1. 1 The Beautiful Trails of the Grand Canyon National Park Hikers & Trails 2. 223,217,31 Grand Canyon Trails Grand Canyon is world famous for its trails and lookout points. Grand Canyon Trail hikers are treated to spectacular views of the inner canyon and great expanse of the Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking is free in the Grand Canyon. There are some incredible guided hiking tours that are worth it if looking to get the most out of a short Grand Canyon visit. Hiking the Grand Canyon should not be taken lightly and needs preparation, especially for more advanced trails. Check out some of our Grand Canyon hiking tips for pointers. 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 3. 223,217,31 Day Hikes in the Grand Canyon South Rim Day hikes are the most popular and well used trails. The Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail (Steep), South Kaibab Trail (Steep), Hermit Trail (Steep) and Grandview Trail (Very Steep) are all profiled in our directory below. Weve also provided information on popular Grand Canyon lookout points. 3Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 4. 223,217,31 Bright Angel Trails The Bright Angel Trails starting point is conveniently located at the Grand Canyon Village on the Grand Canyons South Rim and leads right into the River Trail which continues to the Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. 4Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 5. 223,217,31 Bright Angel Camp or Phantom Ranch? Taking the Bright Angel Trail and continuing through the River Trail is actually the most popular method of accessing the Phantom Ranch for hikers or visitors riding mules, so if you were planning on stopping by the Phantom Ranch, this trail is a great way to get there. The Bright Angel Trail itself is 8 miles in length, but if you plan on continuing to the Phantom Ranch, the total distance traveled will be 9.9 miles, so come prepared to walk a couple of extra miles. This trail is well-maintained by park staff and patrolled by park rangers, and despite being a very popular trail, it still has its hazards. 5Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 6. 223,217,31 Possible hazards include things like dehydration, unpredictable weather, icy trails, rockfall, and extreme temperatures, but most reported injuries are squirrel bites, so do remember that feeding the squirrels is prohibited and strongly discouraged. 6Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 Safety Tips 7. 223,217,31 Locations/Elevations Mileages Rim (6860 ft / 2093 m) to Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse (5729 ft / 1748 m): 1.6 mi (2.6 km) Mile-and-a-Half (5729 ft / 1748 m) to Three-Mile Resthouse (4748 ft / 144 9m): 1.5 mi (2.4 km) Three-Mile Resthouse (4748 ft / 1449 m) to Indian Garden (3800 ft / 1160 m): 1.7 mi (2.7 km) Indian Garden (3800 ft / 1160 m) to River Resthouse (2480 ft / 756 m): 3.2 mi (5.2 km) River Resthouse (2480 ft / 756 m) to Bright Angel Campground (2480 ft / 756 m): 1.5 mi (2.4 km) Rim (6860 ft / 2093 m) to Bright Angel Campground (2480 ft / 756 m): 9.5 mi (15.3 km) 7Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 8. 223,217,31 Fossil Beds Just a half mile from Bright Angel Lodge, you can join a park ranger in exploring fossil beds along the walls of the Grand Canyon. Millions upon millions of fossils, long buried in limestone, have been uncovered by erosion and its the perfect chance for amateur fossil hunters of any age to explore a genuine slice of the distant past. 8Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 9. 223,217,31 Breathtaking Views Simply follow a ranger past the beginning of Hermit Road from the Bright Angel Lodge, and youll be able to take photographs of ancient remnants of long-lost sea creatures thatve been preserved by the Earths many layers. On the way back, enjoy breathtaking views, but make sure to visit the canyon between during March and April so you dont miss out on this interested canyon adventure. Knowledgeable rangers are eager to guide you through all of your findings! 9Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 10. 223,217,31 Grand View Trail The Grandview Trail is a very steep trail and is considered a trail for experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots are recommended as terrain will be rough in places. The trail condition is not as maintained or easy to navigate as Bright Angel or South Kiabab Trails. The trail starts at the Grandview Point parking lot which is 12 miles east of the Grand Canyon Village on Arizona state route 64. Grandview Trail is considered one of the best non-maintained trails. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 11. 223,217,31 Did you know that you can horseback ride on the trail? 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 12. 223,217,31 Hermit Trail For experience hikers looking for a more challenging route to the Colorado River, the 8.9 mile Hermit Trail is exactly what you want. Hermit Trail picks up just a quarter of a mile southwest of Hermits Rest on the South Rim, and the trailhead can be accessed by shuttlebus for those who want to save their energy for the hike itself. Be warned that, due to this trails classification as a threshold trail, the park has no official responsibility to maintain it. The trail is uneven in many places and many manmade stone structures along the upper half of the trail are in a state of disrepair. All water along this trail must be treated, filtered, or boiled, so come prepared. Despite this trails dangerous and challenging nature, dehydration is still a leading concern for many. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 13. 223,217,31 Potential Hazards on the Hermit Trail Be warned that, due to this trails classification as a threshold trail, the park has no official responsibility to maintain it. The trail is uneven in many places and many manmade stone structures along the upper half of the trail are in a state of disrepair. All water along this trail must be treated, filtered, or boiled, so come prepared. Despite this trails dangerous and challenging nature, dehydration is still a leading concern for many. Those whove obtained a backcountry camping permit can set up camp at designated points along the trail. Hazards include dehydration, unpredictable weather, loose footing, rockfall, extreme temperatures, and wildlife. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 14. 223,217,31 Hopi Point Trail If you take the West Rim shuttlebus along the red route, youll find Hopi Point between Salt Creek and Monument Creek at stop number four. Next to the road, youll find a fenced viewing area at the northernmost spot of this area of the canyon, allowing you to see another 20 miles off to the western canyon, all the way out to Havasupai Point and the Great Scenic Divide. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 15. 223,217,31 This could be one of your favorite trails! Ahead of you will lie a vast vista, and 2,000 feet below, you can see the Dana Butte. Large mesas stretch off into the distance, separated by the Colorado River, making Hopi point one of the most popular canyon viewing points on the West Rim. Perfect for sunsets, Hopi Point is a stop that cannot be missed. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 16. 223,217,31 Pima Point Trail Located just before the end destination of West Rim Drive, Pima Point is a great place to stop and take a rest on the way to Hermits Rest. Visitors can enjoy a gift shop, a caf, and restrooms, but some may see their wooded surroundings and think that there isnt much else to this area, but if you continue on to the overlook on the northernmost corner of Pima Point, you can look out and see 40 miles into the distance, all the way to the Great Scenic Divide to the west. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 17. 223,217,31 Near the Great Scenic Divide, you can also see Powell Plateau, and to the east lies Bright Angel Canyon. The western side of Pima Point is home to Hermit Creek, and at the opposite side lies the Ninety-four Mile Creek. Both flow year-round and lie within corridors of vegetation. From Pima Point, you may also catch glimpses of Cope Butte, Travertine Canyon, and the Monument Creek, making this one of the most beautiful places in the canyon with several of its most popular landmarks on display for all. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 18. 223,217,31 Powell Point Trail Powell Point is a significant and interesting place to stop along West Rim Drive, and is actually the site where the Grand Canyon National Park was dedicated all the way back in 1920. Here, youll also find a statue memorializing John Wesley Powell, for who the stop is named. Powell played an extremely important part in the discovery of the canyon, leading groundbreaking expeditions of the Colorado River in 1869 and 1872. The point itself consists of a 10 minute walk that many people take instead of just waiting for the next shuttlebus. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 19. 223,217,31 Rim Trail Following the Grand Canyons edge is the Rim Trail, a 13-mile paved trail perfect for hiking or biking. The full length of the trail will take you from Hermits Rest, over the Grand Canyon Villages main path, to the South Kaibab Trail Head. One of the parks most scenic trails, the Rim Trail provides countless opportunities to view the canyon form several overlooks and viewpoints, perfect for taking striking pictures of the canyon. The 13-mile hike is also relatively easy, so dont be daunted by its length, and instead focus on the many attractions that this path connects with including Hermits Rest, the Bright Angel Trailhead, Lookout Studios, and the Trail of Time. For an easy, relaxing, and adventure packed hike, you cant go wrong with the scenic Rim Trail. 1Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 20. 223,217,31 South Kaibab Trail Beginning at the popular South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the most popular starting point for Grand Canyon adventures, the South Kaibab Trail follows a ridge over to Skeleton Point allowing for multiple 360-degree vistas in the canyon. Water is not available along this trail, so make sure you bring plenty, and be prepared to go without a phone or campground until reaching the Bright Angel Campground 7.1 miles through the trail. 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 21. 223,217,31 Toronto Trail The Tonto Trail is a long, albeit easygoing trail that doesnt actually start on either rim of the Grand Canyon. Classified as a South Rim trail, the Tonto Trail actually begins at the south bank of the Colorado River and ends at the eastern end of the Red Canyon. One of the longest trails near the South Rim by far, the Tonto Trail is an incredible 70 miles long, so be prepared for an extremely long hike. Bring water treatment equipment, because aside from a watering station at the junction with the Bright Angel Trail, all water along this 70 mile path must be treated, filtered, or boiled to ensure safe drinking conditions. 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 22. 223,217,31 Plenty of wildlife can be found along this trail, but interacting with them is highly discouraged and, in most cases, prohibited entirely. Water availability is extremely limited along this trail and, despite being an extremely short path, its recommended that hikers come prepared for hazards like dehydration, unpredictable and severe weather including flash flooding, and overexertion. 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 23. 223,217,31 Waldron Trail An alternative to the highly strenuous Hermit Trail, the Waldron Trail splits off from the Hermit Trail 1.2 miles in and is one of the shorter trails in the canyon at only 2 miles long. Open year-round, this intermediate-level trail begins at the Hermit Trail junction and is packed with great views and opportunities for adventure. 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 24. 223,217,31 Yaki Point Trail The Grand Canyons East Rim Drive isnt the most popular route for visitors, but Yaki Point gives many a reason to visit the East Rim by providing one of the most striking viewpoints of the canyon available. A no-vehicle zone, visitors will need to hoof it to the point from the nearby parking lot or shuttlebus, but those hiking along the Kaibab Trail Route will find Yaki Point at the easternmost part of the route. 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 25. 223,217,31 Encompassing a vast swath of the canyon, you can see the end of the Bright Angel Trail and much of the South Kaibab Trail as it begins to reach towards the ONeill Butte and Cedar Ridge. To the east, youll see Cremation Creek and a handful of incredible buttes and mesas. As one of the less-traveled parts of the canyon, Yaki Point certainly has something unique to offer to those who seek it. 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 26. 223,217,31 Yavapai Point Trail The Yavapai Point Trail is one of the newer trails made available to visitors within the Grand Canyon National Park, and provides a moderate challenge to those seeking to take in the trails many breathtaking views. Setting out from the Cottonwood Day Use Area, the hike includes scenic viewpoints and a challenging path to views of Cottonwood Creek, Firemans Cove, and Pipeline Canyon. The hikes big finale takes the form of a sweeping lakeside panoramic of the surrounding natural landscape. This moderately difficult trail is only a 3.4-mile hike, round trip, so those looking for a shorter burst of difficulty should definitely check this area out. 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 27. 223,217,31 Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 Group Reservations and Special Events: Phone: 877-239-3235 Fax: (928)638-2807 E-mail: group2@ngvccanyon.com Visitor Center hours of operation March- October open 8:00am- 10:00pm November- February open 10:00am-8:00pm 2Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023 Phone: 928-638-2468 Come Visit the Grand Canyon today!