Hike Rim to Rim

Most Epic - Rim to Rim

** Warning, this route should only be taken by parties very well prepared and accustomed to the hardships that this rugged terrain can bring**

When the Park Service completed the North Kaibab trail in 1928, it opened up the possibility to cross from one side of the canyon to the other on fully maintained trails. Since then, hardy individuals have been testing themselves on this path anywhere from 5 day scenic trips to the current record of 2 hours and 51 minutes (I know!). Whichever timeframe you decide on, one thing is for sure, you will now have a very intimate relationship with one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The first decision to make is where your hike will begin and end. There are different opinions as to the best route but it mostly depends on your timeline and shuttle. I will begin with my personal favorite. I like to start from the south rim and hike to the north. One reason is that the South Kaibab is the shorter mileage of the 2 options for the south rim and I like to get that part done quickly. It doesnâ€™t have any water sources but you can easily carry enough to get you to Phantom Ranch across the river. Then, I love the gradual uphill along the creek up the north side of the canyon. Finally, when you get to the top of the north rim, there is one of the most beautiful dinner reservations you have ever had awaiting you at The North Rim Lodge!

Either way that you travel, you will need to make your way back to the other side by either doing it all over again (yuk!) or taking a shuttle service. The shuttle ride has always been a fun experience as the drivers are usually very knowledgeable and free to share stories and history with you.

Getting there: Begin on the South Rim at either the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trailhead. For Norht Rim starts, begin at the North Kaibab trailhead. There are a few free shuttles from The Lodge to the trailhead each day. *Be sure to make shuttle, lodging and dinner reservations well in advance of your trip.
The Hike: 24 miles one-way for the Bright Angel, 21 miles one-way for South Kaibab
Elevation loss/gain: A mile down, A mile up!
Camping: Indian Garden campground, Bright Angel campground, Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood campground, North Rim cabins
Water: Bright Angel trail has water available every 1.5 miles. Water can be obtained at Phantom Ranch just north of the river and after frost danger the North Kaibab has water at Cottonwood campground, Roaring Springs and Supai Tunnel. *Always check with the Park Service for possible pipe breaks!

Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground

RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!

We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.

There is free WiF … More

RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!

We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.

There is free WiFi Available in Lounge & Laundry Room. We have a Grocery Store on Site, Campfire Rings, Firewood Available at the Camp Store, Giftshop, Showers, Snacks, Coffee, and an Overflow Parking.

Check-In: 1:00 pm, Check-Out: 12:00 pm

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Grand Canyon Oasis

We are a family-owned RV park near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and only 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Our family -- Adam, Shelley, Zoe, Ava, and Cairo -- purchased the RV park in 2021. The property was a trading post for decades but had fallen into disrepair. We have been busy painting, cleaning and improving the grounds to become a comfortable oasis for your family. Our location on US Hwy 89 is only a few miles from the breathtaking aspens of Lockett Meadow, the ruins of Wupatki National Monument and the lava flows at Sunset Crater. The park is a short drive to downtown Flagstaff, and on the way to Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Moab and Durango. Stay the night or as long as you like! Drink in the hibiscus sunrises above the Painted Desert and relax into the long shadows of the San Francisco Peaks. Let us know if you want to borrow a telescope to explore the darkest night sky you have ever seen. We are so excited to share our home with you!

Spacious pull-through spaces
Full hook-ups
30 and 50 amp available
Tiny home rentals
Free WiFi (Starlink)
45 minutes to Grand Canyon
Monthly sites available
Kid friendly
Pet friendly
Trail access to Coconino National Forest
Community fire pits
Covered patios
Community outdoor kitchen (May-October)
Complimentary morning coffee
Basketball court
Horseshoes, ladderball, games

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Pet-Friendly

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Colorado River & Trail Expeditions

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Discover the Grand Canyon, endless in scenic wonder, rich in Native American history and loaded with fun and adventure, Western River Expeditions' Grand Canyon tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring the Grand Canyon by river is an experience unlike any other. Discover hidden … More

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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.