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This trail is the least visited & most difficult of the three corridor trails at Grand Canyon NP.


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Map Key

14.7

Miles

23.6

KM

Point to Point

8,222' 2,506 m

High

2,454' 748 m

Low

616' 188 m

Up

6,384' 1,946 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

63%

Max Grade (32°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Starting at the North Rim, the North Kaibab Trail initially descends steeply down the head of a side canyon via numerous switchbacks. After the lush verdancy and impressive views below the trailhead, the trail reaches the distinctive Supai Tunnel (mile 1.7), where hikers will find potable water (mid-May to mid-October) and pit toilets. Switchbacks continue down to the massive cliffs of Redwall Limestone and a constructed bridge (mile 2.6). Either the Supai Tunnel or the Redwall Bridge are recommended turnaround points for a day hike.

Beyond the bridge, the trail makes an unlikely traverse where long stretches have been blasted out of the cliff in a half tunnel. The Redwall section is truly awe-inspiring with fantastic exposure and views. Once the bulk of the trail's descent meets the relatively flat bottom of Bright Angel Canyon, Roaring Springs (mile 4.7) is a worthwhile side trip. Here, water gushes forth directly out of the cliffs, cascading over moss and ferns to feed Bright Angel Creek.

Those fortunate to overnight at Cottonwood Campground (mile 6.8) will have the time to explore a beautiful oasis located 1.6 miles down-creek from the campground: Ribbon Falls is a true gem of the North Kaibab Trail. The waterfall is located in a grotto on the west side of Bright Angel Creek, so reaching it is a short but extremely rewarding side trip. Hikers caught in the heat of the day should consider taking a siesta here from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Between Cottonwood Campground and Bright Angel Campground the trail enters the Inner Gorge, a narrow canyon where the trail is boxed in on either side by 1.7 billion-year-old Vishnu Schist. Though the trail here is not challenging from the perspective of elevation profile, be aware that this is a particularly dangerous stretch of trail during summer because of the heat.

Because the entire 7.2-mile stretch through the Inner Gorge is at low elevation, it becomes extremely hot from early morning to late afternoon. The walls of black rock become like an oven, and it can feel like walking through a parking lot in Phoenix or Las Vegas in summertime. Always plan on reaching Bright Angel Campground before ten in the morning.

Flora & Fauna

At the rim, hikers will glimpse the vast maw of Bright Angel Canyon through fir trees and aspen, ferns and wildflowers. As you descend, the ecology progresses into a blend of riparian and desert vegetation.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nicholas Shannon with improvements by Jesse Weber

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 26 votes

#1

in North Rim

#136

Overall
  4.7 from 26 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
15%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in North Rim

#4

in Arizona

#136

Overall
22 Views Last Month
4,665 Since May 6, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
4%
19%
73%
4%

Photos

This bridge provides quite the view.
Jul 1, 2017 near Grand C…, AZ
Grand Canyon Hike Rim 2Rim 2015
Jan 24, 2016 near Grand C…, AZ
This is the view the East wall just after passing the bifurcation with old bright angel. The contrast between green and red on the North rim is stunning.
Feb 1, 2021 near Grand C…, AZ
Cottonwood October 2015. 4AM
Jan 24, 2016 near Grand C…, AZ
Headed down North Kaibab
Aug 18, 2019 near Grand C…, AZ
Grand Canyon: N. Kaibab Trail - Cottonwood Campground.
May 7, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ

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Check-Ins

Sep 21, 2022
Tom Herr
Started at 0400 on the North Rim in a steady rain. Our rain ponchos increased our sweating which complicated our trip. Cool weather helped. 14.7mi
May 24, 2022
Edge
Left N Rim at 4am, arrived Bright Angel Campground at 8:30am. 14.5mi — 4h 30m
May 17, 2022
Meaghan O.
4mi
Oct 21, 2021
Atsuko Ohtake
Oct 13, 2021
B C
Finished around 8 pm
Aug 12, 2021
Rachel Ricks
Hiked down to the red wall bridge 5.5mi — 3h 30m
Jun 28, 2021
Hannah Wright
Went to the bridge & back
Jun 27, 2021
Hannah Wright
Went to the bridge & back 5.8mi — 3h 15m
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