Grand Canyon Day Hikes

Day hikes are a great way to experience the Grand Canyon. There are great day hikes that you can take from either the South Rim or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

South Rim Day Hikes: These day hikes are located at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. These popular hikes range from easy to difficult.

We have provided you with a brief overview of the trail and even videos that will give you an idea of the trail conditions and views. Have a great time hiking in the Grand Canyon and remember to hike smart!

Rim Trail

(Easy) The Rim Trail extends from the Grand Canyon Village area to Hermits Rest. You can start from any viewpoint in the Village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail provides you excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike. There is no water available west of Bright Angel Lodge. If you use the shuttle buses, you can easily plan the hike to meet your needs. Part of the Rim Trail is paved and handicap accessible.

Bright Angel Trail

(Steep) The Bright Angel Trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge and offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles (round trip). Some shade. Seasonal water subject to pipeline breaks. Check at the Visitor Center or Backcountry Information Center for water status. Upper portion of the trail may be extremely icy in winter or early spring. 

South Kaibab Trail

(Steep) The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus (Kaibab Trail Route). Offers day hikes that range in distance up to 6 miles (round trip). Best views for a relatively short hike. Steep trail, no water, little shade. Water available seasonally at the trailhead. Upper portion of the trail may be extremely icy in winter or early spring.

Hermit Trail

(Steep) The Hermit Trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, 5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Springs, 7 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking. For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.

Grandview Trail

(Very Steep) The Grandview Trail offers hikes to Coconino Saddle, 2.2 miles (round trip), and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins on canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of village). For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.

North Rim Day Hikes: These day hikes are located at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. These hikes range from easy to difficult. We have provided you with an overview of the hikes. Enjoy your hike in the Grand Canyon and remember to hike smart!

Bright Angel Point Trail

(Easy) This trail is about .5 miles long and takes about 30 minutes of round-trip hiking time. The Bright Angel Point Trail is a short walk on a paved trail to a spectacular view of the canyon. The trail begins at the log shelter in the parking area by the visitor center or at the corner of the back porch behind the lodge. Self-guiding nature trail pamphlets are available from a box along the trail.

Transept Trail

(Easy) The Transept Trail is 3.0 miles round-trip and takes about 1.5 hours to hike round-trip. The trail follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground.

Bridle Trail

(Easy) This trail follows the road as it connects the Grand Canyon Lodge with the North Kaibab Trailhead, a distance of 1.2 miles one-way. You can take your pets on leash and ride your bicycle on the Bridle Trail.

North Kaibab Trail

(Very Steep) Distance and hiking times vary. This is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim. When you are day hiking this trail, be aware that it is easy to travel down the trail, but you must hike back up to get out. The hike back to the North Rim is strenuous.

Ken Patrick Trail

(Moderate) This 10 mile long trail (one-way) will take you about 6 hours to hike. The Ken Patrick Trail winds through the forest and along the rim from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab Trail parking area.

Uncle Jim Trail

(Moderate) Plan about 3 hours for this 5 mile round-trip trail. The trail goes through the forest to a point overlooking the canyon and the North Kaibab Trail switchbacks. The trail starts at the North Kaibab Trail parking lot. Be aware that this trail is also used by mules.

Widforss Trail

(Moderate) This 10 mile round-trip trail combines the forest and canyon scenery. Be sure to take the dirt road 1/4 mile south of Cape Royal Road for 1 mile to the Widforss Trail parking area. There are self-guiding trail brochures that are available at the trailhead.

Arizona Trail

The Arizona Trail is a trail project that traverses the length of Arizona from the Utah border to Mexico. A portion of this trail enters the park near the North Entrance and parallels the highway until it connects with the North Kaibab Trail, a distance of approximately 10 miles.

Cape Royal Trail

(Easy) This short paved trail is only .6 miles round-trip. From Cape Royal Trail you get great views of the Grand Canyon, Angels Window, and the Colorado River. You can learn about the natural history of the area by reading the interpretive markers along the trail. The trail starts at the southeast side of the Cape Royal parking area.

Cliff Springs Trail

(Moderate) This short 1 mile round-trip hike goes down a wooded ravine to a boulder that sits under a large overhang. The spring is on the cliff side of the boulder. Make sure that you do not drink the water because it could be contaminated.

Cape Final Trail

(Moderate) This hike takes about 2 hours for a round-trip hike. Four miles in length round-trip takes you from the parking area to Cape final for great views of the canyon.

Roosevelt Point Trail

(Easy) This very short .2 mile round-trip hiking trail takes about 20 minutes. The Roosevelt Point Trail is a loop that provides spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. Their are benches for you to sit on and enjoy the view.

Point Imperial Trail

(Easy) A round-trip hike on this 4 mile trail takes about 2 hours round-trip. This easy trail passes through areas burned by the 2000 Outlet Fire and ends at the north park boundary. From there connections are possible to the Nankoweap Trail and U.S. Forest Service roads.