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Grand Canyon: Rim to Rim via Bright Angel
Hiking Trail
Hard
20.78 mi
6,089 ft
A truly epic hike across the Grand Canyon.
The Rim-to-Rim crossing of the Grand Canyon is an epic bucket list hike that many adventurers seek to check off. Whether you attempt the entire hike in one day or break it up into two days and camp at the bottom is up to you. You could also turn it into a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike by choosing to hike both directions.
Beginning at the South Rim, you have two options to descend into the canyon. The Bright Angel Trail (depicted here) offers a steady descent into the canyon and multiple sources of water along the way. 4.5 miles from the trailhead, Indian Garden provides year-round water with the next dependable source at Phantom Ranch across the Colorado River foot bridge.
Alternatively, some choose the South Kaibab Trail down to Phantom Ranch. Less visited and slightly shorter, the trail is much steeper and the same route utilized by a mule train that leaves around 5am every morning (make sure to start your run before they do, they aren't keen to allowing other trail users by in the dark). Some hikers choose to go down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel. If you choose that option, check on the bus schedule to make sure you will have a ride back to your campsite or vehicle.
Organized groups are required to obtain a permit through the National Park. There is also an entry fee to get into the park, and most hikers choose to camp there during their trip. The park's popularity makes it difficult to secure campsites during certain times of the year, so plan accordingly and reserve a spot far before your trip.
The traverse is best attempted in the fall and spring, when the weather is at its best. Seasonal water sources along the trail are turned off mid-November, so check with the park regarding the latest status. The pipeline that provides water along the trail is also outdated and experiences frequent shutdowns for maintenance. Always carry a water filter or other purification system just in case.
Though the entire hike is loaded with views, the push up to the north rim is often the most memorable for trail runners. Narrow bench cuts along rock bluffs and several bridges line the way up. Even in November, it's possible for the bottom of the canyon to reach 70 degrees during the day, with deep snow blanketing the north rim.
Note: If you plan to catch a shuttle back from the North Rim to the South Rim, be sure to check that the shuttle is running and that the North Rim is open and accessible. Just because you can reach the South Rim doesn't mean the North Rim is open!
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
The Rim-to-Rim crossing of the Grand Canyon is an epic bucket list hike that many adventurers seek to check off. Whether you attempt the entire hike in one day or break it up into two days and camp at the bottom is up to you. You could also turn it into a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike by choosing to hike both directions.
Beginning at the South Rim, you have two options to descend into the canyon. The Bright Angel Trail (depicted here) offers a steady descent into the canyon and multiple sources of water along the way. 4.5 miles from the trailhead, Indian Garden provides year-round water with the next dependable source at Phantom Ranch across the Colorado River foot bridge.
Alternatively, some choose the South Kaibab Trail down to Phantom Ranch. Less visited and slightly shorter, the trail is much steeper and the same route utilized by a mule train that leaves around 5am every morning (make sure to start your run before they do, they aren't keen to allowing other trail users by in the dark). Some hikers choose to go down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel. If you choose that option, check on the bus schedule to make sure you will have a ride back to your campsite or vehicle.
Organized groups are required to obtain a permit through the National Park. There is also an entry fee to get into the park, and most hikers choose to camp there during their trip. The park's popularity makes it difficult to secure campsites during certain times of the year, so plan accordingly and reserve a spot far before your trip.
The traverse is best attempted in the fall and spring, when the weather is at its best. Seasonal water sources along the trail are turned off mid-November, so check with the park regarding the latest status. The pipeline that provides water along the trail is also outdated and experiences frequent shutdowns for maintenance. Always carry a water filter or other purification system just in case.
Though the entire hike is loaded with views, the push up to the north rim is often the most memorable for trail runners. Narrow bench cuts along rock bluffs and several bridges line the way up. Even in November, it's possible for the bottom of the canyon to reach 70 degrees during the day, with deep snow blanketing the north rim.
Note: If you plan to catch a shuttle back from the North Rim to the South Rim, be sure to check that the shuttle is running and that the North Rim is open and accessible. Just because you can reach the South Rim doesn't mean the North Rim is open!
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| SK Trailhead to Tonto | 4.51 mi | -3,179 ft | -13.3% |
| South Kaibab Trailhead To Phantom Ranch | 7.58 mi | -4,715 ft | -11.6% |
| South Kaibab to bottom of canyon | 6.56 mi | -4,669 ft | -13.5% |
| South Kaibad trail down 1st part | 2.30 mi | -1,860 ft | -15.0% |
| ceda ridge - phantom range down | 5.95 mi | -3,389 ft | -10.6% |
| ceda ridge - Bridge down | 5.29 mi | -3,343 ft | -11.9% |
| Fly to the top rock | 0.06 mi | -16 ft | -4.5% |
| South Kaibad trail down 2nd part | 4.15 mi | -2,858 ft | -12.7% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 0.81 mi | 164 ft | 3.8% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 0.22 mi | 207 ft | 17.0% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 0.27 mi | 302 ft | 19.0% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 1.67 mi | 515 ft | 5.8% |
| Segment | 0.29 mi | 217 ft | 13.8% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 0.53 mi | 167 ft | 6.0% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 1.27 mi | 692 ft | 10.3% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 0.35 mi | 860 ft | 45.3% |
| North Kaibab Trail Climb | 0.22 mi | 171 ft | 13.9% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 0.21 mi | 692 ft | 60.3% |
| Arizona Trail Climb | 0.25 mi | 381 ft | 28.6% |
| Coconino Overlook to Kaibab Trailhead | 0.63 mi | 502 ft | 15.1% |