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 doesn’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!
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions
Meals Included | Professionally Guided | Shuttle Services Provided | Multi-Day Tours | Leaves from Las Vegas | Additional Tour Options Available | Motorized-Oar-Paddle-Options | Family Business
Backland Luxury Camping
Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fir … More
Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fire in our glass-walled restaurant, relax with a massage in our tented spa, marvel at the grandeur of the universe through our complimentary telescopes, and take advantage of miles of nearby hiking trails.
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Features:
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Onsite Glass Walled Restaurant
- Onsite and nearby hiking trails
- Close to the Grand Canyon and dozens of local attractions
- Pond with sand beach, fishing, and kayaking
- Snowshoes and sledding onsite when it snows
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Tents feature:
- Panoramic windows
- Huge stargazing skylights over the beds (Skyview tents only)
- Automatic climate control, fully insulated, and energy-efficient
- King-sized beds
- Full en-suite bathroom with showers
- Luxury linens
- Electricity in tents
- Tentside parking + electric vehicle charging at reception
- Private Outdoor patios
- Coffee makers + mini-fridges
- Ecological toiletries + water conservation fixtures
Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Family-Friendly | Things to Do in Williams | On-site Restaurant | Outdoor Gear Rental Available | Games Provided | Hot Drinks Provied | Eco-Friendly | Spa | Breakfast Included | Williams Lodging
Wildland Trekking
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Shuttle Services Provided | Gear Rental Available or Provided | Meals Included | Multi-Day Tours
Munds Park RV Resort
Family-Friendly | Flagstaff Hotels | Pet-Friendly | General Store | Laundry | Dump Station | Shower | BBQ/Grill | Fitness Center
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
Pet-Friendly | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | BBQ/Grill | Propane Refilling Station | General Store | Shower | Dump Station | Community Restrooms | WiFi | Family-Friendly
Roam America Horseshoe Bend
Pet-Friendly | Laundry | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | General Store | UTV Friendly | Access to Trails
Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours
Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Shuttle Services Provided | Hotel Pickup