Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 5.0 (88)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. …Grand Canyon National Park
  5. South Rim
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“Hike across one of the Seven Wonders of the World... TWICE! ”

Cyndi Wyatt
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

47.5

Miles

76.5

KM

Out and Back

8,178' 2,493 m

High

2,454' 748 m

Low

10,919' 3,328 m

Up

10,919' 3,328 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

61%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Bright Angel Trail beyond Havasupai Gardens (Mile 4.5) is CLOSED through May 15, 2025 due to construction of the new Transcanyon Waterline. South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails remain open. Check the national park website for current updates.

Overview

A Grand Canyon double crossing (Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim) is a legendary accomplishment, but one that is very doable for any serious hiker with proper training and preparation. There are multiple ways to complete the R2R2R. The route shown here--Bright Angel to North Kaibab and back--is ideal for backpackers on a multiday trip because of the better water and camping options. Runners and anyone attempting the crossing in a day usually prefer South Kaibab over Bright Angel Trail because it is more direct.

The unique aspect of crossing the Grand Canyon is that you first descend 9 miles, then hike mostly flat across the floor for 7 miles, before hitting the steepest part of the North Kaibab Trail where you'll climb 7 miles up a 15% - 20% grade. Pacing yourself is the key to finishing R2R2R. Expect to travel much slower than you would on any other backpacking trip.

Need to Know

Fall and spring are the perfect time for this crossing. The Bright Angel Trail is two miles longer (4 if it's an out and back) than the traditional route of South Kaibab. But having your car a few feet away after hiking 48 miles and climbing 14K feet is invaluable. You are soaked from sweat or rain, and it's freezing at both Rims.

Description

Starting with the Bright Angel Trail allows you to park close to the trailhead and not rely on shuttles or parking restrictions. A 4am start allows you to be in the dark a little on the front end of your journey and a little on the back end, which is preferable to hiking through the night.

Descend the Bright Angel Trail to the Colorado River, through Bright Angel Campground, and then head up the North Kaibab Trail.

Views on the Bright Angel Trail are framed by massive cliffs. The majority of this trails elevation change takes place in the upper four miles of trail via a series of switchbacks that can seem endless. Be sure to utilize the resthouses and seasonal water sources along the way (there are composting toilets at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, but no toilets at Three-Mile Resthouse).

Approaching Indian Garden, the trail flattens out considerably as it crosses the shaley and desolate Tonto Platform. Indian Garden is an oasis in the canyon that was used by Native Americans up to modern times. Below Indian Garden, the trail follows a creek through a meandering gully of water sculpted stone and shimmering cottonwood trees. The trail becomes steep once again where this gully empties into the broad, bowl-shaped Pipe Creek drainage. This section of trail, affectionately referred to as the Devils Corkscrew, is brutally hot during the summer months and should therefore only be attempted during the early morning or late evening hours.

There are no potable water sources between Indian Garden and Bright Angel Campground. A composting toilet is located near the River Resthouse. From the Pipe Creek/River Resthouse area to Bright Angel Campground, the trail traverses exposed sand dunes for over a mile until reaching the silver bridge across the Colorado River. From here head cross the Silver Bridge and start on the North Kaibab Trail.

The North Kaibab Trail is the first challenging ascent as you'll climb 7 miles up a 15% - 20% grade. Pacing yourself is the key to finishing R2R2R. Along the North Kaibab trail you have the option to take a short spur trail to Ribbon Falls or Roaring Springs.

Now you are at the half way mark! Go back and cross the same way that you came.

Flora & Fauna

Keep your eyes out for big horn sheep, as that will be your special gift if you see one. Elk are everywhere on the rim, but remember to admire them from afar.

History & Background

The Grand Canyon is the oldest geological wonder of the world. Looking down on it from the rim is not fully understanding it's amazing beauty - you have to venture below the rim for the full experience.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Grand Canyon National Park

Shared By:

Cyndi Wyatt with improvements by Benjamin Chapman and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 88 votes

#1

in South Rim

#1

Overall
  5.0 from 88 votes
5 Star
97%
4 Star
3%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in South Rim

#1

in Arizona

#1

Overall
1,728 Views Last Month
177,087 Since Nov 9, 2015
Difficult Difficult
3%
1%
8%
11%
55%
22%
Add a Photo

Photos

Coming down Bright Angel.
Apr 7, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ
This bridge provides quite the view.
Jul 1, 2017 near Grand C…, AZ
Bighorn Sheep crossing the Bright Angel Trail on our way to Plateau Point.
Jun 11, 2016 near Grand C…, AZ
Grand Canyon National Park: Bright Angel Trail - Sunset
Apr 1, 2020 near Grand C…, AZ
Always satisfying looking back down at Devils Corkscrew after feeling the burn on the way up.
Jun 15, 2018 near Grand C…, AZ
Bright Angle Trail- South Rim
Jan 25, 2016 near Grand C…, AZ

6 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
6,000 characters
6,000 characters
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 21, 2024
Ilhiy Hiyil
Nov 28, 2023
Eddie Dodgson
Nov 7, 2023
G Allen Daily
Sep 28, 2023
katie Barker
Aug 24, 2023
Russell Martin
2mi
Sep 23, 2022
Peter Bradley
50mi
Jul 2, 2022
Parker Antwine
Hiked to Ooh Ah Point and back up 1.6mi
Jun 12, 2022
Lauren Loffelmacher
First backpacking trip!

Nearby Recommended Routes

PrevNext
March 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started