Hike the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim

Your guide to an epic 3-day 24 mile backpacking trip through the iconic Grand Canyon. 

Preparation

Your first step will be to secure your backpacking permits from the NPS site and to set your route including how many days you'll want to spend on the trail. 

Book your cross-canyon shuttle, we used Trans-Canyon Shuttle and highly recommend them as an option! 

The Rim-to-Rim trail can be hiked from May through October, but be cautious of the heat from mid-June through early September. Check out the Hot Weather Packing and Backpacking Essentials guides to kickstart your packing list.

Hiking Plan

Backpackers typically hike this trail from the North Rim to South Rim as the South Rim sits at a lower elevation level. Most people take 2-4 days to hike the rim-to-rim trail, but some experienced trail runners can complete it as a day hike. Regardless of the time spent on the trail, always follow LNT practices.

Day 1:  North Kaibab Trailhead --> Cottonwood 

Approximately 7 miles

Leave your car at the South Rim in parking lot D, and board the ~4-hour shuttle to the North Rim. Our shuttle made a stop at the Navajo Bridge where we stretched our legs with amazing views of Glen Canyon and the Colorado River. Arriving at the North Rim, you may be surprised by how coniferous and forested it is, this will pass as you begin your steady descent down the canyon. The trail is well-maintained, but you should use caution or poles to avoid knee and ankle injuries.

Day 2:  Cottonwood --> Bright Angel 

Approximately 7.5 miles

From the Cottonwood Campsite, you will continue your journey South. Take a slight detour to Ribbon Falls and enjoy the cool break. Before you leave, soak your hat in the water to stay cool on the hike. As you continue on this trail, the elevation begins to level out and you will begin to make your way across the canyon. Phantom Ranch is just 1/2 a mile from the Cottonwood campground and is a great spot to stop and enjoy a cold beverage. 

Be advised that this is the hottest portion of the trail and the temperature at Phantom Ranch is typically 20º higher than the South Rim. 

Day 3:  Bright Angel --> South Rim 

Approximately 7.5 - 10 miles, depending on the route

The final day of your backpacking trip will be almost all ascent. From the Bright Angel campground, you will take either Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail by crossing over the Bright Angel Bridge or Black Bridge, respectively. 

The South Kaibab trail is shorter in length, but adds 400ft of elevation gain, creating a more strenuous experience. This path provides views of the infamous Ooh Aah Point. It is 7.5 miles from Bright Angel to the South Rim on the South Kaibab Trail.

The Bright Angel trail is 2.5 miles longer, which stretches the incline over a longer distance. It is 10 miles from the Bright Angel Campsite to the South Rim. This trail takes hikers past the detour to Plateau Point for epic 360º views. If you choose this option, you can also set up camp at Indian Garden campsite, located 5.5 miles into the trek, and then hike the 3 miles to Plateau Point and back with a lighter load. You'd then complete the remaining 4.5 miles of uphill hiking on Day 4. 

The trail will begin to get crowded with day hikers and tourists in the final 2 miles, and you'll need to exercise patience when they ignore standard trail etiquette. Once you arrive at the rim, you are part of the <1% who can state they've hiked the Grand Canyon!

Weather

Be sure to check the weather forecast the week before your trip for the most accurate prediction. Between May-October the Grand Canyon will experience highs in the 90ºs and lows in the 50ºs, keep in mind that there is a ~20º temperature difference between the South Rim and the base of the canyon, and Phantom Ranch can easily be 115º on a July afternoon.

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