Rim-to-River via South Kaibab

Dogs No Dogs

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

South Kaibab Trail makes the most direct from Grand Canyon's South Rim to the river and back. When compared to the other main rim-to-river trail--Bright Angel Trail--South Kaibab is quicker but tougher. It has steeper grades, much less shade, and no drinking water except at the very top and the very bottom. Hence, South Kaibab may be the preferred choice during cold times of year, or for very strong hikers/trail runners at any time of year.

A round trip from the rim to the river and back is generally considered a two or more day endeavor, with an overnight stay at Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch (permits/reservations required). That said, strong hikers commonly complete this route within a day during the cooler months (October to April). If you have never hiked very far in the Grand Canyon before, attempting a 1-day rim to river at any time of year is not recommended. Instead, you can choose any turnaround point along South Kaibab Trail to make a satisfying day hike.

There is no public parking at the South Kaibab Trailhead, so you'll have to ride the free shuttle bus from the visitor center to get here. Fill up at the water station near the sign kiosk, then start the descent right away. This trail descends 4,780 feet in 7 miles. Keep in mind that it will always seem steeper on the way back up, and you should allow twice as long for the return trip as it takes to get down. Also, weather on the rim is often breezy and cool, even during summer, but temperatures rise quickly as you descend.

After a quarter mile of very tightly stacked switchbacks, the grade levels out and the trail traverses northward below the towering rim wall of Yaki Point. The first major milestone on the trail is Ooh Ahh point at 6,660 feet and 0.9 miles from the trailhead, offering a sample of the spectacular panoramas yet to come. The trail proceeds from there down to Cedar Ridge, where you can find vault toilets, before continuing on its descent to Skeleton Point at 5,220 feet and 3 miles from the trailhead. Skeleton Point, which offers the first glimpse of the Colorado River nearly 3,000 feet below, is a common day-trip destination, and the farthest one recommended by the park.

A series of steep switchbacks begin immediately after Skeleton Point, offering the most extreme exposure found on this route. The trail descends over 1,200 feet in 1.4 miles to reach the sun-soaked Tonto Plateau and a point called The Tipoff, where there is a vault toilet and an emergency phone. At 3,600 feet, this place on the trail provides stunning views of the inner canyon and Colorado River.

Below the Tipoff, another series of switchbacks descends 1,120 feet in 1.5 miles before arriving at the Kaibab Suspension Bridge, AKA the Black Bridge. The scale of the mighty Colorado River is remarkable up close, and it's amazing to look up at the canyon walls and contemplate how the river's width has gone virtually unchanged over time: the outward growth of the canyon has occurred as an effect of the river cutting downward. The Bright Angel Campground is another 0.5 miles following a level grade along the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek, and Phantom Ranch is a few hundred yards farther than the campground. The roundtrip to Phantom Ranch and back up via South Kaibab is about 15 miles.
- Description by Brent Uhrig, Outdoor Project.