9 best hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

Hiking at Grand Canyon National Park offers some of the most beautiful views, trails, and experiences in the entire western United States. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the opportunity to venture into a mile-deep hole allows hikers to see rocks as old as time, understand what makes the canyon great, and physically push themselves.

Growing up in Arizona, I’ve had the great fortune to spend plenty of time above and below the Grand Canyon, and I can only say amazing things about my visits.

As you start planning your trip to Northern Arizona, I hope this article about the best hikes in Grand Canyon National Park will help guide you and lead to a phenomenal experience.

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Staying Safe While Hiking at the Grand Canyon

Going down is optional. Coming up is mandatory.

You’ll see this phrase at the top of every hike in the park.

Each step down as you hike at the Grand Canyon is one that you will have to take up on the way back. There is no shame in stopping and turning around. It’s better to hike fewer miles than need to be rescued or be miserable on the way up.

Bring plenty of water or know how to find it

On my most recent trip to the Grand Canyon in December 2024, I encountered a hiker who had run out of water on the Hermit Trail. He wasn’t very far from the top but was not doing well. I have no idea how long he was out of water, but running out of water in the desert can be fatal.

Thankfully, he wasn’t going to die, and we gave him water. However, this incident reminds all of us planning to hike at the Grand Canyon that bringing too much water is better than not enough.

Additionally, depending on your trail, ask the Park Rangers about flowing water on the trail. If there is some nearby, you should be able to filter it safely.

Hiking into the Grand Canyon is not easy

I strongly believe that the only way for people to appreciate the Grand Canyon truly is to get below the rim. Here, you greatly appreciate the wall’s size and scale. That said, it is not easy. The trails are steep, and it can be hot and dry.

For many visitors, they will be out of their element.

That’s why I suggest some moderate training before hiking here. You’ll have a better time at the park if you can increase your fitness level.

Only experienced hikers should attempt Rim-to-Rim or venture down to the Colorado River

A hiker walks near the ledge while attempting the rim to rim hike in the grand canyon — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

The Park Service does not recommend hikers attempt Rim to River in a day, as this 18+ mile hike is considered one of the most challenging day hikes in the United States. But if you are in great shape and can hike for 9+ hours, with an elevation gain/loss of over 10,000 feet, it’s an incredible experience.

I’ve hiked from the South Rim to the bottom and up in a day twice, hiked across in a day once, and spent a couple of nights at Phantom Ranch once. If capable, I do recommend it because there’s nothing like looking up at the Grand Canyon walls and realizing just how big it is.

During summer, avoid hiking inside the canyon from 11am-4pm

During summer, you’ll be enjoying the weather in the 60s or 70s. But as you drop below the rim, temperatures will quickly rise. During the hottest part of the day, the heat and physical exertion will put a huge toll on your body. It’s wise to avoid hiking during this time and aim to hike in the morning or afternoon as temperatures begin to fade.

Furthermore, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, have sun protection like wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, douse yourself in water when you can, and take breaks in the shade.

The south rim sits at 7,000 feet

Keep in mind the Grand Canyon sits at an elevation most humans are not familiar with. You will feel short of breath doing things you normally would do with ease. To make yourself feel better at this altitude, drink plenty of water, eat salty snacks, and get a good night’s sleep.

Don’t feed the animals

Do not feed any animals while visiting the area. These are wild animals, and feeding them can make them dependent on humans, which could be deadly. Additionally, feeding animals encourages them to approach, which can lead to bites. Squirrels at the park are notorious for biting people who think it’s okay to feed them.

Looking for a three-day Grand Canyon Itinerary, click here.

Best Hikes at Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

The trails await, and they won’t disappoint. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best hikes at Grand Canyon National Park.

Here are the top hikes at the Grand Canyon to help plan out your trip.

1. Rim to River via South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Trail

a bridge at the bottom of the grand canyon over the colorado river — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

This is the recommended route if you plan to hike down to the bottom. South Kaibab is steeper but shorter, making it perfect for going downhill. It also has no shade and no water. DO NOT hike this uphill. You won’t have fun.

You’ll then connect to the Bright Angel Trail at the bottom and begin your route up.

Bright Angel Trail

This is the only trail via the South Rim with drinkable water below the rim. It’s also the most famous trail in the park, and hikers will be on it from sun up to sun down. It’s less steep and offers shade, especially at the rest areas listed below.

The trail starts just beyond Bright Angel Lodge and the Railroad Station. There is limited parking near the trailhead. Parking at the Visitor Center and taking a shuttle is an easy option that should take no more than 15 minutes.

If you’re looking for the best Grand Canyon National Park hike, this is it!

2. The 1.5 Mile Rest House

The first water source you’ll hit as you head down (or last as you head up). This is where most people turn around while hiking into the Canyon.

Total Distance: Three Miles
Elevation Loss: 1,200 feet
Time to hike back up: 45 minutes to 90 minutes

3. The 3-Mile Rest House

Looking into the grand canyon from the south rim. The trail switchbacks up the side of the canyon. — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Getting down here is awesome if you’re looking to experience more of the canyon and have a tougher hike. The views are excellent, and there are plenty of spots perfect for lunch before heading back up.

Total Distance: Six Miles
Elevation Loss: 2,100
Time to hike back up: 75 minutes to 2.5 hours

4. The 4.5-mile Havasupai Gardens

Formerly called Indian Gardens, this is a long and challenging day hike. But incredibly worth it! You’ll join a small percentage of people who travel this far into the Grand Canyon and see the towering size of the walls around you.

(Secondary Option: You can also get out to Plateau Point, which should offer views of the Colorado River below.)

Total Distance: Nine Miles
Elevation Loss: 3,100 feet
Time to hike back up: 2.5 hours to 4 hours

South Kaibab Trail

As mentioned above, the South Kaibab Trail is steeper but offers a more expansive view of the canyon as you hike down. There are a couple of shorter hikes that are well worth it.

Keep in mind that cars cannot drive to the South Kaibab Trailhead. You’ll need to hop on a shuttle to get out here.

5. Ooh Ahh Point

It is a two-mile round trip from the SK trailhead. This is a great, easy-moderate hike for those looking to get their feet wet in the canyon. This hike comes with nearly 700 feet of gain on the way back.

6. Skeleton Point

An extension of the above, Skeleton Point is a six-mile round-trip hike. There’s about 2,000 feet of gain on this one, making it challenging.

7. Hermit Trail

At the far west side of Grand Canyon National Park are Hermits Rest and the Hermit Trail. It, too, will take you down to the bottom, where it meets the Colorado River. This is a 19-mile, 6,000-feet gain of a hike and is again only meant for experienced hikers in great shape.

But you can do a bite of it, like I did. My dad and I went a mile down and a mile up. This wasn’t too bad, though it did have over 800 feet of gain on the way back.

Compared to the other trails, the views are not as great. It looks more like Southern Utah (Zion) than the Grand Canyon.

Various Options to hike on the Hermit Trail:

Santa Maraia Spring – 5 miles RT
Dripping Springs – 7 miles RT

8. Rim Trail

Stretching across the South Rim is the Rim Trail. It’s not continuous, but it offers plenty of walking and views without being too strenuous.

9. Desert Watch Tower

On the eastern end of the park is the Desert Watch Tower. It’s hardly a hike – maybe a half-mile walk from the parking lot out to the rim – but the views are gorgeous, and you’ll be able to see the Colorado River a mile below.

Tip: If you plan to visit this part of the park, enter through the eastern entrance. It’ll have far less traffic, and you’ll get into the park quicker.

Leave No Trace While Hiking the Best Trails at the Grand Canyon

As you’re hiking these best trails at Grand Canyon National Park, please pick up after yourself and make sure you pack out what you pack in. Your trash does not belong inside the canyon. By all of us doing our part, we can make the place better for future generations to come.

Hiking Weather at Grand Canyon National Park

When it comes to hiking at Grand Canyon National Park, you can do it year-round. The shoulder seasons will provide the best hiking opportunities for both the rim and into the canyon, while winter offers nice weather once you drop down, and summer allows you to beat the heat by staying near the top.

However, visitors need to realize that the bottom of the Grand Canyon during summer is similar to that of Phoenix. It is not uncommon for the weather at Phantom Ranch to reach 110F or higher during the middle of the day.

For many, this could cause serious issues and even be deadly. Making sure you are not exerting yourself too much during the hottest part of the day will make your trip more enjoyable and keep you safe.

A third option is to stay in Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s a smaller college town with lots of places to stay, is far less expensive, but you will have an hour or so drive to and from.

Hiking Gear

Post-Hiking Meals at the Grand Canyon

You won’t have any trouble finding food in Grand Canyon Village. A lot of people celebrate their hikes with an ice cream cone near Bright Angel Lodge. I know I’ve done it a few times.

If you’re looking for quantity, head over to Yavapai Lodge and their dining hall. For $35, you can get a hefty plate of food, a drink, dessert, and salad. (There are smaller options, too, as well as a nicer sit-down spot at the Tavern.)

There are also plenty of places to eat in Tusayan. My buddies and I indulged in loads of pizza after our 2019 Rim to Rim hike. If you’re in a rush, you can also choose from some fast food options.

Finding Lodging Near Grand Canyon National Park

Just a couple miles from the south entrance is the town of Tusayan. It’s gone from literally empty space to a full-fledged tourism hub in a couple of decades (or more). If you can’t find lodging inside the park (or don’t want to pay those prices), this is a good option.

That said, staying in the park offers some big benefits, like not having to enter the park and battling traffic lines. You’re also only a short drive to incredible overlooks where you can watch sunset and sunrise.

Lodging inside Grand Canyon National Park

See all options.

Bright Angel Lodge (mere feet from the Grand Canyon)
El Tovar (mere feet from the Grand Canyon)
Yavapai Lodge (5-minute drive to Mather Point/Visitor Center) – I’ve stayed here. Good bang for our buck. No microwaves in room, FYI.

Lodging in Tusayan

You’ll have plenty to choose from. Click here to browse options.

Lodging in Flagstaff