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Author:
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Backpacker Magazine
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Activity:
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Backpacking
ActivitySearchBackpacking
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State:
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Arizona (AZ)
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Distance:
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20.92 mi
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Difficulty:
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8 / 10
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USGS Topo Map:
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Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Point
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Rating:
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 3 rating(s)
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From the North Kaibab Trailhead on the North Rim, follow countless, snaking switchbacks into the belly of the Grand Canyon. As you descend along the cliffside, look to the south for views of the San Francisco Peaks rising behind the flat-topped mesa walls. After 1.5 miles, the trail travels through the Supai Tunnel—a 20-foot-long hole-in-the-rock wall—then enters Bright Angel Canyon at mile 4.1. Resthouses offering shade, water and emergency telephones are spaced in 1.5-mile intervals along the trail. After passing the Pumphouse Residence at mile 4.8, the route continues southwest through Bright Angel Canyon, crisscrossing Bright Angel Creek numerous times, and crossing the Colorado River on a suspension bridge. Indian Gardens, a small oasis on the canyon floor, appears after 17.5 miles. The final 2.5 miles follow zigzagging switchbacks back up the canyon wall to the South Rim and the Bright Angel Trailhead.
CAUTION: Summer temperatures can soar into the 100s so always carry water (rangers recommend 2 gallons/day), and start early to beat the midday heat. Also, don't forget it is much easier to descend into the canyon than climb back up. Expect to spend at least double the time climbing than descending.
PERMITS: If camping, backcountry permits are required ($10), plus $5 per person per day. Download application at
nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm; then fax to (928) 638-2125.
MORE INFO: Grand Canyon National Park, (928) 638-7888;
nps.gov/grca
TRAILHEAD: Start (North Rim): From S. Lake Powell Blvd. and US 89 in Page, AZ, head southwest on US 89. In 23 miles, turn right onto US 89 ALT. In 55 miles, turn left onto AZ 67/North Rim Pkwy. (closed seasonally). Follow 41.6 miles to trailhead parking on left.
End (South Rim): From S. Lake Powell Blvd. and US 89 in Page, AZ, head southwest on US 89. In 81.5 miles, turn right onto AZ 64. In 53 miles, turn right onto S. Entrance Rd. In 2.7 miles, continue straight on Village Loop Rd. Follow 0.3 mile to parking on right.
-Mapped by Trung Q. Le
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
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GTR01
| Dist: 20.92 mi |
Points: 2403 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
Grand Canyon: Rim-to-Rim via North Kaibab Trail
GTR001
Location: 36.216938°, -112.056679°
Hike south from the North Kaibab Trailhead. Ahead, descend the North Rim on a steep and snaking dirt path.
GTR002
Location: 36.215412°, -112.053085°
The San Francisco Peaks rise dramatically to the south behind the flat-topped canyon. Switchback descent continues.
GTR003
Location: 36.211220°, -112.049423°
Walk through the Supai Tunnel, a 20-foot-long hole in the rock wall. Potable water (seasonal) and restrooms are available here.
GTR004
Location: 36.207188°, -112.046578°
Cross a bridge over Roaring Springs. To the north, you may be able to spot the Supai Tunnel and the North Rim.
GTR005
Location: 36.192570°, -112.033928°
Turn around for the last views of the North Rim, then continue straight @ 3-way junction to enter Bright Angel Canyon. Optional: Turn left @ 3-way junction onto the 0.5-mile spur trail to Roaring Springs for views of water pouring out of the cliff wall and cascading down to Bright Angel Creek.
GTR006
Location: 36.185020°, -112.031998°
Pass the Pumphouse Residence; potable water is available here seasonally. Next, cross a bridge over Bright Angel Creek.
GTR007
Location: 36.169842°, -112.041405°
Cottonwood Campground: Bathrooms, potable water (seasonal), emergency phone and ranger station are available here. Continue heading southwest.
GTR008
Location: 36.159069°, -112.052231°
Turn left @ T-intersection. The trail on the right crosses Bright Angel Creek and leads 0.2 mile to a grotto with Ribbon Falls.
GTR009
Location: 36.156731°, -112.053536°
Look northwest for views of Ribbon Falls; trail winds to the southwest.
GTR010
Location: 36.140636°, -112.066574°
Cross the Bright Angel Creek on a footbridge. This is the first of five bridge crossings in the next 3 miles. A grassy, marsh surrounds the trail.
GTR011
Location: 36.136021°, -112.071678°
Cross another footbridge over Bright Angel Creek.
GTR012
Location: 36.132675°, -112.073769°
Cross a footbridge and continue hiking southwest.
GTR013
Location: 36.115459°, -112.086525°
Cross Bright Angel Creek on footbridge. This is a good area to filter water; drop your packs, refill water bottles, and relax on the shores of this small rushing creek.
GTR014
Location: 36.114063°, -112.086151°
Cross the last footbridge over Bright Angel Creek.
GTR015
Location: 36.110634°, -112.091629°
Continue straight on the North Kaibab Trail @ 3-way intersection. Clear Creek Trail enters on the left. Ahead, the trail leaves the Bright Angel Canyon.
GTR016
Location: 36.104137°, -112.095749°
Trail passes through Phantom Ranch. Refreshments are available at the general store. You can also find potable water (seasonal) and bathrooms. Look across Bright Angel Creek to the west for the Trans-Canyon Telephone Line, a nationally registered Historic Place. Next, reconnect with the North Kaibab Trail just past Phantom Ranch.
GTR017
Location: 36.099842°, -112.093971°
The trail passes 800-year-old ruins along the banks of the Colorado River. Turn right @ 3-way intersection. Potable water (seasonal) and a bathroom are available here. Ahead, the brownish-grey dirt trail transitions to a reddish color.
GTR018
Location: 36.098122°, -112.095406°
Cross the Colorado River on the Silver Bridge, a suspension bridge with views of the raging water below. After the bridge crossing, turn right @ the T-intersection (trail on the left leads to South Kaibab Trail). Look to the east and soak up views of both the Silver and Black suspension bridges. The sandy path ahead may slow your pace.
GTR019
Location: 36.098541°, -112.111748°
Continue straight @ 3-way intersection on the Bright Angel Trail. To the right, a trail leads down to the Pipe Creek Beach. Trail passes the River Resthouse and steeply climbs through the canyon up to Indian Gardens.
GTR020
Location: 36.081951°, -112.124550°
Continue straight on Bright Angel Trail @ 3-way intersection. Tonto East Trail enters on the left.
GTR021
Location: 36.078308°, -112.127083°
Walk through Indian Gardens; pass the pump station on the left and the Plateau Point Trail on the right (potable water is available here seasonally). Ahead, the trail bears left and passes the bathrooms, campsites, and eventually the Ranger Station. Stop and admire the wide variety of flora, which is unique to Indian Gardens.
GTR022
Location: 36.065552°, -112.136231°
3-Mile Resthouse: Take a break at this shelter (emergency phone available). Only three miles of trail remain to the South Rim. The route continues to climb up switchbacks; views extend into the canyon to Indian Gardens.
GTR023
Location: 36.060680°, -112.138733°
1.5-Mile Resthouse: There are 2 shelters here. One of them has potable water and a bathroom. Next, the trail continues to climb up switchbacks, but becomes noticeably flatter as it approaches the South Rim.
GTR024
Location: 36.058243°, -112.145515°
Walk through a small, 10-foot tunnel.
GTR025
Location: 36.057465°, -112.144074°
You have 2 options at this trail fork: 1. Bear left to crest the South Rim via the tourist walkway (mapped). 2. Bear right to reach the official Bright Angel Trailhead (not mapped).
GTR026
Location: 36.057312°, -112.143631°
The route ends at the Bright Angel Trailhead.
North Rim Views
Location: 36.216904°, -112.056763°
Looking south from the North Rim. © Trung Q. Le
Views from the North Rim
Location: 36.216984°, -112.056587°
Looking south from the North Rim. © Trung Q. Le
North Rim Panorama
Location: 36.216824°, -112.057007°
Supai Tunnel
Location: 36.211231°, -112.049423°
San Francisco Peaks
Location: 36.211250°, -112.049118°
Looking south from the Supai Tunnel. © Trung Q. Le
Roaring Springs Canyon
Location: 36.202374°, -112.043877°
Look for the various layers that make up the canyon wall. © Trung Q. Le
Bright Angel Canyon
Location: 36.129852°, -112.076225°
Bright Angel Canyon
Location: 36.114796°, -112.086052°
Silver Bridge
Location: 36.098488°, -112.094688°
Silver Bridge crosses the Colorado River on the Bright Angel Trail. © Trung Q. Le
View from the Bright Angel Trail
Location: 36.087719°, -112.117050°
Looking south across Indian Garden toward the South Rim.
3-Mile Resthouse
Location: 36.060669°, -112.138733°
© Trung Q. Le
Views of the South Rim
Location: 36.060505°, -112.139252°
Looking up at the South Rim.
Bright Angel Trail
Location: 36.057556°, -112.145020°
Looking down the canyon from the Bright Angel Trail. © Trung Q. Le
