Grand Canyon Hikes

Grand Canyon Rim to River Hike Guide

The Grand Canyon “rim to river” hike from the South Rim to Colorado is the one hike that the NPS asks you not to do. Why? Beginning hikers underestimate the effort of hiking back up to the rim after enjoying a casual downhill to the river. I’ve written this guide to help experienced hikers who understand the challenges of the “rim to river,” and for those who are not experienced yet will do it anyway. This guide gives you all the information you need to do the hike safely if you are up to it and the conditions are right.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 17 miles, Very Hard

Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Hike Guide

The rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon is iconic, spectacular, and challenging. Over my years of hiking the rim-to-rim, I’ve seen people of all shapes and sizes hike across the Grand Canyon, and in this guide, I’m going to give you all the information you need to know so that you can hike it too. Your journey will start months before stepping foot on the trail, as planning is critical for this popular bucket list hike. And then, armed with the correct information and preparation, you’ll know what to expect as you leave 99.9% of the other Grand Canyon visitors behind and hit the trail to cross one of the seven wonders of the world. And in case you’re wondering, although you’ll be exhausted at the end, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end is unparalleled.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 21 miles, Very Hard

Grand Canyon Hikes For Families

These 5 great Grand Canyon Hikes for families offer options for all kinds of situations. There are hikes away from the crowds, hikes that take in museums and attractions, and hikes that give a taste of the epic trails without an epic effort. All of these hikes are family-safe and not too tough.

Grand Canyon Hiking Tips

Planning a hiking trip to the Grand Canyon can be intimidating. There are a lot of trails and if you’re not familiar with the area, it can be confusing. This Grand Canyon hiking tips guide will arm you with everything you need to know to get some epic hikes when you’re staying at the Grand Canyon. You can see a list of all the Grand Canyon hike guides here.

Hike Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs

Located far away from the South Rim crowds, this hike on the Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs is one of the great Grand Canyon hiking adventures. The Hermit Trail is an engineering marvel, once paved with sandstone slabs when it was built in 1911 for tourists.  At the end of the hike you reach a unique hanging garden spring, tucked into a remote corner of the Canyon. It’s not a very long hike but it’s challenging, with steep climbs and narrow sections.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 6.8 miles, Hard

South Rim Trail to Hermit’s Rest

The Rim Trail from Bright Angel to Hermit’s Rest hike is one of the best-kept secrets on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The well-maintained and easy to follow Rim Trail winds along the western section of the South Rim, stopping at every marked vista point and making it’s way past dozens of others that aren’t on the map. The hike is flat, away from the crowds, and away from the cars (the road next to it is only open to shuttle buses). And if you get tired at any point, you can just hop on the shuttle bus. If you want to do a Grand Canyon hike that doesn’t include hardcore hiking down into the canyon, but do want a peaceful and spectacular experience on the trail, this hike is for you.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 8.6 miles, Moderate

South Rim Trail: Visitor’s Center to Bright Angel Trail Hike

Instead of driving to the attractions on the South Rim, here’s a great easy hike that you can do instead. You’ll follow the paved Rim Trail away from the crowds at the Visitor’s Center to take in Mather Point, the Geology Museum, the Trail of Time, Verkamp’s, Hopi House, and all the Bright Angel attractions. In between the sights, the Rim Trail meanders along the South Rim, with dozens of unique vistas and viewpoints where you can take in the majesty of the Canyon. At the end of the hike, you hop on a free shuttle bus back to your car at the Visitor’s Center.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 3 miles, Easy

South Rim Trail: Visitor’s Center to South Kaibab Trail Hike

Hiking in the Grand Canyon doesn’t have to be a leg-busting trek to the bottom. There’s a beautiful trail called the (South) Rim Trail that allows you to walk along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s a wide, easy, and flat trail where you can enjoy the views without breaking a sweat. This Rim Trail hike starts right at the Visitor’s Center and takes you eastward to the legendary South Kaibab Trailhead. You’ll be rewarded with dozens of vista points that don’t have the crowds. At the end, you can hop on a free shuttle bus back to the Visitor’s Center.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 2.8 miles, Easy

Hike the Shoshone Point Trail

Hidden just a mile off the South Rim road, this easy hike to Shoshone Point is worth your while. The Shoshone Point Trail is a beautiful walk through a Ponderosa Pine forest to a serene picnic spot, and then to a hidden rock formation and Shoshone Point. If you want to get away from the crowds of tourists stopping at the roadside attractions, this short hike is for you.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 2.2 miles, Easy

Ooh Ahh Point Hike

The Ooh Ahh Point hike is a great beginner’s hike that lets you get away from the South Rim and spend some time on the trail. Each step of the hike offers breathtaking views, culminating at Ooh Ahh Point where you get to see panoramas, including the little-visited eastern Grand Canyon. The trail is safe and easy to follow, so if you were thinking of trying a Grand Canyon trail out, this one is for you.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 1.8 miles, Moderate

Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

The South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge offers all levels of hikers a safe and breathtaking walk into the Grand Canyon. The trail is wide and well maintained, it’s only 1.5 miles each way, and the climb out is tough but doable by those with a basic level of fitness. Once at Cedar Point, you’ll be rewarded with expansive 360 views from within the Grand Canyon. This day hike, recommended by the Parks Service, is a great way for beginning hikers to hit the trail while at the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 3 miles, Moderate

Hike the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point

The hike on the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point is one of the quintessential day hikes in the Grand Canyon South Rim. It offers incredible iconic views, a twisting (and well maintained) trail winding around and over natural features, and views of the Colorado River. This day hike, recommended by the Parks Service, is a must-do if you’re looking to hike the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 6 miles, Hard

Grandview Trail To Horseshoe Mesa Hike

Easily the toughest and most rugged of the Grand Canyon Park Service’s recommended day hikes, the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa is not for the faint of heart. The trail was built in 1893 by miners, and after a few minutes on the Grandview, you’ll realize that people were a lot tougher back then. The route is an engineering marvel, with steep cobbled sections and wood cribs hugging the cliffside that lead down to an abandoned mine site at Horseshoe Mesa. This day hike offers expansive views, natural beauty, and a break from the Grand Canyon crowds.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 6 miles, Hard

Hike 1.5 Mile Resthouse on the Bright Angel Trail

If you’re not a big hiker but want to “dip your toe” into the Grand Canyon, the short but beautiful hike to 1.5 Mile Resthouse on the Bright Angel Trail is for you. The trail is considered the Grand Canyon’s premier hiking trail; it’s very well maintained, safe, and spectacularly beautiful. You’ll hike down into the Grand Canyon, experiencing all the wonders it has to offer without any hardships aside from the short climb back up. The trail has water stations and bathrooms, making it very beginner-friendly.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 3 miles, Moderate

Hike 3 Mile Resthouse on the Bright Angel Trail

If you’ve got a decent level of fitness and want to experience the Grand Canyon, the hike to 3 Mile Resthouse on the Bright Angel Trail is for you. The trail is considered the Grand Canyon’s premier hiking trail; it’s very well maintained, safe, and spectacularly beautiful. You’ll hike down into the Grand Canyon, experiencing all the wonders it has to offer without any hardships aside from the climb back up. The trail has water stations and bathrooms, making it very beginner-friendly.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 6 miles, Hard

Hike Indian Garden (Grand Canyon) on the Bright Angel Trail

If you had to pick a “must-do” hike in the Grand Canyon, hiking to Indian Garden on the Bright Angel Trail is the one. The trail is considered the Grand Canyon’s premier hiking trail; it’s very well maintained, safe, and spectacularly beautiful. You’ll hike down into the Grand Canyon, experiencing all the wonders it has to offer without any hardships aside from the climb back up. The trail has water stations and bathrooms, making it very beginner-friendly. And Indian Garden is an oasis in the depths of the Grand Canyon where you can relax in the shade, talk to a ranger, and have a picnic.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 9 miles, Hard

Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point Hike

The Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point hike takes you on the Grand Canyon’s most popular hiking trail to the peaceful and scenic Plateau Point, offering stunning views of the Colorado River. It’s a tough hike, but the Bright Angel Trail is the safest and most well-maintained trail in the park. Regular water stations, park rangers, and shelters make this hike manageable without being a desert expedition. This guide arms you with everything you need to know to hike to Plateau Point successfully.

Grand Canyon Village, AZ - 12.5 miles, Hard