the real draw is the magnificent panorama from Cape Royal itself. You’ll have a view that extends across the canyon all the way to Desert View on the South Rim. This is one of our favorite easy hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park.
Family Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
South Rim Trail Hike: The South Rim Trail is the most popular route in the park, and with good reason. This relatively easy hike, passing from Grand Canyon Village with Hermits Rest Point, traces the flat valley bottom, making it an ideal route for hikers of all ages and ability. This is one of our favorite family hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park.
Day Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
Bright Angel Trail Hike: Beware – this challenging hike is not for the faint of heart! It’s a strenuous day out, but we think it’s one of the best day hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park. The initial descent offers incredible views over the canyon, and the landscape just keeps getting better and better until you reach the bottom and gaze upon the picturesque steep inner canyon.
Challenging Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
South Kaibab Trail Hike: This epic trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park, and should only be attempted as a day hike if you’re an experienced, fit hiker! However, the rewards make all the effort worthwhile, with views over this incredible, otherworldly landscape. To make this trail a little easier, split it over two days and camp at the Bright Angel Campground.
Best Hikes In The Grand Canyon National Park
Santa Maria Springs Hike: This hike in the western tip of the Grand Canyon passes by some impressive rock formations, as well as offering wonderful views over the canyon edge. The path descends steeply down a series of switchbacks before reaching the flat valley bottom, and the Santa Maria Springs. Although the climb back to the trailhead is steep and arduous, this is one of the relatively short Grand Canyon hikes, and is a great way to spend a morning in the park.
Cape Final Hike: This short, easy hike is one of the lesser-known routes in the Grand Canyon National Park, meaning that it’s a good option if you want to escape the crowds. You’ll also enjoy a fantastic panorama of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. It’s possible to extend this hike into an easy overnight backpacking trip, perfect for families and beginner hikers!
Grandview Trail Hike: The steep descent into the eastern section of the Grand Canyon is a little challenging, but the views along the way are simply spectacular. Your destination is Horseshoe Mesa, a plateau that juts out into the canyon. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as there is little shade in the later stages of the hike, and it can get hot underneath the afternoon sun!
Bright Angel Point Hike: The route to Bright Angel Point is a wonderful short hike for all the family! The views are simply remarkable, with a panorama that extends across the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails that weave their way down the into the gorge. The path is well maintained but steep, so not suitable for strollers.
Shoshone Point Hike: Hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park can often be crowded, but this short, easy hike is usually much quieter than the other routes listed here. The destination is an incredible viewpoint, where you can gaze out at the remarkable scenery from the viewpoint – a white, jutting rock that hangs over the canyon. This is one of the best places in the Grand Canyon National Park for a picnic!
Dripping Springs Hike: This secluded, shady hike is perfect for a hot day, as you’ll enjoy plenty of shade from the warm sun. The trail passes through a lush valley, and you’ll need to negotiate some tricky places where cacti and plants have invaded the path, making you feel as though you’re on a real adventure. The destination is a picturesque spring, with water dripping from the mossy roof of a stone alcove.
When Is The Best Time To Go Hiking In The Grand Canyon National Park?
Although some parts of the Grand Canyon National Park (such as the South Rim) are open year-round, the main hiking season runs from April to mid-October. Outside this time, the North Rim is subject to snowy conditions and the trails are closed. The summer months of July and August can be extremely warm, making uncomfortable conditions for hiking, and at this time the park can often be saturated with visitors. As a result, we think that the best time to go hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park is spring or autumn. Early spring is ideal as the weather is still cool, wildflowers adorn the trail, and there are fewer crowds in the most popular areas of the park. However, some areas around the North Rim are likely to be closed. In autumn, the fall colors add an extra layer of beauty to this already spectacular landscape.
Other Outdoor Activities In The Grand Canyon National Park
The best way to appreciate the majesty of the Grand Canyon is on foot, but in addition to hiking, there are many other outdoor activities in the Grand Canyon National Park! There are many opportunities for cycling around the park, including guided bike tours. Take advantage of the Colorado River and try your hand at whitewater rafting or smooth water trips on the river. It’s also a wonderful place for camping and backpacking, and there’s no better place to appreciate the beauty of the night sky than on a camping trip in the Grand Canyon National Park!
How To Plan A Trip To The Grand Canyon National Park
If the Grand Canyon National Park is on your bucket list, it’s time to start planning your adventure today! We’ve put together everything you need to know in our guide to planning a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to information about when to go and where to stay, we’ve got plenty of ideas for how to spend the perfect day in the Grand Canyon National Park, and of course, our top 10 hikes. We’ve done the hard work to make sure your trip goes perfectly – all you need to do is grab your hiking boots and head out on one of the many amazing Grand Canyon hikes!
Frequently-Asked-Questions About The Grand Canyon National Park
How long does it take to hike down the Grand Canyon?
Whichever route you choose, it usually takes around four or five hours to reach the Colorado River and the valley floor. The ascent back to the top typically takes around seven or eight hours, which is why it’s not usually advisable to attempt an out-and-back hike to the canyon floor in one day unless you are very fit. Obtain a backcountry camping permit in advance and split your hike over two days.
Do you need hiking boots for the Grand Canyon?
The trails in the Grand Canyon National Park are typically uneven and therefore it’s advisable to bring sturdy hiking books with appropriate ankle support.
Is the Grand Canyon dangerous?
The vast majority of visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park enjoy their trip in safety and security. However, as with any wilderness area, accidents can happen, and therefore it’s important to take precautions. Water can be scarce on many trails, so make sure to bring plenty of drinking water to ensure you stay hydrated. Fatalities occur each year due to falls at the Grand Canyon, so take care when walking on the steep cliffs.
Are there bears in the Grand Canyon?
Black bears can be found in the conifer forests around the North Rim. However, encounters with humans are very rare.
The best hikes in Grand Canyon National Park
01. South Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
The South Kaibab Trail is one of the hardest hikes in the Grand Canyon National… Read More
02. Bright Angel Trail
Difficulty
Completing the Bright Angel Trail in one-day is only for the fittest of all hikers.… Read More
03. Dripping Springs
Difficulty
This less trodden trail leaves from Hermits Rest and bring you to a secluded and… Read More
04. South Rim Trail
Difficulty
The South Rim trail is easily the most popular hike in the park – it’s… Read More
05. Shoshone Point Trail
Difficulty
The Shoshone Point Trail is a fantastic less travelled easy hike to gain some much-needed… Read More
06. Bright Angel Point
Difficulty
This popular trail leads from the North Rim Visitors Centre to the scenic Bright Angel… Read More
07. Grandview Trail
Difficulty
The Grandview Trail may not be quite as “epic” as those that hike way down… Read More
08. Cape Final
Difficulty
The mostly flat trail leading out to the rim of the stunning Cape Final isn’t… Read More
09. Santa Maria Springs
Difficulty
While exploring the far western tip of the Grand Canyon, this hike descends towards a… Read More
10. Cape Royal
Difficulty
At the end of the harrowing scenic drive, Cape Royal is definitely an impressive reward.… Read More
Yes, there are more than 10
Grand Canyon National Park is so beautiful that we can not give you only 10 hikes. So here is a list of bonus hikes in Grand Canyon National Park that you should take a look at as well
11. South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
Difficulty
The South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge is the perfect way to experience the majesty… Read More
12. South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point
Difficulty
The South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point hike is one of the easiest hikes… Read More
13. Indian Garden Campground via Bright Angel Trail
Difficulty
Of all places to camp, the Grand Canyon is a pretty hard one to beat,… Read More
14. Plateau Point via Bright Angel Trail
Difficulty
If you’re ready and able to delve deep into the Grand Canyon, the hike to… Read More
15. Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail
Difficulty
The hike to the Three-Mile Resthouse on Bright Angel Trail is a nice compromise for… Read More
16. Yavapai Point via Rim Trail
Difficulty
If you want jaw-dropping Grand Canyon views without needing to break a sweat, the hike… Read More
17. Hopi Point Hike
Difficulty
The hike to Hopi Point on Rim Trail takes you to possibly the most dramatic… Read More
18. Hermit Trail
Difficulty
Hermit Trail is a 17.5miout and back hike in the Grand Canyon that… Read More
19. Lava Falls Trail
Difficulty
Lava Falls Trail is only 2.6mi long, but it just might be the… Read More
20. Roaring Springs via North Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
It’s hard to pick the most beautiful day hike in the Grand Canyon, but the… Read More
21. Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
The North Kaibab Trail is the most thrilling of the three maintained routes in the… Read More
22. Skeleton Point via South Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
The hike to Skeleton Point via South Kaibab Trail is one of the best ways… Read More
23. Grand Canyon Rim Trail
Difficulty
If you plan to visit the Grand Canyon, you’ll almost certainly find yourself on the… Read More
24. Grandview Trail Loop
Difficulty
The Grandview Trail Loop is a challenging 12.5mi loop hike off the South… Read More
25. Grand Canyon Village to Hermit’s Rest
Difficulty
Hermit’s Rest is the most westerly viewpoint accessible on the Grand Canyon Rim Trail. This… Read More
26. Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
The North Kaibab Trail is the most thrilling of the three maintained routes in the… Read More
27. Yavapai Geology Museum to Verkamp's Hike
Difficulty
Exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? Take a hike from the Yavapai Geology… Read More
28. Uncle Jim Trail
Difficulty
While the trails on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon tend to be more… Read More
29. Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa Trail
Difficulty
Hiking from Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa Trail is a hard 5.7mi out… Read More
30. Soap Creek Trail
Difficulty
The Soap Creek Trail is an 8.3mi out and back hike in Grand… Read More
31. Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail
Difficulty
The Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail is a challenging 12.2mi loop hike… Read More
32. Maricopa Point, Powell Point, and Hopi Point via Rim Trail
Difficulty
If you plan to visit the Grand Canyon, you’ll almost certainly find yourself on the… Read More
33. Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
The hike to Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail is one of the best ways… Read More
34. Vaseys Paradise via South Canyon Trail
Difficulty
The hike to Vaseys Paradise via South Canyon Trail is an exciting adventure that leads… Read More
35. South Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail
Difficulty
Combining South Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail is one of the best… Read More
36. Transept Trail
Difficulty
The Transept Trail runs along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from the North… Read More
37. Phantom Overlook via Phantom Ranch
Difficulty
The hike from Phantom Ranch to Phantom Overlook is a fairly quick trip that won’t… Read More
38. Cottonwood Campground via Phantom Ranch
Difficulty
If you’re down at Phantom Ranch on the floor of the Grand Canyon, use this… Read More
39. Cypress Point Vista via North Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a rugged, jaw-dropping hiking destination that mostly… Read More
40. New Hance Trail
Difficulty
The New Hance Trail begins from the eastern side of the South Rim of the… Read More
41. Cape Final Trail
Difficulty
The Cape Final Trail is an easy route that takes you through the forest to… Read More
42. Ken Patrick Trail South via Point Imperial
Difficulty
Hiking to Ken Patrick Trail South from Point Imperial gives you two stunning viewpoints to… Read More
43. Coconino Overlook via North Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a rugged, jaw-dropping hiking destination that mostly… Read More
44. Supai Tunnel and Coconino Overlook via North Kaibab Trail
Difficulty
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a rugged, jaw-dropping hiking destination that mostly… Read More
45. Dripping Springs via Hermit Trail
Difficulty
Dripping Springs is a hidden spring in the red rock of the Grand Canyon, and… Read More
46. Hermit's Rest to Powell Point via West Rim Trail
Difficulty
If you plan to visit the Grand Canyon, you’ll almost certainly find yourself on the… Read More
47. Hermit’s Rest to Santa Maria Spring
Difficulty
Santa Maria Springs is a hidden spring in the red rock of the Grand Canyon,… Read More
48. Grand Canyon Greenway Trail
Difficulty
The Grand Canyon Greenway Trail is a 13.0mi route that connects the town… Read More
49. Colorado River via South Canyon Trail
Difficulty
The hike to the Colorado River via South Canyon Trail is an exciting adventure that… Read More
50. Widforss Trail
Difficulty
The Widforss Trail is a 9.0mi route on the North Rim of the… Read More
51. Pipe Creek Vista Hike
Difficulty
The hike to Pipe Creek Vista from near the Grand Canyon Village provides an easy… Read More
52. Tanner Trail
Difficulty
Tanner Trail is a hard 17.0mi hike in the Grand Canyon that goes… Read More
53. Cliff Springs Trail
Difficulty
Cliff Springs Trail is a short and sweet hike on the North Rim of the… Read More
54. Roosevelt Point Trail
Difficulty
Roosevelt Point Trail is a short and sweet hike on the North Rim of the… Read More
55. South Bass Trail
Difficulty
The South Bass Trail is a 12.0mi tough hike on the South Rim… Read More
56. Grand Canyon Bridle Trail
Difficulty
The Grand Canyon Bridle Trail is a 3.2mi easy hiking trail on the… Read More
57. South Kaibab Trail to Tip Off
Difficulty
The hike on South Kaibab Trail to the Tip Off is one of the best… Read More
58. North Rim Fire Watchtower Hike
Difficulty
Adventure through the forest on the trail to the North Rim Fire Watchtower, a hike… Read More
59. Hermit Camp to Monument Creek Camp via Tonto Trail
Difficulty
This guide follows a portion of Tonto Trail from Hermit Camp to Monument Creek Camp.… Read More
60. 1.5-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail
Difficulty
The hike to the 1.5-Mile Resthouse on Bright Angel Trail is a nice compromise for… Read More
61. Surprise Valley Camp to Deer Creek Falls
Difficulty
This route details Surprise Valley Camp to Deer Creek Falls, a hike in the remote… Read More
62. Powell Plateau Trail
Difficulty
Powell Plateau Trail is a hiking trail in the northwestern arm of the Grand Canyon.… Read More
63. Waldron Trail
Difficulty
Waldron Trail is a hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon that’s… Read More
64. Deer Creek to Colorado River Hike
Difficulty
The Deer Creek to Colorado River hike is a very challenging 18.0mi hike… Read More
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