Grand Canyon Rim to River Hike Guide

17 miles - Very Hard Effort
9-11 Hours (Total)
4,800 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 7,200 feet
No Dogs Allowed

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.

In this Guide:

Should You Even Try This Hike?
Video & Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Rim to River Hike
Insider Tips and Recommendations

Quick Links:
Parks Pass - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Sep 2024 Gear

Should You Even Attempt the Rim to River Hike?

Bright Angel Trail 13 — The Grand Canyon is not a forgiving place. Temperatures can go as high as 120F. In the winter, the trail can become a sheet of ice. Make sure you feel confident in your experience and skills before trying the "rim to river" hike.

I'll sum the (main) danger up for you clearly. You have an easy hike downhill, it gets hot, and then you have to hike back up through steep exposed sections of the desert with names like the " Devil's Corkscrew." If you can't make it, you don't get a helicopter ride. A ranger will usually walk you back out to the top if you don't die from heatstroke first.

The National Parks Service says this about the hike:

Hiking to the river and back in one day is not recommended due to long distance, extreme temperature changes, and an approximately 5,000- foot (1,500 m) elevation change each way. If you think you have the fitness and expertise to attempt this extremely strenuous hike, please seek the advice of a park ranger at the Backcountry Information Center. Know how to rescue yourself. YOU are responsible for your safety and the safety of your family and friends. Rescue is not guaranteed, and assistance may take hours or days due to weather or other emergencies.

If you have second thoughts, why not try a shorter hike where you can see the river, such as the hike to Plateau Point or the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point. Both hikes are tough in their own right and give you a taste "below the rim."

What Does the Rim to River Start and End?

Technically there are several trailheads where you can actually hike to the river from the South Rim, but the traditional route descends on the South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, and then ascends back to the South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail. This routing allows you to make the (relatively) easier descent with no water (you have to carry your own), take a break at Phantom Ranch canteen at the mid-point, and then climb back on the Bright Angel, which has water (after a stretch).

Rim To River Overview Map — Start at the South Kaibab Trailhead on the right, and then end at the Bright Angel Trailhead on the left.

Map locations: South Kaibab Trailhead - Bright Angel Trailhead

The way most people tackle the logistics of the two different trailheads is this:

Park (or stay) near the Bright Angel Trailhead. There is trailhead parking just next to the Bright Angel Trail, or park in the bigger "Lot D" by the Backcountry Information Center.
Take the early Hiker's Express or Kaibab Rim (Orange) bus to the South Kaibab Trailhead starting point (no cars are allowed there).
Finish the hike back at your car or hotel at the Bright Angel Trailhead.

If you want to do the "rim to river" as an overnight trip, I suggest you check out my Rim to Rim guide for a deeper dive on camping options.

Suggested Timing

In the summer this hike is a big no-no. You're going to want to check the weather forecast at Phantom Ranch. If it's going to be over 100F by noon, it's prudent to try a different hike like Bright Angel to Plateau Point, which has water throughout and shaded rest areas. Ideally you want to be back up to Indian Garden (more below) before the real heat hits, which can mean starting as early as possible when it's warm. In the winter, the upper stretches of the trails can be covered with slick ice, and even with spikes on your shoes, you'll go very slow. The sweet spot for this hike is when the temps are cooler but not extreme.

Here's a rough timetable for the average hiker.

Landmark	Distance (miles)	Time	Gradient
South Kaibab Trailhead	0	-	-
Cedar Ridge	1.5	0:45	Steep Downhill
Skeleton Point	3	1:15	Downhill
Tip Off	4.4	2:00	Downhill
Phantom Ranch	7.4	3:00	Downhill
Snack Break	-	3:30	-
River Resthouse	9.7	4:30	Gradual Uphill
Indian Garden	12.9	6:30	Mixed Uphill
Three-Mile Resthouse	14.4	7:30	Steep Uphill
Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse	15.5	8:30	Steep Uphill
Bright Angel Trailhead	17	9:30	Steep Uphill

Again, you are responsible for your own safety. The hottest part of the hike is usually between Phantom Ranch and Indian Garden. And if you get to Indian Garden and it's very hot, you need to delay your plans, rest in the shade, and wait for it to cool down. People die every year from heatstroke. I'm sure no one thought it would happen to them.

Gear For the Hike

Trail Runners In Grand Canyon — You're best served by comfortable trail running shoes, rather than heavy hiking boots. The hike is long, and you want to keep your feet cool and light.

Understand and bring the day hiking essentials.
Trekking poles are a massive help on the descent and climb.
You're going to need sun protection. A wide hat that shades your head and neck, and also soaks up sweat is smart. Soak your hat in water as you pass fill stations to stay cool. And sunglasses will help protect your eyes from photokeratitis
Use a hydration bladder if you have one, otherwise you can carry two 1.5L Smartwater bottles (or similar).
Bring food that's easy to get down when it's hot out and that has some salt in it, which most energy bars do (look for sodium). Energy gels are great for the climb out.
Bring a headlamp in case you get stuck out after dark.
Pick up the "Trails Illustrated Grand Canyon National Park Trail Map - Bright Angel Canyon/North and South Rims" by National Geographic which is great for navigating the hike.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

Topo Pursuit 2The best hiking footwear I've ever owned. No blisters. Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

Garmin Epix ProHiking maps, route info, and fitness stats on my wrist. Review here.

Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated September 2024)

Planning Your Water

Grand Canyon Rim To Rim South North Directions 3 — Look for the water fill station at the start of the South Kaibab Trailhead, which is by the bathroom and shuttle stop. Or better yet, fill up your water before you get on the bus and skip the lines to fill when you get there.

Luckily there are running water fills at key points on this hike. You need to check the backcountry alerts page on the Grand Canyon NPS website - sometimes water is shut off at spots, there is low pressure from leaking, etc.

Carry 3L of water when you leave the South Kaibab Trailhead. There is no water until you get across the river. This water should last until Phantom Ranch.
Refill all 3L at Phantom Ranch.
Carry 1.5L of water up from Indian Garden.
Refill your water when needed as you climb. There are refill stations roughly every 1.5 miles (1 hour) from Indian Garden to the end of the hike.

Rim to River Trail Maps

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

Rim To River Elevation Porfile — The tough thing about rim to river is that you start with the downhill, and then do the tough uphill to get out. Generally people descend around 2.5-3 mph, but do the last few miles of the climb up at 1-2 mph.

3D Map

Rim to River Hike Directions

Turn by Turn Directions

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 2 — Start at the South Kaibab shuttle bus stop. The trail is down this paved path.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 3 — There's a toilet at the top, and usually there's a line when the bus drops off. It's smarter to go before you leave. There are toilets along the route.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 5 — Head down the paved path from the bus stop and then look for the official start of the trail on the left.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 6 — Start down the epic South Kaibab Trail, which has dozens of switchbacks on the way down to the Colorado River.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 7 — Continue down the steep switchbacks.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 8 — The trail levels out and at about 1 mile, you'll reach Ooh Ahh Point. Continue downhill on the switchbacks.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 9 — The trail follows the spine towards spectacular O'Neill Butte.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 10 — At about 1.5 miles you'll read Cedar Ridge.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 11 — There's a toilet at Cedar Ridge (but no water).

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 12 — The trail continues from Cedar Ridge on the far side of the flat area, down to the right.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 13 — You'll hike toward O'Neill Butte, and then bass below it on the right.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 14 — The trail levels out for a stretch.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 15 — At 3 miles you'll reach Skeleton Point. If you go 2 minutes to the left, there's a viewpoint to see the river. Continue down to the right and tackle more switchbacks.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 16 — As you descend you'll have a nice vantage point as the trail unwinds below.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 17 — At about 4.4 miles you'll see the Tip Off. There's a bathroom and a shaded pavilion.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 18 — Don't accidentally take the (very primitive) Tonto Trail, which intersects the South Kaibab Trail here. Stay on the well-worn South Kaibab Trail.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 19 — The South Kaibab Trail continues on the left part of the flat area at the Tip Off.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 20 — Hike down the switchbacks after the Tip Off.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 21 — And here it is, the Colorado River. When it is "normal" it's greenish like this. After rains (which could be far upstream), it can be brown and muddy looking.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 22 — Continue down along the spine.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 23 — This section is very scenic, with the switchbacks below, and your first glimpse of Black Bridge, which you will cross in a short while.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 24 — Avoid the small unofficial trail to the viewpoint and continue on the main trail.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 25 — When you get to the junction with the River Trail, make the right and continue down to Black Bridge. If you wanted to skip Phantom Ranch and the bridges (not recommended), you could make the left here.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 26 — There's a short tunnel before the bridge.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 27 — And then you're out on the 440 feet of Black Bridge. It was built in 1928 and was the only bridge over the river in the Grand Canyon until the 1960s.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 28 — Keep your eyes open for rafters and enjoy the river views.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 29 — At the other side of the bridge, you'll go right and then left to continue the hike.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 30 — As you follow the river you'll pass a historic pueblo site which dates back 1000 years.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 31 — Continue straight along the river. If you desperately need water, there's an emergency fill station here. Otherwise there's water in just a few minutes.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 32 — When you get to this big trail junction, bear right onto the North Kaibab Trail toward Phantom Ranch.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 33 — The trail splits as you enter Bright Angel Canyon and hike up the creek, away from the river. The official trail is left, but you can also stay right for more shade. Be respectful as you pass by residences and work areas.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 34 — Follow the trail up for several minutes until you reach the buildings.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 35 — When you start walking through all the buildings, look for this building, which is the canteen.There's usually a group of hikers hanging out there, it's easy to spot.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 36 — Okay, here you are at the canteen. Grab a snack and cold drink (they have ice!), refill your water, and then start heading back the way you just came, back towards the river.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 38 — When you get back to the big intersection by the river, make the right this time toward the Bright Angel Trail.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 39 — Stay on the main trail and go through mule pens and buildings, downstream toward the Silver Bridge.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 40 — Cross over the Silver Bridge.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 41 — And at the end, make the right to continue hiking downstream.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 42 — The trail has a bit of up and down as it follows the river. The views of the river here will be the best.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 43 — The trail winds away from the river and you'll see the shed at River Rest House. Keep hiking up away from the river.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 44 — if you look back from the shed, there's a small sandy beach. It's not safe to wade or go into the water here.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 45 — And just pass the shed you'll find the actual River Rest House, just across Pipe Creek. There's no water here FYI.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 46 — Now you start heading uphill. In the beginning the climb is nice and gradual. The rock around you is called Vishnu Schist, and at 2-billion years old is among the oldest rock in the Grand Canyon. The microclimate here is notorious for getting extremely hot.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 47 — Start climbing up a section called the Devil's Corkscrew. It's tough and usually hot. Just ake it one switchback at a time.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 48 — Look down as you climb to see your progress.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 49 — At the top the gradient eases and the trail winds around to the left, joining Garden Creek (where the green trees are).

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 50 — Now you follow scenic Garden Creek up towards Indian Garden.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 51 — You'll see the Tonto Trail join from the left. Continue straight.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 52 — And then you enter the start of the Indian Garden area.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 53 — Hike past the pump house, which pumps water up to the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 54 — When you get to the intersection, make the left.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 55 — And here you are, Indian Garden. This is a good place to take a break and refill your water.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 56 — Hike up from Indian Garden. The main trail continues straight, and on the right you pass by the campground, mule pens, ranger station, and other structures here.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 57 — You have a nice section of gradual uphill as you leave Indian Garden. Enjoy it, after this, it's much tougher.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 58 — And now you start climbing up the switchbacks toward the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 59 — This section of switchbacks before you reach the 3-Mile Rest House is called Jacob's Ladder.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 60 — After a steep climb, you'll be able to see 3-Mile Rest House in the distance.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 61 — The actual rest house and water fill is back to the left. Refill here if you need to.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 62 — Then continue uphill for another 1.5 miles, to the 1.5-Mile Rest House.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 63 — It's steep, but if you need to stop for a breather, you can enjoy the views.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 64 — Soon you'll see a building ahead. That's the 1.5 Mile Rest House bathroom, which is back off the trail to the left. The trail and water fill continues up to the right.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 65 — Here's the 1.5-Mile Rest House. The water fill is just before the rest house. This is your last chance to refill your water before the top.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 66 — Almost there! You'll be hiking up to that notch in front of you.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 67 — If you look down from here as you climb, there are nice views into Indian Garden, where you just came from.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 68 — More steep switchbacks as you tackle the last mile or so.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 69 — Here's the first tunnel. Only a mile to go from here.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 70 — Stay on the main trail.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 71 — When you pass through the upper tunnel, the tough stuff is behind you.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 72 — Stay straight, avoiding the trail back to the left which leads to the Kolb Studio.

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 73 — And here it is, the end of the trail!

Grand Canyon Rim To River Directions 37 — Don't forget to check out the Bright Angel Trail sign at the top. It's a nice place for a photo after your epic hike.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.