Finest Grand Canyon South Rim Hikes: Simple To Difficult

The South Rim Path follows the southern fringe of Grand Canyon for 13 miles between the South Kaibab Trailhead and Hermits Relaxation. Shuttle buses head up and down the route, so you’ll be able to decide a small part of the path for a simple hike.

This straightforward Grand Canyon hike follows the path between three of the finest Grand Canyon viewpoints – Powell Level, Hopi Level and Mohave Level. The stroll solely takes 45 minutes and slowly descends downhill, so that you get wonderful views for little or no effort.

At Mohave Level the buttes and mesas are notably hanging, and in the event you look fastidiously, you’ll be able to see the water surging over Salt Creek, Granite, and Hermit rapids.

When – It is a nice hike to do exactly earlier than sundown.

Attending to the Trailhead – Take the shuttle bus (crimson route) from Grand Canyon Village to Powell Level to start out the stroll. On the finish of stroll, get the shuttle bus from Mohave Level again to Grand Canyon Village. From December to March, you can even drive your individual automobile.

Services – Restrooms at Hope Level.

Shoshone Level is fingers down our favourite Grand Canyon Viewpoint. Not marketed by the authorities and sometimes lacking on maps, it’s a peaceable and serene location with views in all instructions.

Through the years, it has grow to be an fascinating vacation spot for weddings. On our go to, one couple have been taking their vows, and one other have been again to have fun their twenty fifth wedding ceremony anniversary.  

The one method to get right here is to stroll. It’s a simple 25-minute stroll from the car parking zone by the Kaibab Forest to the lookout. Maintain your eyes out for elk.

When – Shoshone Level is a superb place to be for sundown.

Attending to the Trailhead – Take Desert View Drive 5 miles east of Grand Canyon Village and park in one of many 20 areas at Shoshone car parking zone (Marked in blue on the map above).

Services – None.

There are a number of trails that descend into the canyon, however many have steep switchbacks, and the views take some time to look. The South Kaibab Path is an exception.

This quick hike to Ooh Aah Level is the simplest method to get a sense for what it’s wish to descend into the canyon.

The hike begins on the South Kaibab Trailhead, descends a few switchbacks, then follows a straighter flatter path because it heads beneath the canyon partitions.

After simply half-hour it arrives at Ooh Aah level. From right here you get a singular perspective of the buttes and mesas of the Grand Canyon. It’s also possible to see the South Kaibab path beneath you because it winds its means deeper into the canyon.

That is more durable than the opposite straightforward hikes from the South Rim as a result of it’s a must to climb again up 600 toes of elevation, however it’s well worth the effort.

When – Early morning or late afternoon when the switchbacks are in shade.

Attending to the trailhead – Take the Kaibab South Rim bus (orange line) from Mather Level or the Guests Centre to South Kaibab Trailhead cease.

Services – South Kaibab Trailhead has a restroom and a water refill station (Could to October solely). There is no such thing as a water as soon as you allow the trailhead. There’s parking at Pipe Creek Vista however it’s 0.75 miles from the trailhead.

That is the perfect part of the South Rim Path, overlaying about half its size. It’s an extension of hike 1 above, beginning with Powell, Hopi and Mohave viewpoints, then persevering with alongside the path to Pima Level.

Alongside the way in which it passes the Nice Mohave Wall Viewpoint and friends down into the Abyss – the deepest sheer vertical drop on the South Rim.

Pima Level itself sits on a promontory overhanging the canyon. It has a wonderful view of the Colorado River set in a deep gash within the canyon. On quiet days, the Granite Rapids might be heard echoing across the canyon partitions 4,000 toes beneath.

The stroll is 5.4 miles which might be tiring on a sizzling day. However the path is kind of straightforward with nearly no uphill and solely very gradual descent.

When – Late afternoon for nice sunsets.

Attending to the Trailhead – Take the shuttle bus (crimson route) from Grand Canyon Village to Powell Level. On the finish of the hike get the shuttle bus from Pima Level again to Grand Canyon Village. From December to March, you can even drive your individual automobile.

Services – There are restrooms at Hope Level.

That is our favourite medium-difficulty day hike from Grand Canyon South Rim. There are three causes.

Firstly, it makes use of the South Kaibab Path which stays larger up on the ridgeline providing higher views for longer.

Secondly, it’s much less busy than the favored Shiny Angel Path. Thirdly the path itself is fantastic, particularly the part between Ooh Aah Level and Cedar Ridge the place the deep crimson path runs above a slim ridge.

The one draw back is the shortage of shade. In spring or fall the temperatures usually are not too dangerous, however in summer time, this path might be extremely popular.

When – Begin early morning so you’ll be able to end the climb again earlier than it will get too sizzling.

Attending to the trailhead – Take the Kaibab South Rim bus (orange line) from Mather Level or the Guests Centre to the South Kaibab Trailhead cease. There’s parking at Pipe Creek Vista however it’s 0.75 miles from the trailhead.

Services – There are restrooms at South Kaibab Trailhead and Cedar Ridge. The South Kaibab Trailhead has a water refill station (Could to October), however there isn’t a water on the path.

Shiny Angel Path is essentially the most well-known of the paths that descends into the Grand Canyon. From the trailhead at Grand Canyon Village, it’s 10 miles and 4,000 toes of descent to succeed in Phantom Ranch on the banks of the Colorado River.

Sadly, the perfect part of the path is in the direction of the tip because it cuts throughout the internal canyon. Nonetheless, you will get a superb feeling of what the path is like by strolling to 2-mile Nook.

From Grand Canyon Village the Shiny Angel Path begins a gradual descent. Passing by a tunnel, an exquisite view of the trail twisting down the canyon opens up earlier than you. The path passes by one other tunnel after which descends steeply by a sequence of switchbacks.

After about 1 hour you arrive at 1.5-mile Resthouse. An extra quarter-hour brings you to 2-mile Nook with one other nice view over the path disappearing down the canyon.

At 2-mile nook, flip round and climb the 1,360-foot elevation again up the canyon wall.

The views are by no means as expansive as from the South Kaibab or South Rim Path. However the path tucked towards the canyon wall is fascinating. The temperature improve as you descend is exceptional.

When – A great a part of this path is shaded for a lot of the day, making it a superb possibility for avoiding the solar.

Attending to the trailhead – Shiny Angel Trailhead is on the western finish of Grand Canyon Village.

Services – There are restrooms at Grand Canyon Village and 1.5 Mile Resthouse. Consuming water is obtainable at 1.5-mile relaxation home throughout summer time months (Could to September) however take loads anyway.

This glorious difficult day hike from Grand Canyon South Rim descends into the canyon utilizing the South Kaibab Path. It passes Ooh Ahh Level and Cedar Ridge earlier than reaching Skeleton Level, the place you get the primary view of the river from the path.

The path to Cedar Ridge follows stroll 5 above, after which the path step by step descends alongside the ridgeline, earlier than dropping steeply down the aspect of O’Neil Butte. The trail then contours across the butte and re-joins the ridgeline to step by step descend once more to Skeleton Level Overlook.

Deep within the outer canyon you’ll be able to see a small part of the Colorado River and the South Kaibab Path disappearing down the switchbacks beneath you.

There’s nearly no shade on this route and no water, so it isn’t advisable in summer time. It’s an ideal hike, however in the event you solely have time for one difficult hike, we propose Plateau Level (see beneath).

When – It is a lengthy hike so get an early begin.

Attending to the trailhead – Take the Kaibab South Rim bus (orange line) from Mather Level or the Guests Centre to South Kaibab Trailhead cease. There’s parking at Pipe Creek Vista however its 0.75 miles from the trailhead.

Services – There are restrooms at South Kaibab Trailhead and Cedar Ridge. The South Kaibab Trailhead has consuming water (Could to October solely), however there isn’t a water on the path.

That is essentially the most rugged of the Grand Canyon South Rim day hikes. Initially constructed by miners in 1893, the route is a marvel of engineering.

Chopping its means down the canyon the route is a mixture of rocky trails, cobblestone stairs, and log-supported (wood crib) paths. The cobblestone sections are sometimes extraordinarily steep and hard on the knees.

After about an hour you attain Coconino Saddle the place views speak in confidence to the east and west. The path now cuts alongside a slim part that usually will get washed away (so take care) after which descends alongside the ridge. As you strategy the mesa, the path evens out. Maintain left when the path splits at Web page Spring and you’ve got reached Horseshoe Mesa.

It is a powerful hike, with little shade and no water on route. The trail is much less nicely marked than South Rim, South Kaibab, or Shiny Angel and is strewn with rocks and boulders making it laborious going. You’ll, nonetheless, go away the crowds behind and fairly presumably be having fun with this spectacular location all to your self.

That is solely advisable for skilled hikers.

When – It is a powerful hike so begin early.

Attending to the trailhead – Take Desert View Drive 12 miles (19 kilometres) east of the Grand Canyon Village or 13 miles (20 kilometres) west of Desert View and park at Grandview Level.

Services – There are restrooms at Grandview Level, however there isn’t a consuming water out there, so carry loads.

The stroll to Plateau Level is an extended however good day hike. Descending the switchbacks of the Shiny Angel Path it passes 1.5-mile Resthouse, 2-mile Nook, and 3-mile Resthouse earlier than reaching Indian Backyard. Right here an oasis of bushes gives a stunning spot for a relaxation.

Simply after Indian Backyard the path splits. Ignore the Shiny Angel path that retains proper heading down into the canyon. As a substitute flip left, cross over Backyard Creek, and (holding the river in your proper) comply with the Plateau Level Path.

This part is an excellent exploration of the plateau between the internal and outer canyons. The path cuts by a desert surroundings of cacti, low scrub, and dwarf bushes with expansive views of the outer canyon partitions.

It ends at Plateau Level, a chic lookout with views of the Colorado River 1,300 toes straight beneath you.

At 12.2 miles and with over 3,000 toes of ascent and descent, at the present time hike is to not be taken evenly, however there may be assist alongside the way in which.

Firstly, the switchbacks are sometimes in shade making the toughest a part of the stroll a little bit cooler. Secondly there are a number of restrooms and water refilling stations on route. Thirdly Indian Backyard is about half-way with shady spot to take a relaxation and a ranger’s station in case you want recommendation.

Should you solely do one difficult hike from Grand Canyon South Rim, and also you’re match sufficient, make it this one.

When – That is the longest of the Grand Canyon hikes so begin close to daybreak to present your self loads of time.

Attending to the trailhead – Shiny Angel Trailhead is on the western finish of Grand Canyon Village.

Services – There are restrooms at Grand Canyon Village, 1.5 Mile Resthouse, 3-mile Resthouse and Indian Backyard. Consuming water is obtainable at 1.5-mile Resthouse, 3-mile Resthouse and Plateau Level throughout summer time months (Could to September). Indian Backyard has consuming water all 12 months spherical.

HIKING AND SAFETY INFORMATION

For all of those hikes, even the simple ones, ensure you have sufficient water with you. For the longer hikes, snacks are additionally necessary to remain energised. Strolling boots or footwear with respectable grip are required for all of the hikes that descend into the canyon.  

The nationwide park has some glorious info on the varied trails together with suggestions for staying secure.

To ensure you see all the good vistas on the South Rim right here’s a listing of the finest viewpoints in Grand Canyon.

WHERE NEXT AFTER TE GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon is a part of a tremendous space of landscapes unfold throughout Utah and northern Arizona. They are often explored on an exquisite 2-week US street journey that features Utah’s Mighty 5, Monument Valley and Las Vegas. 

Listed here are our suggestions on see all of it: