Best Grand Canyon Hiking Trails

Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the scale, depth, and beauty of this natural wonder. Whether you're looking for a scenic day hike or a challenging trek into the Inner Canyon, there’s a trail for every skill level and goal.

1. Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa

Trailhead: 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village
Distance: 3.0 miles one-way
Elevation Change: 2,500 feet
Camping: Backcountry permit required
Water: None – bring your own
Best For: Camping and geology lovers

See Grandview Trail Details »

2. Dripping Springs Trail

Trailhead: Hermit Trailhead via shuttle
Distance: 3.2 miles one-way
Elevation Change: ~1,400 feet
Camping: Not permitted
Water: Seasonal spring – treat before drinking
Best For: Spring hiking and fossil viewing

See Dripping Springs Trail Details »

3. Shoshone Point

Trailhead: 1.2 miles east of Yaki Point
Distance: 1 mile one-way
Elevation Change: Minimal
Camping: Not allowed
Water: None – bring your own
Best For: Winter vistas and solitude

See Shoshone Point Hike Details »

4. North Kaibab Trail

Trailhead: Near North Rim Lodge
Distances:
- Coconino Overlook: 0.75 miles
- Supai Tunnel: ~2 miles
- Roaring Springs: 4.7 miles
Elevation Change: 1,400–3,000 feet
Camping: Cottonwood Campground (permit required)
Water: Seasonal

See North Kaibab Trail Details »

5. Rim Trail

Access: South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest
Distance: 13 miles total
Elevation Change: Minimal (~200 feet)
Camping: Not allowed
Water: Available at key points
Best For: Families and accessibility

See Rim Trail Details »

6. Rim-to-Rim Hike

Start: South Kaibab/Bright Angel to North Kaibab
Distance: 21–24 miles
Elevation: ~10,000 feet round-trip
Camping: Indian Garden, Bright Angel, Cottonwood, Phantom Ranch
Water: Seasonal – check conditions
Best For: Advanced hikers

See Rim to Rim Hike Details »

7. New Hance Trail

Trailhead: 16 miles east of Grand Canyon Village
Distance: 6.5 miles one-way
Elevation Loss: 4,400 feet
Camping: River or mid-canyon (permit required)
Water: Only at Colorado River – treat
Best For: Experienced hikers seeking solitude

See New Hance Trail Details »

8. Bright Angel Trail

Trailhead: Grand Canyon Village
Distance Options:
- 1.5-Mile Resthouse
- 3-Mile Resthouse
- Indian Garden: 4.8 miles one-way
Elevation Loss: 1,100–3,000 feet
Camping: Indian Garden (permit required)
Water: Seasonal
Best For: Beginner-friendly canyon access

See Bright Angel Trail Details »

9. South Kaibab Trail

Trailhead: Shuttle-only via Kaibab/Rim Route
Distance:
- Ooh Aah Point: 0.9 miles one-way
- Cedar Ridge: 1.5 miles one-way
Elevation Loss: ~1,100 feet
Camping: Not allowed
Water: None – bring your own
Best For: Sunrise and scenic photo hikes

See South Kaibab Trail Info

Tips for Hiking in the Grand Canyon

Always bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Check weather/trail updates before you hike.
Watch out for steep return ascents — know your limits.
Apply early for overnight backcountry permits.
Use the shuttle system for convenient trailhead access.

Conclusion: Whether you’re chasing epic views, seeking solitude, or hiking as a family, Grand Canyon National Park has the perfect trail for your adventure level. Start your journey and discover the Canyon, one step at a time.

GRAND CANYON GUIDED HIKING TRIPS

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experienced guides, serving great food, and supplying our customers with the most modern equipment and gear. In addition we are a member of various environmental groups and do our best to take care of the Grand Canyon and our Earth.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

See Tours

9.5

Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will discuss with you your experience and skill level in order to decide which hiking trails would be the best fit for you. Is there a specific trail you have been dying to hike? Great! Our professional guides are here to make sure you have the best experience possible. Because our hiking tours are completely private, your hiking experience is personalized and can be as long or as short as you want. On our Grand Canyon hiking tours, you can opt for a full day of hiking, or we can split the day between hiking and sightseeing. You’ll experience the canyon like never before. When you walk down the canyon, you are walking through geologic time. See the rock layers, and learn about the canyon’s millions of years of geologic history. Enjoy picture-perfect viewpoints along the trail and capture every breathtaking moment.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Shuttle Services Provided | Hotel Pickup

See Tours

8.5

Wildland Trekking

Join The Wildland Trekking Co. on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.