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Grand Canyon National Park: South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Trail
Trek to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on this 13.7-mile shuttle hike that tours rugged canyons, visits the Colorado River, and features stunning cliffside views.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Backpacking |
| State: | Arizona (AZ) |
| Distance: | 13.65 mi |
| Difficulty: | 7 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch |
| Rating: |
 6 rating(s)
|
This 13.7-mile route starts at South Kaibab Trailhead on the Grand Canyon's South Rim and immediately descends into the belly of the Grand Canyon on South Kaibab Trail. Along the way, the route passes O'Neill Butte, Skeleton Point, and breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons. At the bottom, cross Black Bridge, a suspension bridge over the Colorado River, and head southwest for 0.3 mile before turning left and re-crossing the Colorado River on Silver Bridge. From here, the route follows Bright Angel Trail along Garden Creek to Indian Gardens, a small oasis on the canyon floor. 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 per 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 $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
-Mapped by Trung Q. Le
TO TRAILHEAD: Start: 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, turn left onto Village Loop Dr. In 0.2 mile, bear left at Village Loop Dr. In 0.2 mile, turn right to stay on Village Loop Dr. In 100 feet, turn left to stay on Village Loop Dr. Go 500 feet and park in Lot E at the South Rim Backcountry Information Center. Take a free shuttle bus to the trailhead (check times at Ranger Station).
End: 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.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Rim-to-Rim via South Kaibab Trail
| Distance: 13.65 mi | Points: 2134 |
Rim-to-Rim via South Kaibab Trail
Points of Interest
O'Neill Butte
Location: 36.060547, -112.086426Trail leading down to Cedar Ridge and O'Neill Butte. ©Trung Q. Le © Darrin Funk
South Kaibab Trail
Location: 36.058781, -112.085053Descending the South Rim via switchbacks on the South Kaibab Trail. ©Trung Q. Le
Views from Cedar Ridge
Location: 36.066063, -112.090332Views to the east from Cedar Ridge. ©Trung Q. Le © Darrin Funk
View from Skeleton Point
Location: 36.081257, -112.089645The switchbacks from Skeleton Point to the canyon floor. ©Trung Q. Le © Darrin Funk
Natural Arch
Location: 36.085213, -112.086250©Trung Q. Le © Darrin Funk
The Tipoff
Location: 36.091732, -112.090248©Trung Q. Le
Grand Canyon and the Colorado River
Location: 36.093361, -112.088829Views looking north after The Tipoff. ©Trung Q. Le © Darrin Funk
Black Suspension Bridge
Location: 36.096252, -112.086525View of the Colorado River and Black Bridge. ©Trung Q. Le
Black Suspension Bridge
Location: 36.099690, -112.089066©Trung Q. Le
Silver Bridge.jpeg
Location: 36.098597, -112.094407View from Bright Angel Trail.jpeg
Location: 36.087465, -112.1173673-Mile Resthouse.jpeg
Location: 36.060618, -112.138910Views of the South Rim.jpeg
Location: 36.060687, -112.140026Bright Angel Trail.jpeg
Location: 36.057704, -112.145348GTR001
Location: 36.053410, -112.083550Head north from the South Kaibab Trailhead (port-a-potties are available here). From May to mid-October, fill water bottles at the spigot near the bus stop. Caution: There are no other water sources along the South Kaibab Trail.
GTR002
Location: 36.061470, -112.087067Pass the first viewpoint, which reveals views of countless buttes to the east. If possible, time this stretch with the sunrise. Next, the trail snakes down the canyon on a multitude of switchbacks (supported by metal rebar and pipes). The switchbacks and well-maintained, paved trail make this potentially steep descent less difficult. As you descend, you'll get an up-close view of the canyon's various layers.
GTR003
Location: 36.064053, -112.089485Head north along Cedar Ridge, a wide ridge that resembles a plateau (stunning bird's-eye views of the canyon). There are established composting toilets here.
GTR004
Location: 36.071719, -112.088699As the trail winds to the east behind O'Neill Butte, you'll catch more views of the canyon below.
GTR005
Location: 36.081291, -112.089996Pass Skeleton Point, which offers the first views and sounds of the Colorado River. Look down to the east to see the numerous switchbacks ahead.
GTR006
Location: 36.085462, -112.086371Look up towards the north-northwest and you can see Natural Arch at the top of the butte.
GTR007
Location: 36.090066, -112.088903The trail travels across The Tipoff (there is a phone here that could be used in an emergency). Start marveling at all the buttes and points that surround you in every direction. Continue straight on the South Kaibab Trail at the next two intersections with Tonto West Trail, and Tonto East Trail. The metal stalls in the middle are used to tie up mules on their way up and down the rim.
GTR008
Location: 36.095207, -112.091135Hike past an overlook with views of the Colorado River. Ahead, the dirt trail turns a reddish color, which stains shoes and socks.
GTR009
Location: 36.096248, -112.086650First views of Black Bridge, a suspension bridge over the Colorado River. Look down on the series of switchbacks to come.
GTR010
Location: 36.097418, -112.087916Soak up views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyons from this trailside overlook. The Colorado River becomes louder as you descend to the suspension bridge.
GTR011
Location: 36.098747, -112.087189The Bright Angel Campground (north side of the Colorado River) comes into view for the first time.
GTR012
Location: 36.099342, -112.088871Stay right @ Y-intersection on the South Kaibab Trail (toward Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground). River Trail enters on the left.
GTR013
Location: 36.100435, -112.089064Walk across Black Bridge. To the west, you can see the Silver Bridge, as well as Bright Angel Campground. Below, whitewater rafters and kayakers take breaks on the beach next to the Colorado River.
GTR014
Location: 36.099842, -112.093971The trail passes 800-year-old ruins along the banks of the Colorado River. Turn left @ 3-way intersection to cross Silver Bridge. Potable water (seasonal) and a bathroom are available here. Ahead, the brownish-grey dirt trail transitions to a reddish color.
GTR015
Location: 36.098122, -112.095406Cross 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.
GTR016
Location: 36.098541, -112.111748Continue 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.
GTR017
Location: 36.081951, -112.124550Continue straight on Bright Angel Trail @ 3-way intersection. Tonto East Trail enters on the left.
GTR018
Location: 36.078308, -112.127083Walk 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.
GTR019
Location: 36.065552, -112.1362313-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.
GTR020
Location: 36.060680, -112.1387331.5-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.
GTR021
Location: 36.058243, -112.145515Walk through a small, 10-foot tunnel.
GTR022
Location: 36.057465, -112.144074You 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).
GTR023
Location: 36.057312, -112.143631The route ends at the Bright Angel Trailhead.
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