South Kaibab Trail

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views

South Kaibab is the best Grand Canyon trail for those who want maximum views in relatively quick time. When compared with the other main trail on the South Rim--Bright Angel Trail--South Kaibab is more direct and has even more dramatic scenery in the upper miles of trail.

Consequently, South Kaibab is very steep, very sun exposed, and skirts a sheer drop off in places. The trail is sufficiently wide and relatively safe (even when you have to step aside for mule trains to pass), but hiking it is no casual endeavor. In winter and spring, ice and snow usually make the uppermost mile more treacherous. In summer, heat is a serious danger if going farther than one mile into the canyon.

Despite the extremes, South Kaibab is one of the best and most popular trails in the park, and most people can complete some distance out and back with proper preparation. Bring sturdy shoes, trekking poles if you are comfortable using them, lots of water, and some snacks. There is no water available anywhere on the trail except at the trailhead and at Phantom Ranch in the very bottom of the canyon.

A round-trip hike all the way to the Colorado River in the bottom is generally considered a two-day endeavor, but going a shorter distance down and back makes a great day hike. Here are some recommended turnaround points to make trips of various distances:

​Ooh Aah Point: 1.8 miles round trip / 1-2 hours / 790 feet elevation change
Cedar Ridge: 3 miles round trip / 2-4 hours / 1,120 feet elevation change (A toilet is located here)
Skeleton Point: 6 miles round trip / 4-6 hours / 2,040 feet elevation change
The Tipoff: 9 miles roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 3,280 feet elevation change (Another toilet is located here)
Phantom Ranch: 15 miles roundtrip / 1-2 days / 4,700 ft (1,430 m) elevation change (Toilet and water located here)