Back Country Exploring

Bright Angel Trail:  Considered one of the park’s premier hiking trails, this trail is well-maintained and has regular drinking water and covered rest-houses. The trail starts at the Bright Angel lodge and descends down to the Colorado River.

Grandview Trail: More difficult than the Bright Angle Trail, this trail is short and step. It leads to an old mining area that has great views! The Grandview Trail leaves the rim at Grandview Point, located about 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village via the Desert View Drive. With the hike being about 6 miles round trip, the average duration is 2-6 hours.

Hermit Trail: Very steep and unmaintained, this well-traveled trail makes it’s way down to the Colorado River. It is 18 miles round trip and will take a full day to hike the trail.

South Bass Trail: Suitable for both novice and experienced hikers, South Bass Trail is one of the easiest South Rim hikes to the floor of the canyon. It is a 15 mile hike from the trail head to the river. The South Bass trail head is located in a remote area about 30 miles northwest of Grand Canyon Village. Primary access is via the Kaibab National Forest on Forest Road (FR) 328.

South Kaibab Trail: This trail is known for its panoramic views, which are unparalleled to any other trail at Grand Canyon. This trail is considered to be the quickest way to get to the bottom, with it being 14 miles round trip. The South Kaibab Trail is located near Yaki Point.

Tanner Trail: The furthest east of all the South Rim’s rim-to-river trails, Tanner Trail is ideal for those with experience climbing the canyon. Avoid this trail during hot weather, as this trail gets especially hot. Tanner trail can be accessed by parking at Lipan Point. Walk back down the road a few steps and look for the trail head on the east side of the pavement.

For information on obtaining backcountry passes, visit the Grand Canyon National Park website.