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South Kaibab Trail at sunrise in the Grand Canyon.

Arizona , Grand Canyon , Hike , National Parks , Northern Arizona

How to hike south kaibab, phantom ranch, & bright angel in one day.

This Grand Canyon bucket-list hike is one you’ll remember for years afterwards. The South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails are the best kept, well known hiking trails on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Combining these two for an all day hike is a challenge many people dream of accomplishing. While it may be one of the most difficult hikes of your life, the reward of reaching the bottom and dipping your feet into the Colorado River is high greater than any pain you’ll endure.

While there are multiple ways to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the route covered in this post begins at the South Kaibab Trailhead, brings you to Phantom Ranch, past Pipe Creek Beach, and back up the Bright Angel Trail.

This guide has been intently crafted to help you plan and complete your South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail hike. Today it sits as my most challenging and favorited hike to date, and I can’t wait to share it with you. I hope you’re ready to plan one of the best hikes of your life!

South Kaibab To Bright Angel Trail In One Day

*Disclaimer:   the below links may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through my links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please see my  d isclosure  for more info.

Hike Stats & Overview

Below is a quick overview of what you can expect from this epic Grand Canyon day hike.

Distance | 18.19 miles round trip Difficulty | Difficult & strenuous Elevation Gain | 4,639 feet Elevation Change | 7,000 feet at the South Rim to 2,400 feet at Phantom Ranch. Begin & End | Begin at South Kaibab Trailhead and end at Bright Angel Trailhead, both on the South Rim. Total Time | 10 hours & 25 minutes Permits Needed | None unless you plan on camping at the bottom. Best Months | October-April

I knew this could be the only time that I ever got to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, so I wanted to make the most of it and experience all that I could fit in.

While a good majority of hikers hike South Kaibab to Bright Angel Campground and back up Bright Angel Trail, I opted to take a short detour to Phantom Ranch before heading up the Bright Angel Trail with a stop at Pipe Creek Beach along the way.

The above stats include my two small detours, and if you choose to opt out then your total distance will be closer to 16.5 miles.

why visit phantom ranch

You may only reach the bottom of the Grand Canyon once so I highly suggest taking a detour to Phantom Ranch and visiting the canteen.

The Phantom Ranch canteen is a small store and restaurant that sits on the floor of the Grand Canyon- how cool! You are able to order meals ahead of time so they are prepared upon your arrival, or just visit for a daily snack and drink.

My group and I took a lunch break at one of the picnic tables outside the canteen. We brought our own food but I did buy a small glass of wine, a sticker for my cooler, and a much needed chocolate snack. They also have potable water here so we were able to refill our hydration packs and bottles.

Phantom Ranch is 0.5 miles out of the way, adding an extra 1.0 mile to your hike. But honestly how often will you be able to sit at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and order a drink!? Worth it in my book.

why visit pipe creek beach

A short spur trail off the Bright Angel Trail will take you down to Pipe Creek Beach. This detour is roughly 0.25 miles, adding no more than 0.5 miles to your trip. Is it worth it? Heck yes!

How many people get to say they put their feet in the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon? To me, this is an experience many people dream of, myself included. Dipping your sore feet into the cold water is so satisfying and helps give them life for the difficult climb out.

Caution: The currents in the Colorado River are extremely powerful and dangerous. Do not attempt to swim, only wade in far enough to submerge your feet.

Preparation saves lives.  Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app like Gaia GPS .

You can download my South Kaibab to Bright Angel track and gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind!

Grand Canyon National Park.

Planning Your South Kaibab to Bright Angel Hike

Before all the fun can begin a level of preparation is extremely necessary. Hiking the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails is not an easy feat for any hiker. While the trails are some of the best maintained in the park there are other things to consider- your abilities, weather, water, restrooms, etc.

Below are some very important questions you should have answers to before attempting this hike!

can i do this as a day hike?

Every Grand Canyon National Park official will warn you to not attempt this day hike due to liability. There are even signs posted that urge hikers to hike no more than 4.5 miles down, totaling 9 miles round trip in one day. This is because it is a strenuous hike and too many people are rescued every year, putting the rescuers in danger themselves.

Still, many hikers take on the challenge. Do not take this hike lightly, however. It is extremely important you assess your abilities and even train beforehand if necessary. You should be an experienced hiker and in great physical condition before attempting to hike down and back up in one day.

If you are questioning your abilities, or at all concerned, consider the following:

Are you or do you…

  • Able to be on your feet for 10+ miles
  • Able to carry a 20L or larger pack for 8+ hours
  • Know how to read a map, follow a GPS, and stay on trail
  • Have (or willing to get) the proper gear needed (keep reading for packing list!)

If this is your average weekend or even once a month outing then I think you’ll be just fine. However if any of this makes you nervous, then consider training or gaining more hiking experience beforehand.

How Many Hours Is This Hike?

Of course this depends on your pace and how many stops you make along the way, but I think it is safe to say it will take you anywhere from 8-12 hours.

If you don’t stop often and move quickly you can hike from South Kaibab to Bright Angel in 8 hours. But if you’re slower paced and want to take breaks, then plan for 12 hours total.

It took my group and I 10 hours and 25 minutes which included a nice long lunch at Phantom Ranch, a dip in the Colorado River (feet only), and lots of photo stops. We kept a fast pace while hiking, though!

when is the best time to hike the grand canyon?

Now it is time to plan when you’ll hike from South Kaibab to Bright Angel! Planning your hike during the right months will either make or break the total experience. I’ve broken the months down for you below.

May-September

Not Recommended

The Grand Canyon can experience extremely high temperatures during these months with average high temperatures between 71 and 85 degrees. When you pair heat, sun exposure, and strenuous activities it can be a recipe for heat related illnesses. This needs to be taken very seriously because the Grand Canyon is so rugged and remote.

At the bottom of the Grand Canyon temperatures can be anywhere from 10-20 degrees warmer than back up at the rim where you began. This means as you’re hiking down you will be warming up and as you’re working your muscles to climb back out it will be much warmer.

That is not to say these months aren’t great for vising the national park. You can still visit and it will be beautiful, but a strenuous hike like this shouldn’t be part of your itinerary.

October-April

Recommended- perfect time

I highly suggest planning this hike between these months! The average high temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees. Mornings will be very chilly but if you layer properly you’ll be comfortable. As the sun rises and you make your way down into the canyon you’ll end up shedding your layers anyways!

Chances are there could be snow at the South Rim and at the top of the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. Always check the weather conditions ahead of time and have a pair of microspikes with you to be safe.

WHERE CAN I REFILL MY WATER?

18+ miles is a long way to go and packing your entire water supply is nearly impossible. You will have to re-fill your water bottle and hydration pack at least once during your hike. Luckily the Grand Canyon has water pipelines available throughout the park.

These pipelines are fed from Roaring Springs which is a natural spring located about 3,500 feet below the North Rim. Unfortunately this pipeline suffers multiple breaks a year which means some (if not all) water stations may be shut off.

It is very important to research and plan which potable (already treated) water stations you will refill at, as well as check the national park website the day before for statuses.

Potable Water Stations Between South Kaibab to Bright Angel

There are plenty of potable water stations available along this hiking route. I put an * by the ones I refilled at and found most convenient.

  • South Kaibab Trailhead
  • Bright Angel Campground
  • Phantom Boat Beach
  • Phantom Ranch Canteen*
  • Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Gardens)*
  • Plateau Point
  • Three Mile Resthouse
  • Mile and a Half Resthouse
  • Bright Angel Trailhead

Important note: Potable water means already treated water. The park does have some untreated water stations so make sure to read the signs before drinking the wrong water!

Water Safety In The Grand Canyon

On the off-chance that you’re not able to refill your water at the water stations you’ll be left with filtering from natural water sources like the Colorado River or other streams.

Water treatment is imperative for your health in the outdoors and isn’t something you want to skip out on. Contaminants of all sorts can get into the water especially when wildlife, livestock, and humans can reach it. For this reason it is very important you have a trusty water filtration system with you!

The Sawyer Filter Kit is an extremely lightweight and effective filtration system perfect for the backcountry. You won’t even notice the extra weight in your pack.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

where can i use the restroom?

Another helpful thing to note ahead of time is the restroom availability along your route. Luckily the Grand Canyon has some options when hiking South Kaibab to Bright Angel, listed in order below:

  • Cedar Ridge
  • River Resthouse
  • Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Gardens)
  • One and a Half Mile Resthouse

Helpful fact: Not every pit house has toilet paper or hand sanitizer available. Sometimes they run out. Consider this when packing for your hike!

Cleanliness In The Grand Canyon

I can be a bit of a germ freak when it comes to using pit toilets, especially the ones deep in the backcountry that most likely don’t get cleaned often. These types of restrooms can transmit many different illnesses including the Gastrointestinal illness which is common every year in the Grand Canyon.

To stay clean and safe I religiously carried and used my own hand sanitizer as well as these antibacterial wipes . One pack holds 10 wipes which is plenty for two to three people during this hike.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Parking & Getting To The Trailhead

We’ve covered a lot of trip planning and now it is time to figure out where to park. The South Kaibab Trailhead is not accessible by private vehicles so you will have to take Grand Canyon’s free shuttle bus. Luckily their shuttle system runs at convenient hours year-round so you should have no trouble getting to and from trailheads.

It is always best practice to check the NPS website for current shuttle routes and updates before your visit.

There are essentially two ways you can utilize the shuttle system for your South Kaibab to Bright Angel hike. Let’s break it down below.

Park At The Visitor Center

The first option is to park at the Grand Canyon visitor center parking lot and hop on the orange shuttle route. The orange route picks you up from the visitor center and takes you to the South Kaibab trailhead after a couple stops along the way.

This option can guarantee you a parking space since you’ll arrive before sunrise and most other visitors. The only drawback is that when you finish your hike at Bright Angel trailhead you’ll have to hop on a series of shuttle routes to get back to your car. It can be tiresome after a long day of hiking and you have to be at the trailhead in time for the last shuttle of the day- usually 30 minutes past sunset.

If you miss the last shuttle you will have to hike the extra miles to the visitor center where your car is parked. As long as you are confident in your abilities and timing then this shuttle route is a great option to choose!

Park At bright angel trailhead

A second option is to park at the Bright Angel trailhead and ride the series of shuttle routes to South Kaibab trailhead first. The blue route will take you from here to the visitor center, where you’ll then hop on the orange route to South Kaibab. You may be wondering why in the world you’d do this?

One reason is to get the long shuttle series out of the way first so you don’t have to do it on the way back. But most importantly you will end your hike right where you car is parked. This way, if you do arrive later than expected, you’ve still got wheels. It is also nice to be able to hop in your car and drive off immediately after a hike like this.

It may be a race for parking in the morning so be sure you are getting a very early start to your day. The parking lot at Bright Angel trailhead isn’t very big so if all of the parking spots are full you can try the Back Country Information Center just down the road. The shuttle also stops here!

South Kaibab to Bright Angel.

Hiking South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel

Your hike will begin at the South Kaibab Trailhead. I suggest arriving and beginning your hike just before or right at sunrise to ensure enough daylight for your adventure. Not only that, but this trail during sunrise is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced! The beginning of South Kaibab Trail is extremely scenic and the colors during sunrise are unreal.

South Kaibab Trail

It is essentially all downhill from the rim to the Colorado River, so some will think it is easy-going while others may feel the brunt of the downward force on their knees. South Kaibab begins with a series of steep switchbacks, descending quickly for roughly the first mile.

Along the way you’ll pass OOH-AAH point , the first viewpoint along South Kaibab. This is an iconic viewpoint with a sign you must get your picture taken at! It provides the first distant views into the Grand Canyon and fills hikers with pure excitement.

Ooh Aah Point, South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon.

After OOH-AAH point the trail continues to descend to Cedar Ridge , the next viewpoint. There are restrooms here for use and is a nice resting place to de-layer if need be. As you hike deeper into the canyon the temperatures will rise and the sun will be most likely be beating down on you at this point.

Another 1.30 miles and you’ll arrive at Skeleton Point , the last viewpoint along the South Kaibab Trail. This is the suggested turn-around point for day hikers and a great time to assess your health before continuing on.

South Kaibab to Bright Angel.

From Skeleton Point you’ll continue descending switchbacks (pictured above) with outstanding views all the way to the Tip-Off. This point is where the Tonto Trail intersects the South Kaibab Trail on the Tonto Plateau.

The Tip-Off allows you to loop over to the Bright Angel Trail early, intersecting right at Havasupai Garden (formerly Indian Garden). This is a good option if you need to cut your trip short for whatever reason, but it will not take you all the way to the Colorado River.

Continuing along the South Kaibab Trail there is one last steep descent to reach the Colorado River! As you continue hiking down into the Grand Canyon you’ll be able to get your first glimpse of the mighty river and famous suspension bridge.

South Kaibab to Bright Angel.

Just as you near the suspension bridge there will be a fork in the trail providing you with the option to take the River Trail to connect with the Bright Angel Trail. If you don’t want to visit Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch then you’ll want to turn left onto the River Trail.

But if you wish to visit Phantom Ranch (+1 mile round trip to your daily mileage), you’ll continue on to cross the Colorado River . Before crossing the suspension bridge you’ll hike through a tunnel that opens up to it- talk about a ‘wow’ factor!

Check out Hiking South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon- Complete Guide for a full guide to hiking just the South Kaibab Trail.

Bright Angel Campground, Grand Canyon.

Phantom Ranch & Canteen

Once across the bridge it is 0.5 miles to reach the Phantom Ranch Canteen. At this point you’re walking on the bottom of the Grand Canyon! Along the way you can stop at Boat Beach for river level views of the suspension bridge and to dip your feet in the water. I opted to skip Boat Beach and head straight to the Canteen, saving my beach visit for Pipe Creek Beach later on.

As you head towards Phantom Ranch you’ll hike alongside Bright Angel Creek. This area is extremely lush and beautiful. It is like an oasis at the bottom of the Grand Canyon that you wouldn’t expect. Temperatures can be 10-20 degrees warmer here than up on the rim. When I visited it was so warm I had to de-layer even more!

If the Canteen is open you can order yourself a Grand Canyon sticker, drinks, or a snack from the window. There are picnic tables to rest at and potable water to refill your supply before heading to Bright Angel Trail.

Once you’ve had your lunch and are ready to get back at it, you’ll head out on the same trail, but this time cross the Silver Bridge to connect with the Bright Angel Trail .

South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trial.

Bright Angel Trail

From the Silver Bridge you’ll turn right onto the Bright Angel Trail and the ascent out of the Grand Canyon begins. In roughly 1.2 miles you’ll hike upon restrooms on the right and a trail that leads down to Pipe Creek Beach.

Pipe Creek Beach

The beach isn’t far off the main trail and is worth visiting to dip your feet in the cold water. After soaking my feet in the water for a few minutes any pain I had went away and and I quickly felt refreshed, ready for the miles that lay ahead.

Pipe Creek Beach at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Enjoy a quick rest here and soak in the last views of the Colorado River, because from here on out it is strictly business! Not really, but it sure felt like it.

The section between Pipe Creek Beach and Havasupai Garden is a gradual incline through another lush area of the canyon that included a mini waterfall just off the trail. It was actually quite pleasant.

South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail.

Havasupai Garden will be the next point with restrooms and water you’ll come across. Once you reach this area I suggest filling up your water for the last time and taking a rest if needed. From this point on it is a steep climb back to the rim and I don’t suggest stopping much in order to prevent leg cramping and muscle tightening.

Continuing along the Bright Angel Trail the elevation gain slowly becomes steeper and steeper until you reach the switchbacks, and from there on it gets difficult and feels like the switchbacks never end. If I’m being honest I blurred a lot of this section out and didn’t take many pictures because I was focused on my breathing and just trying to not give up.

But at one point I did stop to take a look down at all we had just hiked. It is pretty impressive when you look at how far you’ve come!

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon.

There will be two more viewpoints and rest stops between this point and the rim- 3 Mile Resthouse and 1.5 Mile Resthouse. Both have restrooms and potable water. Once you reach these it is a huge relief inside because you know you are so close, but you still have to put a lot of work in because it is arguably the steepest section.

Eventually you will make it to the top of the rim marking the end of your South Kaibab to Bright Angel trail hike! It is surely something to celebrate and I’ll never forget the feeling.

What To Pack For Your Grand Canyon Hike

If you’re wondering what all you should pack for a big hike like this, don’t worry. Below is a list of essentials I packed with me and recommend you do as well.

Typically I am one to urge others that they don’t need top of the line gear for a hike. But because of the difficult nature of the South Kaibab to Bright Angel hike, I highly recommend investing in certain durable and reliable gear.

The non-negotiables to me would be the things that will make a huge difference in your comfortability and performance during the hike- shoes, backpack, and hydration pack. Most other pieces of gear are less in cost and don’t have to be ‘name brand’.

Below is a list of the top gear I recommend for your hike, but to see all of my gear plus cost effective beginner options I began with, visit my Gear Page!

South Kaibab to Bright Angel Gear Packing List

  • Durable hiking shoe or boot | Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
  • Supportive backpack | Osprey Skarab 30
  • 3L hydration pack | Osprey 3L

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

  • Wool socks | Darn Tough Wool Socks
  • Synthetic layer | U nder Armour 1/2 Zip Longsleeve

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

  • Water filter | Sawyer Water Filtration
  • Water bottle | 20 oz Hydroflask
  • Liquid IV | Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

  • Medical kit | Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
  • Microfiber towel | 2 Pack Microfiber Towel
  • GPS device | Garmin inReach Mini 2
  • Headlamps | LED Rechargeable Headlamp

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or hat
  • Protein bars, snacks, and/or sandwiches- more than you think you’ll need!
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Portable battery pack
  • Bag to carry out trash

Tips For Your South Kaibab To Bright Angel Hike

  • Arrive at least one day before you plan on hiking to acclimate and get proper rest.
  • Visit the park information center the day prior to confirm operating potable water locations.
  • While at the visitor center be sure to ask for a paper trail map! It is always important to have a paper map of the area you’ll be hiking in.
  • Hydrate more than normal 1-2 days before your hike.
  • Eat more than you think you’ll need throughout the hike.
  • When climbing back up Bright Angel Trail try to pace yourself and refrain from stopping during the steep parts. This will help prevent muscle tightening and cramping.
You may also enjoy 16 Expert Desert Hiking Tips you need to know

Suspension Bridge, Grand Canyon.

Recap: South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail In One Day

Phew! We sure covered a lot during this guide and I hope you feel well prepared to hike South Kaibab to Bright Angel by now. Completing an adventure this big is an accomplishment and experience you will always remember. Words can’t describe what I was feeling inside during and post hike…but I can tell you it was amazing.

Please remember that even if you end up having to turn around, it is okay! A challenge like this will give us all an idea of where our abilities are and uncover what we can work on.

Regardless of what shape you are in, this day hike is challenging for all. I was sore for two days afterwards but loved every minute of it because the pain reminded me of what I had just accomplished. I can’t wait to go back and hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon again, but this time maybe follow a different route.

I’d love to hear from you!

Have you hiked South Kaibab to Bright Angel before, or planning to in the future? Share in the comments below!

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6 thoughts on “ How To Hike South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, & Bright Angel In One Day ”

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My wife and I have done this hike several times. It is, in a word, grueling, especially the last three miles up Bright Angel trail to the rim. But it is also well worth it. Be sure to start the hike as early as possible. It may be cooler on the rim, but it quickly gets hot at Phantom Ranch. The stretch from the River Rest house to Havasupai/Indian Gardens is through the Vishnu schist, which is almost black, so this stretch gets very hot and is always in the sun. Take lots of water and orange juice, along with a bunch of food. Be sure to buy souvenirs at Phantom Ranch, as you can only get the ones that say Phantom Ranch at the store at the bottom of the canyon. Bring plenty of sunscreen, too. When you are hiking, remember that the trails were built in the Great Depression in the 1930s by young men from the CCC and think of what they had to go through in order to build these trails.

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Im a 73 years young male and kind of overweight. I have 4th stage prostate cancer and have been to the canyon many times but never to the bottom. This is my bucket list hike. I have two sons and two grandsons (all adults) that will join me. I want to hike South Kaibab to Phantom ranch and back up the Bright Angel in one day. I’ll be in no hurry and prepared to leave very early and make final assent in the dark. We will be hiking the last 2 days of September. Please give your thoughts.

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Hi James, so sorry to hear about your prostate cancer. Hiking to the bottom of the canyon and back up is a huge feat and I truly believe only the most healthy and fit individuals should attempt it. I would not suggest this for you or your family. However you could look into renting mules and riding them down and back up? I haven’t looked into it before so I don’t know much, but every time I’ve been in the canyon there have been groups/tours given where people ride them into the canyon. This is a great alternative so it isn’t as physically strenuous for you. And I’m sure it’ll be much more enjoyable. I wish you all the best and if you’d like other suggestions for things to do around the canyon without having to hike in it please let me know! I have a post on biking the grand canyon south rim and am working on a 2 day itinerary post to provide more ideas 🙂 September will be a beautiful time for a visit.

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October 2019-I did a 5 night rim-to-rim-to-rim backpacking trip of the Grand Canyon. Down the Bright Angel, up and then down the N Kaibab, then up the S Kaibab. 62 miles total with side trips to Plateau Point, Phantom Ranch Overlook and beyond, and Ribbon Falls; an average of 10 miles per day. I trained for 4 months ahead of time, hiking progressively longer and steeper hikes with progressively more and more weight on my back. I had no problem. I soaked in every minute of it! But you must be in shape! I had plans in 2022 to day hike S Kaibab, stay for 3 nights in a cabin at Phantom Ranch, explore the canyon, then hike back up the Bright Angel. It took me years to get the cabin, and again I trained, but at the last minute my back went out, and I had to bail, knowing I likely will never get this opportunity again. My co-hikers know I am a capable and experienced hiker, but had not hiked the Grand Canyon as I had. They encouraged me to try. Knowing the Grand Canyon as I did, I refused, telling them I would put myself and them at risk. They didn’t get it. Until their return, when they thanked me for staying behind. The Grand Canyon is beautiful, but it will kick your butt – even if you are prepared! If you are not in shape and prepared, please don’t attempt it.

Hi Julie, thanks for reading! Your R2R2R2R trip sounds like an amazing experience. I hope to be able to accomplish that one day! Good for you for listening to your body and knowing your limits. As hard as it was to not go on the cabin trip, it seems like it was the best decision to make. The Grand Canyon is rough terrain and I agree, anyone entering needs to be well prepared and in good shape!

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Parks Collecting

Hiking The Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon: Complete Guide

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You walk along the path.  On one side is a sheer layered cliff rising high above you.  On the other, the canyon stretches far beyond.  A zigzagged path snakes its way down into the bottom of the canyon far, far below.  The scenery is overwhelming in scale and awe-inspiring in grandeur.  You stop to take photos at almost every turn.

You are hiking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park… 

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No time to read this guide to hiking the Bright Angel Trail now? Pin it and save it for later :

Complete Guide to Hiking Bright Angel Trail Grand Canyon

Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read my Disclosur e for more information.

If you are planning to visit Grand Canyon National Park, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2-, and 3-day itineraries for the South Rim of Grand Canyon that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip. It includes hiking the Bright Angel Trail.

Check out the three Grand Canyon itinerary options

Hiking the Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon

The Bright Angel Trail has been in use for thousands of years, first by the Havasupai people.  It was given its current name by Ralph Henry Cameron in 1901. He built a hotel at the trail head, extended the trail all the way down to the Colorado River, and charged $1 (more than $26 in today’s money) to use the trail. 

In 1928, the Bright Angel Trail became part of the national park. Today, it is the most popular of the Grand Canyon hikes below the rim.

Bright Angel Trail switchbacks seen from south rim of grand canyon

NOTE: I did the trail in reverse (from the bottom of the canyon up, because it was the end of my river rafting trip through the canyon ), but I’ll describe it from its start at the Bright Angel Trail South Rim trailhead down to Phantom Ranch, since this is the way most people do it.

Bright Angel Trail Map

bright angel trail map Grand Canyon

Guided Tours to Hike Bright Angel Trail

If you’d prefer to have a guide with you, there are a couple of options for hiking Bright Angel Trail with a guide:

Bright Angel Trail Guided Day Hike  

Hike with a guide to any of the turnaround points, depending on your comfort and fitness level. 

>> BOOK A GUIDED DAY HIKE ON BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL HERE  

3-Day South Kaibab – Bright Angel Trail Guided Hike  

This 3-day guided trip includes the 2 main trails from the South Rim spread over three days.  It starts with a transfer from Scottsdale before you head down below the rim on the South Kaibab trail to the bottom of the canyon. 

The first night is spent camping at Bright Angel Campground.  The second day includes a hike up the first half of the Bright Angel Trail, with a side trip to Plateau Point, camping at Indian Garden, half way up the trail.  The third day is the second half of Bright Angel Trail and then a transfer ack to Scottsdale. 

>> BOOK THIS AWESOME 3–DAY GUIDED RIM-TO-RIVER HIKE WITH CAMPING HERE  

The Bright Angel Trail Description

The views from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim are nothing short of spectacular.  This is the only view that most people see, but experiencing the canyon from below the rim gives you a whole different perspective.

Bright angel trail and Indian garden seen from south rim of grand canyon

When you are at the rim, don’t miss visiting the small Kolb Studio Museum (one of the many things to do on the South Rim ).

Kolb Studio Grand Canyon

There are four major series of switchbacks on the Bright Angel Trail – three of them in the top half, above Havasupai Gardens (formerly called Indian Garden).

The Bright Angel Trailhead is just west of Bright Angel Lodge .  Follow the path along rim and you’ll see the trail near the mule corral. Trailhead elevation: 6,850 feet/ 2,088 meters.

bright angel trail going along cliffside inside grand canyon

There are incredible views along the entire trail, and if you stop often to take photos, as I do, you won’t get too out of breath. 

The first thing of note is a tunnel, just 0.18 miles/ 290 meters from the trail head.  This part of the trail is not steep and if you just want to get feel for what it’s like to be in the canyon below the rim, then this is a good fairly easy walk.  1st Tunnel elevation: 6,708 feet/ 2,045 meters.

The path starts to get steep around 0.45 miles/ 725 meters into the hike, so if you have small children, this is a good turn-a-round point. Elevation: 6,560 feet/ 2,000 meters.

There is a second tunnel 0.75 miles/ 1.2 km into the hike. Second tunnel elevation: 6,240 feet/ 1,902 meters.

A man walking through a rock tunnel in Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park.

There are a four major steep switchbacks on the Bright Angel Trail. The first is after the second tunnel.  

The next point of interest, 1.5 miles/ 2.4 km into the hike, is the 1.5 Mile Resthouse .  There is water (seasonally; check with the national parks service before starting the hike), restrooms and an emergency phone here. 

This is considered a good turn-a-round for casual hikers or if you got a late-start. 1.5 Mile Resthouse elevation: 5,729 feet/ 1,746 meters.

The switchbacks continue almost immediately – this is the second of the four major switchbacks.  There is a sign at the 2-mile/ 3.2 km mark.  The trail gets even steeper after that. 

Then at the 3-mile/ 4.83 km mark, is the 3-Mile Resthouse .  There is water (seasonally) and an emergency phone, but no restrooms.  Many people turn around here.  3-Mile Resthouse elevation: 4,748 feet/ 1.447 meters.

Bright angel trail resthouse grand canyon

The third series of switchbacks is between 3 Mile Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens.  Take it slow.

switchbacks on bright angel trail grand canyon

Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Garden) is the half-way point on the trail is.  This is 4.5 miles/ 7.24 km from the start.  This is the point that the national parks service warn day hikers not to go past, especially in summer. 

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

It is a shady spot that makes a nice respite and place for a picnic lunch.  There are picnic tables, water year-round from a natural spring, restrooms and an emergency phone. There is also a campsite here. 

There are some remains of ancient structures built by Puebloan and Cohoninas native Americans, who had a garden (called Ha’a Gyoh) here – hence the name.  To be honest, I didn’t see these.  Havasupai Gardens elevation: 3,800 feet/ 1,183 meters.

Indian-Garden a stop on Bright Angel Trail in Grand-canyon

From Havasupai Gardens, a side trail ( Plateau Point Trail ) goes another almost 2 miles each way to Plateau Point .  It is possible, though not advised, to do this as a day hike from the south rim IF you are VERY fit, have lots of water and leave very early.  From the start to Plateau Point is 6.4 miles/ 10.3 km. 

I didn’t do this side trail, but the region of the canyon here is Granite Gorge, which has the oldest rocks in the Grand Canyon.  It is narrow, so the water is fast and the view of the Colorado River and the canyon is, by all accounts, spectacular.  There is water available seasonally only and there is no shade.  Plateau Point elevation: 3,740 feet/ 1,140 meters.

From Havasupai Gardens down to the Colorado River is another 3.5 miles/ 5.6 km.  I was hiking up and found this stretch pretty easy.  This section, the last of the four major switchbacks, is called Old Devil’s Corkscrew, but most of the trail has been rerouted and the switchbacks are not as severe as the original name would have you expect. 

River Resthouse is the spot where the trail meets the river, and is the official end of the Bright Angel Trail.  This is 8 miles/ 12.8 km from the start of the trail. There is an emergency phone only here.  River Resthouse elevation: 2,480 feet/ 756 meters.

Bright Angel Trail Grand Canyon

However, if you have come this far, you presumably do not plan to go back in the same day, so you will continue to the campsite or cabins.  From here, it is technically the River Trail, and it is basically flat.

Bridge at bottom of Grand Canyon on Bright Angel Trail

The Bright Angel Suspension Bridge (Silver Bridge) is 9.2 miles/ 14.8 km from the Bright Angel Trailhead.  It’s a narrow suspension bridge that crosses the Colorado River.  Bright Angel Suspension Bridge elevation: 2,460 feet/ 750 meters.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Next along the River Trail is the Bright Angel Campground , 9.5 miles/ 15.3 km from the start. Bright Angel Campground elevation:  2,480 feet/ 756 meters

Finally, you will get to Phantom Ranch where there are cabins, a basic restaurant and shop.

Total Bright Angel Trail length

  • Bright Angel Trail is 9.9 miles/ 15.9 km from the start
  • Phantom Ranch elevation: 2,460  feet / 750 meters
  • Total elevation change: 4,390 feet/ 1,338 meters

stone cabin at phantom ranch grand canyon

Total Bright Angel Trail hiking time

We were hiking up and out, so we set off from Phantom Ranch about 5:30am, after a 5:00am breakfast. 

How long does it take to hike the Bright Angel Trail?  Officially, the average time is 5-6 hours.  It usually takes longer going up – often as much as double the time it takes to go down. We hiked up and took our time, taking lots of photos along the way.  The first half to Havasupai Gardens took us about 3 hours, where we stopped for lunch.  The total hike took us just under 6.5 hours.

Bright Angel Trail Difficulty

This is a strenuous trail, but the good thing is that you can do part of it only and it would still be incredible.  As the national park signs say – going down is optional; going up is not.

Most of the other people who had been on our Colorado River trip took less time than us, though a couple took longer.  I figured there was no rush – it was a pleasure and privilege to be inside the Grand Canyon.  I was moderately fit and with frequent stops, was not in bad shape at the end, though the last mile was tough and I was ready to be there. 

Some who rushed a lot more than we did were in pretty bad shape at the end.  Others who were fitter than us felt totally fine.  So, I would recommend having at least a moderate level of fitness if you plan to do the whole hike.

The Bright Angel hike is definitely one of the world’s must do hikes.  Being surrounded by the Grand Canyon is a completely different experience from seeing it from above.

Bright Angel Trail Grand Canyon

Three options for hiking the Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park

The Bright Angel Trail is the most famous of the Grand Canyon trails and the most popular route for hiking down the Grand Canyon from the South Rim to the Colorado River.  The other Grand Canyon hike to the bottom from the South Rim is the South Kaibab trail.  Either of these trails can then be combined with the North Kaibab Trail to from the Rim to Rim hike. 

However, hiking the Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch or the Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the canyon is the most popular hike in the Grand Canyon.

As mentioned earlier, you should not attempt to hike the Bright Angel Trail in one day from the rim to the river and back, especially in the summer.  There are a few different options:

1. Take a river trip down the canyon

They either start at the beginning of the canyon and end at Phantom Ranch, in which case you will end up hiking up the Bright Angel Trail as I did, or they start at Phantom Ranch, in which case you will be doing this Grand Canyon hike from the rim to the bottom.

Either option means you do the whole hike once only.  This is what I did, and it meant that I got to overnight in Phantom Ranch without needing to try and get a reservation (the boat company did that for me), and I hiked up.  Many people prefer hiking down, but I find that hurts my knees, so I would rather take my time and hike up.  Plus, when you hike down, you don’t get to stay at Phantom Ranch, which I enjoyed.

Another bonus – our luggage was carried up by mule, so we only carried our day pack with water, lunch and sunscreen.  This duffel service can be booked with your Phantom Ranch reservation and currently costs $70 each way.

Note, you can also ride a mule to Phantom Ranch instead of hiking.  Unless you are used to riding horses (or mules), I do NOT recommend this.  I did a mule ride at the top of the canyon only, and after an hour, I was in so much pain I would have done anything to get off.  Hiking is MUCH better!

2. Hike down the Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch/ the Bright Angel Campground and overnight at one of these options

Then hiking up the Bright Angel Trail the next day. Or hiking down or up the South Kaibab Trail to mix it up.  You can also do it as part of the Rim to Rim trail, ending up (or starting from) the North Rim on the North Kaibab Trail.

If you go all the way down, you WILL need to overnight on the canyon. Phantom Ranch is extremely popular and there is a lottery system to get a reservation. Read my Guide to How Make a Reservation for Phantom Ranch here .

Note that it can take twice as long to hike up as it did to hike down. If you are camping, you can also overnight at the Indian Garden campground on the way down and/ or up.

3.  Hike part of the trail only

It’s not necessary to hike to the whole trail, and if you can’t or don’t want to get a reservation at the bottom of the canyon or take a river trip, this will be your only option.

Taking the Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Gardens, which is half-way down, is the furthest recommended for a one-day hike.

If you are looking for something less intensive, but still challenging, the hike to the Three Mile Resthouse (a descent of about 2,100 feet/ 640 meters) is a good option.  If you just want a more relaxing (but still a workout!) hike, then turning back at the 1.5 Mile Resthouse is the way to go.

Note that the trail is shared by mules.  We only passed one mule train when we did the hike in May, but you may encounter more.  Stay well away from the mules as they pass.  Some people complain of the mule dung – I didn’t notice this as an issue, but don’t be surprised by it.

Planning and Packing for Grand Canyon hiking

This guide should be all you need for your Grand Canyon trip, but if you are traveling to other areas in the US Southwest, buy the Lonely Planet for extra information.  Buy the Southwest USA Lonely Planet here .

When you are ready for your trip, check out my Essential Packing List for general ideas and my Packing List for Hiking .

When you’re up at the South Rim, check out 30 Top Things To Do on Grand Canyon’s South Rim for ideas on what to do.

  • Grand Canyon Itineraries
  • Grand Canyon Guide
  • Best Airports to Fly to Grand Canyon National Park
  • Guide To Making Reservations For Phantom Ranch
  • Complete Guide To Hiking The Bright Angel Trail
  • White Water Rafting In The Grand Canyon
  • Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints
  • Best Things To Do In and Around Grand Canyon’s South Rim
  • Best Books about the Grand Canyon
  • Vacation Rentals In and Near Grand Canyon National Park
  • Vacation rentals in Flagstaff
  • Vacation rentals in Sedona

Hiking Tips

Additional hiking resources include:

  • Tips for Beginner Hikers (Hiking 101)
  • Hiking Trail Etiquette
  • How to Read Trail Blazes

Enjoy the hike!

Do you have any stories of the Grand Canyon? I’d love to hear them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

If you liked this post, please share the love and Pin It to your Grand Canyon and Hikes boards for later!

About the Author

James Ian Yosemite

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert .

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and all of the main national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides , comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications , including Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases .

  • United States
  • Grand Canyon Village

Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop

Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

21.58 miles

Elevation Gain

Description

Added by Ted S

Standing at the top of the Grand Canyon is impressive on its own but imagine hiking to the bottom and exploring the river, the rock and the land almost a vertical mile down before you return back to the top. Add in a few nights of camping out (or cabin accommodations) and you have a once in a life adventure.

There are many ways in and out of the Grand Canyon but the most popular loop is to descend from the South Rim, heading down the steeper South Kaibab Trail and returning up via the easier Bright Angel Trail.

Your adventure starts early to beat the sun (and get the views). After getting your permits (you'll need to book these well in advance, even a year ahead for peak season) at the backcountry office, take the hiker's express shuttle to the SK trailhead. Here you'll find restrooms and a final water fillup spot, the only one on the trail down.

Follow the SK trail for 7 miles as it cuts sharply through the canyon, passing layer upon layer of rock. As you descend pass Ooh-Aah Point and Cedar Ridge, be sure to look behind you to experience a truly unique view of the canyon. By the time you reach Skeleton Point, you'll feel like you've entered another world. Shortly after passing Tip Off Point, the river will come into clear view below you as you make your way down to the black bridge spanning it. Take in the last 0.5 miles of flat trail as you complete the hike down arriving at Bright Angel Campground or a little further into the canyon at Phantom Ranch.

Spend as long as you can get a spot or spare the time for at the bottom of the canyon exploring the river trails and up towards the North side (which is a world all it's own). Camp out or stay in the Phantom Ranch bunkhouse where you should be sure to grab at least one meal, lemonade and postcard on your visit.

Start your return hike before the sun has a chance to rise, heading through the Bright Angel campground, past the ranger buildings and off to the right. The Bright Angel Bridge will take you across the river which the trail follows for another mile before entering the canyon for good. As it snakes its way up, be sure to look around at the sun rising over the canyon walls. Stop off at the Indian Gardens hiker area to refill water and use the restroom (you can also camp here with reservations and make a multi-day return) before entering the second half of the hike.

As you continue up towards the 3 mile resthouse and then 1.5 mile resthouse, you'll be stopped by day hikers asking "how far you went" and "how it was," a testament to your adventure and a sign of how close you are. Pass through two stone archways and you're at the top of the South Rim once again. Enjoy a shower at Mather Campground or just skip right to the food at Bright Angel Lodge , the Canyon Village Marketplace and Deli or one of the other many restaurants.

Note: The National Park Service is highly against hiking to the river and back in a single day. Be reasonable in your plan, consider the distance, heat and impact of starting out downhill first!

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Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop Reviews

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Bright Angel down South Kaibab up

We did this in 1 day. Left at 6 am hiked down Bright Angel to the river. Each mile is totally different and beautiful scenery. Then crossed the silver bridge to phantom ranch. After lunch writing a few postcard to mail headed across the black brindle and up south Kaibob. Tough day but we’ll worth it views going up and going down we’re so different.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Joshua Contois

The Grandest Hike

I recently completed this hike in the middle of monsoon season. It's entirely counter intuitive to think that August in the high desert would be 75 degrees, cloudy, and breezy. The hike was a reward around each switchback, and an experience I will never forget. In terms of water, I would recommend a minimum of 3 liters for the way down, and slightly less for back up. We left Phantom Ranch at 3am, hiking beneath the Milky Way almost all the way to Indian Garden. This is a must-do for any adventurer.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Jason Hatfield

Stunning Views

I prefer taking South Kaibab Trail down because it has better sweeping views than Bright Angel but I would argue that the last few miles of Bright Angel Trail seem steeper; either way, both trails are great and the better water access on Bright Angel makes it safer choice for hot hikes up.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Utah Flats via Cremation Canyon

Utah Flats via Cremation Canyon

Cremation Canyon via South Kaibab Trailhead

Cremation Canyon via South Kaibab Trailhead

Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim

Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim

Run Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon

Run Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon

Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

South Kaibab Trail to Tip Off

South Kaibab Trail to Tip Off

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Day Hike to Phantom Ranch

updated: February 11, 2022

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

June 7, 2008

I’d been living at the Canyon for less than 3 weeks when I found an opportunity to hike to Phantom Ranch for the first time.

There’s 2 trails that start on the South Rim and converge at the bottom of the Canyon at Phantom Ranch. The Bright Angel Trail (about 10 miles) descends from the South Rim Village, and the South Kaibab Trail (about 7 miles) descends near Yaki Point, east of the Visitor Center.

The South Kaibab has no water sources – nothing at all – so the recommended way to tackle this hike is to descend via the South Kaibab and then to climb out via the Bright Angel Trail. Doing this as a day hike is not recommended. In entails almost 18 miles and almost 10,000 feet of elevation change. Most of all, temperatures can soar over 110 degrees (43 C) in the summer months.

In retrospect, I subjected myself to a number of brutal, hot summer hikes during my first years at the Canyon. I had no way of knowing I’d ultimately live and work in the area for over a decade, and wanted to make the most of my limited time.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

This thermometer sits in Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the Canyon. It’s often in direct sunlight (I’ve seen the needle buried below 140), but it still serves as a sobering reminder to take precautions.

My employee housing was located at Trailer Village (near Mather Campground), so the South Rim’s shuttle bus system provided logistics to the trailheads. I started shortly after 7am, and according to the time stamps on my photos, the hike took about 10 hours.

The first landmark down the South Kaibab Trail is a place called Ooh Ah Point (the most terrible place-name in Grand Canyon, in my opinion). There was no sign marking the location at the time and I was unaware of its named significance, so Cedar Ridge was the first stop of the day.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

I went all the way out to Cedar Ridge’s distant northern point. This is one of only maybe 3 times I’ve ever been out there. In the ensuing years I’d use hike the South Kaibab more as an avenue to bring me in to or out of the Canyon.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

So much of this environment was still brand new and exciting to me – the lizards, the cacti, and so on.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

As the trail approaches Skeleton Point, it levels out into a scenic section that (I later learned) is called Mormon Flats. I’d never seen an agave cactus before, and here they were in tall, yellow abundance. If hard pressed, I’d still say Mormon Flats is my favorite segment of the South Kaibab Trail.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Near Skeleton Point is where I encountered a classic Grand Canyon mule train for the first time. It’s novel to look back and remember how neat it was take in such an iconic sight when it was new to me, evidenced by the amount of pictures I took (only a handful of which are shown here).

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

This often-missed sign is located at a switchback as the trail descends through the Redwall Limestone. I failed to take note of it on more than half of my ensuing trips, so it’s interesting that I had the eye to spot it during my first time hiking here. There’s something to be said for new experiences.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

I took my next rest stop at place called The Tipoff. From here the trail will descend its final 1,400 feet into what’s called the Inner Gorge, where you find the Colorado River and the oldest rocks of the Canyon.

At The Tipoff the South Kaibab Trail is crossed by the Tonto Trail Trail, which traverses over 80 miles along the length of the Grand Canyon.

I huddled in what little shade I could find near the outhouse located here, which wasn’t quite as gross as it sounds. The temperature increased substantially since I began on the rim. In later years the Park Service would end up constructing a proper shade structure here.

The Colorado River can be seen from some points farther up the trail like Skeleton Point, but it’s below the Tipoff where it really begins to call out for attention. Today it flowed in a shade of emerald green.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

The bright red dirt (Hakatai Shale) and jumbled boulders (Tapeats Sandstone) caught my attention for this photo. Locals call this formation “the trainwreck.”

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

The “Black Bridge” was visible for long before I got to set foot upon it. The approach to the south side of the bridge is via a short tunnel, blasted out by dynamite during the bridge’s construction. For my part the tunnel was a neat, unexpected discovery, and I was thankful for the brief moment of deep shade.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

This excavated Native American site is found between the Black Bridge and Phantom Ranch. Its time of occupation dates to almost a thousand years ago.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

I was stunned by how tame the deer are near the canyon’s campgrounds. This photo did not require much zoom. I’d see several such deer in the vicinity, and also near Indian Garden campground along the Bright Angel Trail. The trend continues to this day, as the deer are still remarkably docile.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Phantom Ranch’s cantina as it appeared on June 7, 2008

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Inside the cantina I rested and enjoyed some goodies, namely a Powerbar and a Budweiser. In retrospect these were totally odd selections, and I doubt I’d remember what I’d ordered unless I had a photo where I’m proudly holding the purchased items (see the end of the post for that one).

I was unaware that the lemonade is “the thing” to get down there and that Tecate is a Phantom Rancher’s beer of choice. My energy bar of choice was still Powerbar (a callback to my epic teenage bicycle rides in the 90s) and I wouldn’t switch over to Clif Bars until later in 2008, or maybe 09.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

There were flush toilets and a pay phone available to the public behind the cantina. Nowadays the toilets are closed (with new composting toilets built a short way up the trail), and the pay phone is gone. I have fond memories of admiring this wall art and even viewing my face in the mirror, as it was often my first access to a mirror over the course of many days, or even weeks at a time.

Is it weird to have such an affection for a public bathroom?

Don’t answer that.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

The “Silver Bridge” is the second of two pedestrian suspension bridges that span the Colorado River near Phantom Ranch. The Black Bridge (seen above in the background) is specially designed to be friendly to mules, whereas the Silver Bridge is for foot traffic only. The Silver Bridge also carries the trans canyon pipeline, which supplies municipal water to the South Rim Village.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

The hike along the River Trail to the foot of the Bright Angel Trail was especially sandy, hot, and tiresome. These days the sand doesn’t seem as deep as it was in the past – I don’t know if this is due to wind erosion or seasonal differences, or if it’s a simple misconception on my part.

As a last stop before starting the journey up and out of the Canyon, I paused at the river access at Pipe Creek and soaked my feet in the river. I even waded out in to the water a bit, probably farther than was wise. Numerous people have drowned after having similar ideas and being swept away by the frigid current.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

The lower Bright Angel Trail ascends via a side canyon called Pipe Creek, climbing up and out of it via a set of switchbacks called The Devil’s Corkscrew.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

I grew weary as I approached Indian Garden, anxious to arrive for my next proper rest stop. I felt that once I began to see the big cottonwood trees lining Garden Creek that I must be close. It seemed farther than anticipated.

Along the way, I was thoroughly impressed by the stature of this singular cottonwood. Today it’s been trimmed by trail crews (or broken by natural forces, or maybe both), so it no longer bears its glory of old, seen below.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

After leaving Indian Garden, I climbed a segment of trail through the Redwall Limestone called Jacob’s Ladder.

The view down the Redwall gorge of Garden Creek always strikes me as being similar to that of Yosemite Valley. The comparison is a bit of a stretch, but it can be hard to shake such an aesthetic notion once stuck in one’s mind.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

After ascending the Redwall I reached the 3-mile rest house, which was the turnaround point for my previous (and first) hike in the Canyon . So the elevation gain (combined with the fact that I had seen the remaining trail before) led me to put my Nikon D40 away for the rest of the hike.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Before reaching the rim I was lucky to see the first bighorn sheep of my life! The were just hanging out here a few feet below the trail, and I managed to grab a few shots with my pocket camera.

Such a cool sighting and a perfect way to cap off my first visit to the bottom of the Canyon, the Colorado River, and Phantom Ranch!

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

more photos from this day:

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

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Bright Angel Trail

Cross “hike to the bottom of the grand canyon” off your bucket list by traveling down the bright angel trail to the colorado river, trail description.

This is the park’s most popular rim-to-river route, offering spectacular views, rest houses, water (seasonal), and shade at Havasupai Gardens. Day hikers have several options: turn around at the Mile-and-a-Half or Three-Mile rest houses, Havasupai Gardens ( formerly called Indian Garden ), or Plateau Point (described below as an optional side trip). Backpackers can camp at the  Havasupai Gardens  or Bright Angel campgrounds.

Note: If you are planning to camp anywhere below the rim you must get a backcountry camping permit through the backcountry office.

Endless switchbacks: to Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile rest houses

As you journey down the Bright Angel Trail, you descend into rock that is almost 2 billion years old. Starting with the youngest, the Kaibab Limestone at the trailhead, you progress down gentle switchbacks through progressively older rock. The canyon’s steep, vertical walls limit rim-to-river routes. But this trail follows the Bright Angel Fault, a naturally occurring break that allows access to the inner canyon.

Long, sweeping switchbacks take you to Mile-and-a-Half rest house at, you guessed it, 1.5 miles. Take a moment to enjoy the shade, refill your water bottle (May-October), and rest your feet. Pit toilets are located just down the trail to your right.

Any rim-to-river hike in the canyon involves seemingly endless switchbacks, and the Bright Angel Trail is no exception. Every turn brings an impossibly more beautiful view as you drop deeper into the canyon. Zigzag your way down through the iron-rich Supai Formation to the top of the Redwall Limestone, where Three-Mile rest house waits with shade, water (May-October), and pit toilets.

Havasupai Gardens: a desert oasis

From Three-Mile rest house, a series of switchbacks known as Jacob’s Ladder takes you down the Redwall Limestone. As you approach Havasupai Gardens, the grade flattens out and makes for easy walking across the slopes of Bright Angel Shale.

Cottonwood trees, flowing watter, and lush grasses mark your arrival at Havasupai Gardens, a shady respite on this hike. Around 4.5 miles, you pass a ranger station on your left, followed by the campground ( permit required ). Pit toilets, water (year-round), and shaded benches are farther down the trail.

Final switchbacks: the Devil’s Corkscrew

Soon after leaving Havasupai Gardens, you reach trail junctions with Tonto West and Tonto East . Continue south along Garden Creek as it cuts a ravine into the terraced ledges of Tapeats Sandstone. A chockstone around 5.25 miles marks the beginning of the Tapeats Narrows, where the creek has sculpted channels and plunge pools into the bedrock.

The trail branches away from Garden Creek in a series of switchbacks known as the Devil’s Corkscrew. This lightning bolt-like trail gashes its way through the dark cliffs of 2-billion-year-old Vishnu Schist, the oldest rock in the Grand Canyon. Avoid hiking this section during the hottest part of the day—the almost-black walls absorb heat and can cook you in the afternoon sun. A few long meanders lead into tight, sharp switchbacks that descend about 500 feet in a half mile. Beyond the corkscrew, the trail levels out as you begin following Pipe Creek.

Around 7 miles, you arrive at another set of plunge pools and waterfalls where Garden Creek flows into the Pipe Creek drainage. Prickly pear, willows, and brittlebush line the banks as the trail descends gently to the River House rest area. A side trail leads to the shore of the Colorado River and Pipe Creek Beach, while the Bright Angel trail continues to the right of the pit toilets.

Turn east and contour above the river, traveling across sand dunes for the next 1.5 miles. You arrive at a suspension bridge, which not only allows hikers passage across the swift Colorado River, but also supports a transcanyon waterline that carries water from the north side of the canyon to Havasupai Gardens. After crossing the river, the trail continues past park buildings and private residences. Follow signs towards Bright Angel Campground until the trail turns north along Bright Angel Creek around 9 miles. The campground is a little ways up the creek, and camping is by permit only . Phantom Ranch, which has cabins, bunkhouses and a dining room facility, is about a half mile farther north. Reservations typically need to be made months in advance to stay here.

If you are hiking during the warmer months, plan on leaving well before sunrise for the climb back up to Grand Canyon village.

Optional side trip to Plateau Point

If you’re day hiking or spending a night at Havasupai Gardens , you may want to go to Plateau Point as a side trip. This is an easy 3-mile, out-and-back hike that takes you to an overlook on the edge of the Tonto Platform with excellent views of the Colorado River.

The Plateau Point Trail begins south of the pit toilets at Havasupai Gardens. Just past a livestock area, look for a wooden sign that points towards Plateau Point and Tonto West trails. You cross Garden Creek and contour along the Tonto Platform for about a mile. When you reach a junction with the Tonto West Trail, veer right and continue south towards Plateau Point.

Another half mile and you arrive at the overlook. The trail dips down to a rock platform bound by safety rails. From here, you can both see and hear the Colorado River raging a thousand feet below. On the north side of the canyon, you can see (left to right): Cheops Pyramid, Bright Angel Canyon, and Zoraster and Brahma Temples. Retrace your steps to return to Havasupai Gardens. 

The Bright Angel trailhead is located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim just west of the Bright Angel Lodge near the beginning of the West Rim road shuttle stop.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

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Bright Angel to Phantom Ranch and Back - Bright Angel Trail

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  • Bright Angel Trail

Bright Angel to Phantom Ranch and Back

The first couple times to the GC didn't do much for me - pretty long drive from Phoenix and a quick look into the Canyon. But, since my first treck down into it - my excitement about the awesome GC has peaked. Back in early Sept-09, I hiked down Bright Angel with my 4 and 8 year olds to Indian Garden(about 4.5 miles down). 4 yr old had hard time coming back, I had to carry him a chuck of the way. Also, not to scare anyone but we ran into a rattling rattle snake on the trail just starting our way back from Indian Garden - no problem - he went back off the trail after a few moments. With visiting Christmas relatives from GA who wanted to see the Canyon - I was excited for a second treck down. Today I ran down Bright Angel to Phantom Ranch and back. It was pretty cold this morning - probably around 0degF. I was dressed in long socks, running shoes, long underwear, cold weather running pants, two non-cotton running shirts, long sleave cotton shirt, two thin jackets, warm gloves, stocking cap, water bottle waist strap. Started at 8am, slightly under 2hr run to Phantom Ranch, bought two bags of trail mix and electrolyt mix with CC(nice they take CCs), hung out for a little while and started back. Only water open this time of year is at Indian Garden and Phantom Ranch. The walk back up went pretty well until about 3mi to go - then painful and slow - whole hike was 5hrs, 43min. Driving back to Phoenix right now - luckily my brother in law is doing the driving. I'm sure I'll be real sore tomorrow. The Canyon is wonderful - saw lots of dear, peaceful, lots of people. Snow at the top make footing an issue - but just had to be a little careful.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

If you are of reasonable health, I would recommend going at least partway down this trail. The perspective of the canyon from in the canyon will transform your visit. If you don't like to get dirt on you (it is dusty and you can't avoid all of the mule trinkets) or if you have health issues, stay on the rim. But even a short walk down in sneakers will bring you to some neat cut-outs in the rock. If you go any farther though, you should go prepared. Great advice from hikers that I followed included wear sunscreen and chapstick, wear a sun hat with a string, have hiking boots and 2 layers of socks( they slide on each other instead of rubbing your skin), clip your toenails (going downhill will push on your toes), bring a hydration bladder filled with ice then add water (stays cool much longer), have a hiking pole(it really helps the knees on the way down) or two, a cell phone (surprisingly they work), salty snacks, and as a plus but not necessary wear the wicking clothing. We hiked on a 65 degree morning and we quickly felt the heat climb as we decreased in elevation. By the time we began heading up, the heat was intense (even though it was still comfortable at the top of the rim.) Consider your fitness and don't forget the elevation impact. There is a sign at the trailhead with a picture of a healthy young woman who ran the Boston marathon and died taking this trail into the canyon. It is helpful that there are small trees to find occasional shaded spots to rest and that there is space to stop and step off the trail to rest. When you come out you are basically hiking a dusty but often rocky flight of stairs for however many miles you choose to hike down. The people you pass are so friendly heading down and tired heading up. When you hike down remember to yield to those coming up. You will appreciate the gesture when it's your effort hiking up. Unfortunately, even prepared people can have accidents. The trail was closed for 45 minutes to carry someone who broke her ankle up to the helicopter. I could not believe the small rock outcropping it landed on near the 1 1/2 mile resthouse. When you hike back up, be sure to take the shuttle out to hermit's rest and get off at the first stop and look back at the trail for a really good view of where you hiked. This hike was the highlight of our canyon experience even though we are not avid hikers, but have hiked a few times.

Everything that GPinSF shared in his May 31, 2009 review is right on target. Read his comments carefully. I have hiked from the "Rim to the River" and out via the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. It is a very rugged hike that totals 17 - 18 difficult miles... 1. At the age of 50, I did the "R to R and back" in a day. It was over 100 degrees at the bottom and I was in average shape - the enitre trip took 15 hours of difficult hiking. Hiking "up and out " took over 9 hours. It was not a good decision on my part to go all of the way. 2. At age 52, I completed the same hike in 11 hours. I had trained for the trip, was well prepared with the right equipment, and the weather was very cooperative - highs in the upper 70's. Had a great time. 3. At age 55, I have just completed the same hike (April 5, 2009) with my wife - she is in above average shape. The difference is that this time, we had a cabin reservation at Phantom Ranch and split the hike into 2 days. It was easy for me, but my wife found the two day trip pretty rigorous. Why have I done the same hike three times? Because it is an unbelieveable experience. Hiking any length down into the canyon on these two trails is a very serious proposition. There are only three ways to get out: On foot, by mule, or by helicopter...there are NO ROADS. There are accounts all over the internet of a variety of hikes with great pictures. Take the time to educate yourself and pick the hike that is within the limits of the least "fit" member of your group. This will guarantee a positive and safe experience for your first Grand Canyon hike.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

OK, Tripadvisor has been so good to me, helping me plan so many vacations, that I'll give some advice on the 1 day rim to floor and back Grand Canyon Hike. 1) It's do-able, but is REALLY hard. My girlfriend and I are in our early thirties and fit, but not super fit. We started at 5:30am, went down the South Kaibab trail (took 4 hours), spent maybe 1 hour at Phantom Ranch (where you can get lemonade, snacks, etc.) then hiked back up the Bright Angel Trail for 8 1/2 hours and got to the top at 7:30. 2) Bring lots of water and salty snacks. There is no water on South Kaibab trail. There is a bathroom halfway though, at Tonto Junction. It's surprisingly clean. But you should bring Purell. There is water on Bright Angel at Indian Gardens (halfway) as well as the 3 mile and 1 1/2 mile resthouse. 3) Advice: Rent the hiking poles from the general store. They help so much. It's $2 per day per pole. You'll need them for 2 days cause you'll have to start the hike before the general store opens. Also, get snacks, gatorade from the general store. We brought from phoenix and a lot melted. Gatorade tends to be much better than water, but I think a mix is the right idea. 4) The hardest part is from the bottom to Indian Gardens. Make sure you have enough water to last you. It's longer than you'd ever think. This is the only portion where you really have to worry about running out of water. Also, make sure you drink continuously, not just when you're thirsty. 5) We had cloud cover, but it's usually sunny, so have a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. 6) Bring ziploc bags (you have to carry all your own garbage out). 7) Bring purell or some hand sanitizer type of thing. 8) It's worth it to go down South Kaibab rather than Bright Angel. It's steeper and shorter (so harder the knees but faster), and also a totally different view. 9) You don't need to carry a ton of stuff because you can buy fruit, snacks, gatorade, water, etc. at Phantom Ranch. We carried too much. 10) Good hiking shoes are key. There are a lot of rocks and good footing is key. You'll also have to cross some small streams. 11) Views are awesome! You'll see the canyon from all angles. 12) If you don't think you can do it, don't try. There are tons of signs about people dying, getting dehydrated, etc. I don't necessarily recommend people do it, but if you're fit, it's possible if you do it right.

We hiked a ways down this trail, and were amazed by the views. We did not go to the first waypoint because of time constraints. It was fun to watch the mules coming up from a daytrip. This is the least dangerous and least difficult of the four canyon trails below the rim. I wrote a full review of the Hermits Rest trail, which was more difficult than Bright Angel. This trail was much more busy and built up than Hermits Rest. I would suggest that anyone hike this trail even a little ways to get a better perspective on the canyon. It's worth the exercise.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

We headed out early to begin our hike. (We left our Bright Angel Cabin at about 5:45 am.) My husband and I were intermediate hikers ready to improve our experience and our difficulty level. We packed sunscreen, 12 water bottles and a combination of granola/nutrition/power bars in one backpack and carried the camera in another. We purchased wooden walking sticks in the Market Plaza curio shop of $9 each, and they proved invaluable on our hike. The way down was relatively easy and largely in the shade. The first three miles of the trail are steep downhill switchbacks. The trail was well-maintained, but we often had to avoid big rocks and mule droppings along the path. We stopped for bathroom breaks at the 1.5 and 4.5-mile stops, but made really good progress. We lost the shade at about the 5-mile point, and it was gone until the last mile of the hike. We arrived at Plateau Point just before 9 am. **Just to clear up any confusion** The Bright Angel Trail leads to Phantom Ranch (9-miles one way) or Plateau Point (6 miles one way). The trail forks at the 4.5-mile Indian Gardens Campgrounds, and you choose to go one direction or the other. We took a number of photos at Plateau Point—you have a great view of the Colorado River as it snakes along!! And then we headed back. When we arrived back at Indian Gardens, several mule trains had stopped for a break, too. We put our feet up, ate a granola bar, and wet our heads under the spigot of cool water. Then, the trek from 4.5 miles to 3 miles took everything that I had. It was the very hardest part of the whole journey. We joined quite a large group of people resting and refilling their water bottles at the 3-mile resthouse. It was amazing the camaraderie that was created between the hikers as they hiked back up. Everyone was offering encouragement, sharing jokes, and even exchanging food to each other all the way up the trail. It was amazing how fast the last three miles of the trail went. We took it slow, stopping often, and drinking water. And finally, we arrived back at the trailhead.

Grand Canyon  Visitor Center

Bright Angel Trail

Bright Angel Trail

The Bright Angel Trail’s starting point is conveniently located at the Grand Canyon Village on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and leads right into the River Trail which continues to the Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. Taking the Bright Angel Trail and continuing through the River Trail is actually the most popular method of accessing the Phantom Ranch for hikers or visitors riding mules, so if you were planning on stopping by the Phantom Ranch, this trail is a great way to get there. The Bright Angel Trail itself is 8 miles in length, but if you plan on continuing to the Phantom Ranch, the total distance traveled will be 9.9 miles, so come prepared to walk a couple of extra miles. This trail is well-maintained by park staff and patrolled by park rangers, and despite being a very popular trail, it still has its hazards. Possible hazards include things like dehydration, unpredictable weather, icy trails, rockfall, and extreme temperatures, but most reported injuries are squirrel bites, so do remember that feeding the squirrels is prohibited and strongly discouraged.

Photo © Courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park and used under the Creative Commons.

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Where Are Those Morgans

South Kaibab Trail To Ooh Aah Point, Skeleton Point & Phantom Ranch

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: February 4, 2022  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Hiking Blog

South Kaibab Trail To Ooh Aah Point, Skeleton Point & Phantom Ranch

South Kaibab Trail is one of the best hikes at Grand Canyon South Rim and we personally think it just about has the edge over the more popular Bright Angel Trail. In this guide we’re going to explain everything you need to know about day hiking South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ahh Point, Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point, The Tipoff and Phantom Ranch.

Now don’t get us wrong, Bright Angel is an amazing trail and you should hike it if you have chance. But South Kaibab has a little more substance to the trail. Views are more open and diverse, the trail itself is more fun and entertaining, and it is a whopping 2.5 miles shorter than Bright Angel to reach Phantom Ranch.

If you’re a hiker with only one day at Grand Canyon South Rim you have a tough decision to make. Let’s see if we can convince you that South Kaibab is the trail for you. You can hike to any of the 5 major turnaround points, but remember – what goes down must come up.

Let’s descend into the incredible Grand Canyon and take a look at 5 landmark turnaround points you can use to set your day hiking goals!

5 Turnaround Points On The Grand Canyon South Kaibab Trail

Before you hike down South Kaibab Trail, consider how much time you have, what the weather is doing and what your current hiking level is to determine which stop is safest for you to use as a turnaround point on your day hike.

Of course you don’t have to use any of the 5 points we discuss, but almost all hikers on South Kaibab Trail will use one as a target. The best part is the landmarks are spread evenly throughout the hike to cater to all hiking abilities.

Here are the distances one way and roundtrip, plus elevation loss (that will turn into gain when you return to the Rim):

  • Ooh Aah Point – 0.9 miles one way / 1.8 miles roundtrip / 790 ft elevation loss
  • Cedar Ridge – 1.5 miles one way / 3 miles roundtrip / 1120 ft elevation loss
  • Skeleton Point – 3 miles one way / 6 miles roundtrip / 2040 ft elevation loss
  • The Tipoff – 4.5 miles one way / 9 miles roundtrip / 3280 ft elevation loss
  • Phantom Ranch – 7.3 miles one way / 14.6 miles roundtrip / 4700 ft elevation loss

Stunning stone path at the start of a hike in arizona leading down through awesome rock formations at sunrise

Can You Hike South Kaibab Trail In One Day?

This is the most important question and it comes with an answer we want to make loud and clear.

Yes, you can hike down South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch in one day. However, it is only advised for very strong hikers and only when hiking on cool or cold days in late Fall, Winter or early Spring.

  • Please do not try to day hike South Kaibab Trail all the way down to Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River if you are not in very good physical condition.
  • If the weather forecast is for a warm or hot day, do not try to hike to the Colorado River in one day.

You don’t want to be that group who has to be rescued out of the canyon because you thought hiking on a hot day was a smart idea!

If you only plan to go as far as Cedar Ridge or Skeleton Point, then yes you can easily hike South Kaibab Trail in one day. After that, you need to be an experienced hiker.

Consider this : If you day hike South Kaibab to Skeleton Point and back, you’ve hiked 6 miles total with an elevation loss and gain of 2040 ft.

How Difficult Is It To Hike The South Kaibab Trail?

South Kaibab Trail is not the most technically challenging day hike we’ve ever done. There are no climbing elements and you don’t need any specialist equipment.

But it is much steeper than Bright Angel. There’s a reason it is 2.5 miles shorter one way to Phantom Ranch. And remember you will be slowly climbing for the entire second half of your hike.

Important – South Kaibab is known to be the steeper trail, but the gradient doesn’t get too intense until after Cedar Ridge.

How hard it is depends on your hiking ability and how far you want to descend into the canyon.

Looking for hiking inspiration? Check out our popular guide to the 50 best hikes in the US next!

Why Is It Not Recommended To Day Hike Phantom Ranch?

The major cause for concern boils down to heat exhaustion and lack of preparedness among hikers.

Crucial – Something very important to remember is that there are no reliable water on the South Kaibab Trail . You have to carry all of the water you will need for your hike, which depends on how far down you plan to go.

You may be able to drink at a newly built water source once you reach The Tipoff but it is non-potable, requires treating and it may not have any water available. Do not rely on this source.

Between May and September the temperature can be extremely high on South Rim.

  • But you have to remember Bright Angel trailhead on South Rim is at 6840 ft elevation.
  • When you descend into the canyon, the temperature is going to increase exponentially.
  • It will be on average around 20°F (11°C) warmer at Phantom Ranch than at South Rim in Summer.

So, if it’s hot on the rim, do not hike to the river and Phantom Ranch. You will burn through your water and will have to wait until you reach the canyon floor for another source you can use to refill.

How Long Does It Take To Hike Down South Kaibab Trail Into Grand Canyon?

Let’s take a look at the official NPS suggested times for day hiking to each of the major turnaround points on South Kaibab Trail:

  • Ooh Aah Point : 1-2 hours
  • Cedar Ridge : 2-4 hours
  • Skeleton Point : 4-6 hours
  • The Tipoff : 6-9 hours
  • Phantom Ranch : 2 days

Technically if you want to hike South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch and back up to South Rim, you are recommended to spend the night at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel campground.

However, these are guidelines and they are directed at the average hiker. If you are an experienced hiker and you have prepared correctly, you can hike to the River and back in a day.

Hiking Tip : Please follow the timeframes above as listed by the National Park Service if you are not a very strong hiker.

Bright yellow sunrise making the grand canyon glow with a hiker walking down South Kaibab trail

Our Grand Canyon Hiking Experience

After a fleeting first visit to Grand Canyon South Rim in 2019, we were blown away and couldn’t wait to return one day to hike down to the Colorado River.

It took us until December 2021, but we finally made it. We gave ourselves 2 days on South Rim, one would be to day hike and the other to sightsee and photograph more amazing Grand Canyon sunrises and sunsets .

We chose to visit Grand Canyon in Winter because we wanted to give ourselves the best chance at safe cool or cold weather conditions for day hiking. The first day was perfect so we took our opportunity.

We descended to Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail and ascended back to the Rim via Bright Angel Trail. Steeper on the way down, more gradual on the way up. It was an epic hike and one we would do again.

Read all about our amazing day hike from South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail if you plan to take on the classic Grand Canyon hike during your visit.

The next day it snowed all day and we couldn’t see into the canyon from South Rim.

Need help organizing your visit to Grand Canyon South Rim? Our popular 30+ page Grand Canyon South Rim Guidebook can help you with planning every aspect of your trip.

Tips For Planning Your Hike

Here are some things you should consider when planning to hike South Kaibab Trail.

  • Hiking South Kaibab in Summer is not a good idea. Spring, Fall and Winter will provide safer conditions.
  • Just be aware of daylight hours if you do hike in Winter as we did.
  • Hydrate and eat healthy wholesome meals in the days leading up to your hike.
  • Try to get a solid 8 hours sleep the night before. That means going to bed early for an early start.
  • If you want to reach Phantom Ranch, be at the trailhead right at first light.
  • Food, snacks and plenty of water are paramount. Remember to take more for each extra stop you will hike.
  • A head torch is important both for the morning and for later in the day if you are not back at South Rim by sunset.
  • Wear strong and robust footwear you are comfortable in and that you have used before.
  • We always carry a LifeStraw water filter in case of emergencies. Take your preferred water treatment method but remember there are no reliable water sources on South Kaibab Trail . We typically carry an electrolyte drink as backup.
  • Know your limits. Choose one of the stops as a goal but always keep an eye on time. Have a cutoff time that you will use to turn around regardless as to how far you hiked down.
  • Track your hike down South Kaibab using one of the best hiking apps like Gaia GPS or All Trails.

Important – Going up is much more time consuming than going down. Plan for your ascent to take twice as long as your descent. So, after 2 hours of hiking down, you will hike back up for 4 hours and a total of 6 hours.

Resources you can use to check conditions in the days leading up to your hike.

  • Drinking Water – Important backcountry hiking updates including drinking water
  • Live Weather – National Park live weather and road updates for Grand Canyon
  • Live Webcams – See the park from various webcams for live conditions

Path leading into a sunrise at grand canyon national park arizona

How To Get To South Kaibab Trailhead

Ahh the South Kaibab trailhead. Why do you have to be such a pain in the neck to reach?!

One of Bright Angel’s wins over South Kaibab is how convenient and easy it is to access Bright Angel trailhead. Here’s how you can reach South Kaibab trailhead:

  • Take the orange Kaibab shuttle from the main visitor center near Mather Point.
  • Park a mile away from the trailhead on Desert View Drive and walk to reach South Kaibab trailhead.

Neither are attractive options because you’re either adding on 2 miles to an already mammoth day hike, or you’re waiting around for a shuttle bus.

We parked at the main visitor center lot, walked a few meters to the shuttle stop and waited for the “Hikers’ Express”. That is the first shuttle of the day from Bright Angel to the visitor center and on to South Kaibab Trail.

In December when we took it, the shuttle was at 7am but it leaves earlier in Summer. Here’s the NPS hikers’ express schedule .

Note – On the schedule it says 8am is the first shuttle in December. Always ask the rangers on site for current and updated information. We were informed there was a shuttle at 7am, which gave us an extra hour hiking time in the canyon.

Day Hiking South Kaibab Trail Into The Grand Canyon

Now you know what you can expect on the hike and how to get to the trailhead. Remember if you are planning to go down to Skeleton Point or beyond, try to start as early as possible.

Let’s get stuck into our complete walkthrough of the South Kaibab Trail and each of the major stops along the route as you descend into the Grand Canyon.

Stop 1 – South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point (0.9 miles)

Hiking South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point on a cold morning in december at grand canyon south rim right at sunrise

One of our favorite aspects of choosing South Kaibab over Bright Angel is that your views during the descent are comparable to some of the best viewpoints on Grand Canyon South Rim .

The very first section of descent on South Kaibab as you hike down to Ooh Aah Point is incredibly scenic. Not just views into the canyon, but the trail itself is like something out of a fantasy movie.

If you start early enough you will be walking this first section at sunrise and it is something you’ll never forget. We were fortunate enough to see booming rays of sun blasting into the canyon as we turned each corner.

The first mile to Ooh Aah Point begins by descending a series of short but steep switchbacks. You will then hug a wall tightly to your right side and it seems that you will never get an open view into the canyon.

But you will! And you can tell Ooh Aah Point before you reach the sign marker. That wall to your right ends at the bottom of a staircase and opens up a mind blowing view.

Many people only hike to Ooh Ahh Point and some will do it for sunrise to get away from the crowds on the Rim.

  • Elevation loss : 790 ft.
  • Hiking : Turn around here if you just want a taste of hiking into the canyon or you are short on time.

Stop 2 – South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles)

Hiker stood next to a dead tree inside grand canyon national park

You can see the flat shelf on Cedar Ridge and its nearby submarine-like rock formation (called O’Neill Butte) from Ooh Aah Point. It is only a further 0.6 of a mile from Ooh Ahh Point and we do strongly recommend you consider going further if you feel up to it.

As you walk down cobble stone paths surrounded by towering cliffs, look at the astounding geological layers of rock and sediment, buttes, spires and temples encircling you.

Cedar Ridge is the first real stopping point and there are restrooms available. From the ridge you can look back up at South Rim and gain an appreciation for mother nature.

This is a great place to use as a day hike turnaround on South Kaibab if you also want to hike down some of Bright Angel in the afternoon so you can say you’ve done both famous Grand Canyon trails.

But if you have the time and you’re feeling good, let’s get back on the trail!

  • Elevation loss : 1120 ft.
  • Hiking : Turn around here if you’re short on time and want to hike some of Bright Angel later.

Stop 3 – South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point (3 miles)

Hiking South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point Grand Canyon sign and hiker with camera in arizona

The first part of your descent from Cedar Ridge to Skeleton Point is to switchback down the canyon until you’re standing at the base of submarine looking O’Neill butte.

From there it’s a straight shot descent hugging a wall to the left tightly until you open up one of the best views on the South Kaibab Trail.

The wall to your left ends and the trail also takes a sharp left. You are stood on the edge of this rock layer. Straight ahead over the edge is a dramatic wide open drop to the next layer below.

Look left and you will see South Kaibab Trail extends far out into the canyon in a long and ever so slightly curving line along a narrow ridge. Follow that line and look down to see a significant series of switchbacks dropping onto the layer below.

It’s an easy walk from this viewpoint to Skeleton Point right before those switchbacks begin. Don’t expect much once you finally reach Skeleton Point, there’s nothing but a sign marker and two metal frames for the mules.

If you take on the switchbacks after Skeleton Point, you are really getting into the thick of the South Kaibab Trail action. They aren’t fun to hike back up so be sure you want to continue!

  • Elevation loss : 2040 ft.
  • Hiking : You’re 3 miles in, which means total time back to South Rim will be between 4-6 hours. This is as far as we recommend for a reasonable day hike without taking too much on, even for the more experienced hiker.

Stop 4 – South Kaibab Trail to The Tipoff (4.5 miles)

The Tipoff with mules surrounded by huge rock formations

The good news is that once you’re down the zig-zag trail, you are getting up close and personal with those flat and arid looking plateaus you can see from the Rim.

Remember seeing those tiny cracks in the Earth from South Rim? Well, they look enormous and immense from here. Turn around to look back up at the Rim before continuing as the trail turns left.

The next section is flatter, easier and wide open. That means you can really pick up the pace here and make up time. Just be careful on hotter days with no shade or protection. Sun hats and sunglasses are a must on this section.

You can see The Tipoff from afar. It is a very flat area that looks like it’s about to fall over a cliff and into the River below. You will pass a crossroads at Tonto Trail West, which serves as a shortcut to Bright Angel Trail.

The Tipoff has restrooms and a recently built shaded open-air seating area with potable water that you have to treat before using. Do not rely on this water source and only drink if you can filter properly.

  • Elevation loss : 3280 ft.
  • Hiking : This is the last place to turn around unless you are serious about day hiking to Phantom Ranch and back. Consider that you still have to drop drop 1,400 ft over a further 2.3 miles to reach the Colorado River.

Stop 5 – South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch (7.3 miles)

Switchbacks leading down to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch

This final section is amazing. We loved hiking down into the gaping crack we had been looking at the entire hike. So far it’s been sandy and rocky underfoot, but now you will notice a maroon colored fine dirt all around.

Not long after leaving The Tipoff you will get your first close-up of the Colorado River. You’re almost at the canyon floor, but you still have a lot of hiking left to get there so get a move on!

After a long straight stretch you will reach another series of switchbacks and these ones take you all the way down to Black Bridge crossing the mighty Colorado River. The view of these switchbacks is awesome so get your camera ready.

Walk through a tunnel and stand on Black Bridge. Congratulations, you are at the end of South Kaibab Trail at the bottom of the Grand Canyon!

Either turn right around and head back up if you are pushing it for time. But if you’re doing well, follow the riverside (now on North Kaibab Trail) for one more mile to reach Bright Angel campground and eventually Phantom Ranch.

Enjoy your success but not for too long, you now have to climb 4,700 ft out of the Grand Canyon.

We would suggest you take Bright Angel back to the Rim for a change of scenery and a less steep incline. But South Kaibab will be quicker if you can keep up a good pace.

  • Elevation loss : 4700 ft.
  • Water : You will find water, with a selection of hot and cold drinks available in Phantom Ranch.
  • Hiking : End of the road for a day hike. Time to turn around and go right back up!
  • Camping : You can camp here but getting a permit is very competitive. You can also stay at Phantom Ranch.

Climb Out Of The Grand Canyon

Awesome switchbacks descending into Grand Canyon national park at south rim on South Kaibab Trail

We have to admit it is both a wonderful and terrifying feeling to be stood at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Such a sense of achievement but also dread because you can see the Rim and you know you have to hike up there.

You’ve probably been going for 3 or 4 hours already. But the way back is going to be much longer. Think along the lines of 5 or 6 hours. Get plenty to eat and drink before setting off.

If you do go back up South Kaibab you already know the trail so you know exactly what to expect. Use those same markers to gauge your time and speed.

We can tell you from experience you will start to feel it around Skeleton Point with 3 miles left to climb. Fatigue will naturally start and you know it’s not too far to go, so your body will stop releasing as much adrenaline.

Keep looking at those views into the canyon for motivation, remember you are hiking an insanely beautiful trail and keep your mind focused on that cold refreshing pint of beer waiting for you at the top.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Need Help Planning A Trip To Grand Canyon South Rim?

Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the US and it’s a stunning landscape that will genuinely blow you away.

But we also know how important it is to get your trip off to the best possible start by planning in advance.

We have been lucky enough to visit Grand Canyon South Rim twice, at different times of year and with different goals:

  • First to sightsee, shoot sunrises and sunsets and see the canyon from every single viewpoint on the Rim.
  • Second to day hike Rim to River, South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch to Bright Angel in one day.

If you are planning a trip to Grand Canyon South Rim and want to know:

  • Where to stay and eat
  • How to get there and use the shuttles
  • The best hikes in the area
  • Which overlooks to visit
  • Where to watch sunrise and sunset

Our 30+ page Grand Canyon South Rim Guidebook with 4 example itineraries will tell you all this information plus more so you can plan the perfect trip to Grand Canyon South Rim National Park.

South Kaibab Day Hiking FAQ’s

Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about day hiking the South Kaibab trail at Grand Canyon National Park.

The South Kaibab Trail is harder when compared to the Bright Angel trail because even though South Kaibab is a shorter trail, it is much steeper. If you are hiking up from Phantom Ranch, the Bright Angel Trail will be easier because you will experience less elevation gain over a longer hike.

The South Kaibab Trail at Grand Canyon is a strenuous hike with a length of 7.3 miles and an elevation loss of 4,700ft if hiked one way to Phantom Ranch. The National Park Service does not recommend the entire length of South Kaibab as a day hike and encourages visitors to turn around at various points along the trail.

The South Kaibab trail has a restroom facility at Cedar Ridge which sits about 1.5 miles from the trail head. There is little shade and you will be exposed for the most of this hike.

The South Kaibab trail is not scary, but it can be dangerous because you are completely exposed to the elements and the hike is quite steep. You need to be correctly prepared and hiking in good weather conditions. One of the most common problems along this trail is heat exhaustion.

Our Popular Grand Canyon Guides

  • Itinerary – How to visit Grand Canyon South Rim in ine day
  • Hiking – 17 amazing hikes at Grand Canyon South Rim
  • Photography – Sunrise and sunsets spots at Grand Canyon
  • Hotels – The best hotels at Grand Canyon South Rim
  • Winter – Important things to know about Grand Canyon in winter
  • Season – What to expect at Grand Canyon each season
  • Viewpoints – Guide to the best Grand Canyon viewpoints
  • Transport – Airport options near Grand Canyon National Park

More Arizona Hiking Guides

  • Bright Angel – Day hiking Bright Angel at Grand Canyon
  • Difficult Day Hike – South Kaibab to Bright Angel in one day
  • Sedona – Best hikes in Sedona, Arizona
  • The Wave – How to hike the Wave in Arizona
  • Wave Permit – Essential guide to winning a Wave permit

Want more Arizona content? Head over to our Arizona Travel Guides to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond.

We hope this day hiking guide to the incredibly scenic South Kaibab Trail helps you plan your hike at Grand Canyon National Park!

Please let us know if you have any questions about South Kaibab trail or hiking at Grand Canyon National Park in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy This South Kaibab Trail Guide? Pin It For Your Visit!

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

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bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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Sunday 1st of January 2023

A wonderful adventure. Started before sunrise and as we descended, the canyon lit up with the sunrise. Once you have conquered this round trip experience of a lifetime, train for a rim to rim hike. North rim beautiful as well. Fewer tourists and traffic. Spend the night on the North rim and then, rim to rim back to South rim the following day. Then you deserve a T-shirt from gift shop saying Rim to Rim Grand Canyon. Incredible. Wish I was young enough to do it again.

Mark and Kristen Morgan

Thank you, Jeri. Rim to Rim and back again is exactly what we plan to do next time we are at the Grand Canyon. South Rim is amazing but it is so busy and we know North Rim has very few visitors. Watching a sunset and then a sunrise from North Rim is very high on our wishlist!

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Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

The hike to Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon from the South Rim. South Kaibab Trail is the second-most visited trail in the canyon after Bright Angel Trail and there are a variety of viewpoints along the way. Phantom Ranch is a set of lodges on the canyon floor, so use this route as part of a longer backpacking adventure. You’ll also pass the Bright Angel Campground on the way.

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Route Description for Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail

The South Kaibab Trail is the second-most visited trail in the entire Grand Canyon. With several viewpoints accessible without any extreme hiking, it’s a great trail to wander down to take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Those bound for Phantom Ranch will deal with more intense grades and intimidating sections of the trail. We don’t recommend trying to do this hike in a day. Book in at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel to break up this big trek.

There may be mules on this trail packing out trash from Phantom Ranch. Should you come up to mules, listen to the handler’s directions on how to pass them. If you come up from behind, just announce yourself and listen for instructions on how to pass once it’s safe to do so.

From the trailhead, you’ll hike out along the ridge. About a half-mile into the outbound trip, you’ll pass Yaki Point on your right, a popular viewpoint. At the point, look out over the amazing view to the east. Ahead of you is Cedar Ridge, a popular turnaround point for casual hikers. Ahead of Cedar Ridge is O’Neill Butte, from which there’s plenty of canyon to appreciate in almost all directions. Hiking around the east side of the butte, you’ll continue to Skeleton Point. This is where things get interesting.

Descend through very steep switchbacks, then continue down to a suspension bridge. Hike off the edge of The Tipoff, winding down towards the river. More switchbacks take you to the Kaibab Suspension Bridge. Cross, pass Bright Angel Campground, and arrive at Phantom Ranch. The return trip follows the same route.

Getting to the Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for the Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail is on Yaki Point Road.

Backcountry Campground

Bright Angel, Phantom Ranch

September-May

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Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail Elevation Graph

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Nearby Trails

  • South Kaibab Trail to Tip Off
  • Pipe Creek Vista Hike
  • Yavapai Geology Museum to Verkamp’s Hike
  • Grand Canyon Rim Trail
  • Skeleton Point via South Kaibab Trail
  • Yavapai Point via Rim Trail
  • Plateau Point via Bright Angel Trail
  • Indian Garden Campground via Bright Angel Trail
  • South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point
  • South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
  • South Kaibab Trail
  • Shoshone Point Trail

Nearby Regions

  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Canyonlands National Park
  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Moab and Arches National Park
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Tonto National Forest
  • Zion National Park

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Day hiking the South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail

For those looking to get out and explore the heart of the Grand Canyon, two of the park’s iconic South Rim trails can be combined into one epic day hike. The route is challenging, especially in the heat, and clocks in at just over eighteen miles with almost 4,900’ of elevation gain. If you’re experienced hiker looking for an unforgettable outing, this thru hike combines the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails with a stop at historic Phantom Ranch.

Many people hike to Phantom Ranch or one of the backcountry campsites (Bright Angel Campground or Indian Garden Campground) as an overnight trip, often as part of a two-day Rim-to-Rim hike. The true Rim-to-Rim involves hiking one of the two South Rim trails, crossing the river, and finishing on the North Kaibab Trail (or the reverse). While it is possible to do a true Rim-to-Rim in a day, there are a few impediments. First, the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October due to snow. Depending on the season you visit, the North Rim may be inaccessible. Additionally, the route is a bit longer – about 20 miles total with 1,000’ more elevation gain than the South Rim-river-South Rim. The biggest obstacle for us, though, was the driving distance between the two trailheads – a solid four hours. For us, having a dog waiting anxiously at home completely eliminated this as an option.

If the true Rim-to-Rim is out of reach for one reason or another, the more accessible South Rim-river-South-Rim is a nice option. And while it is possible to hike in a single day if you’re a strong hiker, the national park strongly discourages visitors from hiking to the river and back in a single day. In fact, you’ll see signs posted regularly along the trail warning against it. If you’re an experienced hiker, a day hike is totally achievable. That said, many people overestimate their abilities as well as just how difficult the trail can be in the heat. Consequently, rescues are not uncommon. Before considering this as a day hike, make sure you are properly trained, well-prepared, and have done your research. The national park’s Hiking FAQ page is a great place to start.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Getting there

There is no public parking available at the South Kaibab Trailhead. The road is open only to shuttles and park vehicles. The easiest option for thru hiking is to park near the Bright Angel Lodge or Backcountry Information Center and take the Hikers’ Express Shuttle Bus to South Kaibab to begin the hike.

The Hikers’ Express is free and the most convenient option for getting to the South Kaibab Trailhead. The bus departs the Bright Angel Lodge two or three times each morning on the hour. It then makes two additional stops at the Backcountry Information Center and Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal before arriving at the South Kaibab Trailhead. Be sure to check the schedule for the month you are visiting, as shuttle hours vary throughout the year.

There are alternate options, but we found the Hikers’ Express from Bright Angel Lodge to the be the easiest. Getting on the shuttle at the first stop ensured we got a seat on the bus (I have no idea how crowded the shuttle is during busier months, but we didn’t want to risk it). Additionally, parking near the hike’s endpoint allowed us to get right into our car when we finished. After a long, hot day on the trail, who wants to wait around for a shuttle? If you do need an alternative, however, here are a few suggestions:

  • Park at the Visitor Center Plaza and take the orange route (East Kaibab Rim) directly to the trailhead. This means, of course, you’ll need to catch a return shuttle from Bright Angel Lodge back to the Visitor Center at the end of your hike.
  • Park at Pipe Creek Vista and walk the Rim Trail for 0.8 miles to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Downsides: It adds a little distance to the hike and, again, you’ll need a return shuttle to the viewpoint after hiking.
  • Park at Bright Angel Lodge and hike the trail in the opposite direction. If you do, be aware there will be slightly more elevation gain this way (about 400’). Additionally, you guessed it, you’ll need to wait for a return shuttle from the South Kaibab Trailhead back to the lodge.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Beginning from the South Kaibab Trailhead at an elevation of 7,260 feet, the trail begins its descent into the canyon via a series of wide switchbacks. After about a mile, the trail opens onto the first signed vista, Ooh Aah Point . Sitting at an elevation of 6,600 feet, the rocky outcropping offers a nice view of the canyon’s colorful layers – unveiling 1.8 billion years of Earth’s geological history. Below, you can see the trail as it winds around the eastern side of O’Neill Butte.

South Kaibab Trail

From Ooh Aah Point, it’s a short, half-mile walk down to Cedar Ridge . At an elevation of 6,000 feet, the flat projection offers even more sweeping views, including a look at the iconic Vishnu Temple to the east.

O'Neill Butte

From Cedar Ridge, the trail wraps around O’Neill Butte before making a straight and more gradual descent to Skeleton Point . When you reach Skeleton Point, you’ve lost about half your total elevation. At an elevation of around 5,000 feet, the views from Skeleton Point were some of my favorites. This is a particularly scenic spot, and you get a fantastic look at Zoroaster Temple (north) and Vishnu Temple (east). If you’re in search of a shorter day hike into the canyon, the round-trip from the trailhead to Skeleton Point is a nice option – clocking in at about six miles with 2,200’ vertical gain.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

From Skeleton Point, the trail once again descends a series of switchbacks around another small butte. It then levels off a bit as it traverses the Tonto Platform , a wide bench that separates the upper part of the canyon from the inner gorge. Here, the trail intersects with the Tonto Trail at the Tipoff . Just before the trail drops down from the Tipoff into the inner river gorge, there are some gorgeous views looking down on the river.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

As the trail zigzags down toward the river, it loosely follows the vestiges of the Cable Trail . The bygone route was once used to access the old cable car that crossed the river prior to the construction of the Kaibab Suspension Bridge. This was probably my favorite stretch of trail in the canyon. The path here is a brilliant shade of burnt umber, and it felt like the walls of the canyon were really starting to envelop you as you watched Zoroaster’s once-lofty crown shrink quietly into the landscape.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

At just over six and a half miles from the trailhead, you reach the Black Bridge (Kaibab Suspension Bridge) which leads you across the Colorado to the other side of the canyon. Built in 1928, construction of the bridge’s 440-foot-long span was both difficult and dangerous. More than one hundred tons of materials were carried into the canyon entirely by mules or manpower. The one-ton, 550-foot-long suspension cables were hauled down nine miles and 4,000 vertical feet by forty-two Havasupai tribesman, while dozens of other workers dangled in slings above the raging Colorado River to install supports.

Black Bridge

After crossing the river, we couldn’t leave the canyon without making a quick, two-mile round-trip detour to Phantom Ranch. With that, we headed north from the river through Bright Angel Canyon to check out the historic lodging. Phantom Ranch opened in 1922, three years after the Grand Canyon was incorporated into the National Park System. Since that time, it’s been a coveted accommodation by canyon visitors. The ranch is tucked away inside Bright Angel Canyon – a lush little valley of cottonwood trees that line the banks of Bright Angel Creek .

Bright Angel Canyon

We followed the ribbon of greenery to the ranch’s collection of small cabins, pausing to reapply sunscreen, enjoy a quick lunch in the shade, and indulge some lemonade from the canteen. I have to say, there’s not much that tastes better than an ice-cold cup of lemonade after eight miles of hiking in 80-degree temps.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Eventually, we departed the ranch for the return trip to the rim, heading back to the muddy Colorado and crossing over the Silver Bridge (Bright Angel Suspension Bridge). Built in the 1960s, this 500-foot-long span sits just downstream from the Black Bridge and provides the support structure for the Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline – the system that supplies all potable water to the South Rim.

Silver Bridge

From the second bridge, it was a 9.5-mile return via the Bright Angel Trail , gaining back the entirety of the 4,900 vertical feet we lost en route to the canyon’s floor. The route was pretty moderate, thought the heat and inescapable sun rays made it feel like much more of a slog than it actually was.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

With the path paralleling Pipe and Garden Creeks for several miles, it was interesting to see how much more vegetation was on this side of the canyon. Although it’s just a few kilometers west of the parched South Kaibab Trail, the little bit of water creates a totally different landscape.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

When we reached Indian Garden , about 4.5 miles from the Bright Angel Lodge, we stopped briefly to refill our water supply. After being largely alone for much of the trail, this seemed to be the point where we returned to civilization. The foot traffic from here to the rim was fairly moderate, although not nearly as heavy as we expected for a beautiful spring Saturday.

For us, the highlight of the Bright Angel Trail was spotting a fallen boulder crisscrossed with the footprints of an early reptilian dinosaur. Back in 2016, Norwegian geologist Allan Krill was hiking the trail when he randomly spotted the collapsed rock. He noticed the curious imprints and contacted a colleague at nearby UNLV. The research team in Nevada determined the impressions were the fossilized footprints of a lateral-walking reptile that had been ascending a sandy dunefield during the Pennsylvanian Epoch. At 313 million years old, they are not only the oldest vertebrate tracks found in the national park, but also some of the earliest evidence of basal amniotes (egg-laying land animals) in the world. I love the story – such an amazing and implausible find. For my fellow science geeks, here’s a link to the full manuscript , published in PLOS One (2020).

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Still giddy from spotting the inconspicuous block of sandstone along the trail, we made one final push up a series of steady switchbacks from the Three Mile Resthouse to the Bright Angel Lodge . As we approached the last tunnel just before the rim, we were treated to one final surprise – a lone bighorn sheep perched on a rocky outcropping. It was a humble reminder of just how awesome these animals’ climbing skills are, and he (or she) was clearly enjoying the sweeping canyon view.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Even though it was hotter than hell and we were drenched in sweat (as evidenced by my hat below), we had a great day on the trail. Our hikes typically involve climbing through thick forests up to some sort of alpine summit – and in significantly cooler temperatures – so this one was both unique and memorable. Perhaps we’ll return someday (doggy babysitter in tow) to take on a true Rim-to-Rim day hike.

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

Total distance:  18.2 miles Elevation gain:  4,858 feet

South Rim Thru Hike - Satellite

Know before you go:

  • Always carry your own water and know where you can refill with potable water . There are a number of water stations along the canyon’s Corridor Trails (trails below the rim), though only a few are open year-round. Check the Backcountry Updates & Closures page for information on access to water and other facilities. In addition to carrying (some) water, we always hike with both a manual filter as well as iodine tablets in case we need to fill up from a creek or stream. Beware: there is no water on the South Kaibab Trail .
  • Don’t underestimate the sun and heat . We are fast hikers and the 80-degree temps and full sun noticeably slowed our pace. We hiked the first weekend in April, and temps down in the canyon were around 82°F. During the summer months, the interior of the canyon frequently sees temperatures above 100°F. There is virtually no shade along the trail, and the sun is seriously intense. Personally, there’s no way in hell I would do this in the dead of summer unless starting out super early (pre-sunrise). Even then, I’d probably still take a pass.
  • Dress in layers . Weather varies greatly between the rim and bottom of the canyon. On average, temperatures increase 5.5°F with every 1,000’ of elevation loss . This means you can expect temperatures to be at least 30°F warmer in the canyon relative to your starting point on the rim.
  • From the various hike reports we read, the average hiking time for this route (including Phantom Ranch) seems to be around 11–12 hours. This will vary wildly, of course, depending on your abilities. Make sure to save yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Depending on where you park and what shuttle(s) you need to catch, you want to make sure you don’t miss the last bus of the day. Check the shuttle schedule for detailed operating hours and maps.
  • While the route can be hiked in either direction, there are a few advantages to starting out on South Kaibab and returning via Bright Angel:
  • There are more opportunities to refill water at the end of your hike . There are several water stations along the Bright Angel Trail (depending on season), whereas there is no water along the South Kaibab Trail.
  • You finish your hike where you parked (Bright Angel Lodge, Backcountry Information Center), assuming you took the Hikers’ Express. This eliminates the need to wait on a shuttle to return you to your vehicle after your hike.
  • If you prefer less elevation gain , there are about 400 fewer vertical feet in this direction. The Bright Angel Trailhead sits at an elevation of 6,850 feet whereas the South Kaibab is at 7,260 feet.

Hike date: Saturday April 2, 2022 Total time: 8 hr 13 min Moving time: 6 hr 22 min Average moving pace: 21:03 Average moving speed: 2.8 mph Fastest pace: 12:02 Maximum elevation: 7,260 feet Minimum elevation: 2,392 feet Average temp: 82°F Estimated fluid loss: 6.825L (seriously… hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!)

bright angel trail to phantom ranch

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COMMENTS

  1. Hiking The FULL Bright Angel Trail To Phantom Ranch

    Bright Angel Trail Stats. Elevation Change | 6,850 feet at South Rim to 2,546 feet at Phantom Ranch. Permits Needed | None unless you plan on camping at the bottom. Bright Angel Trail Vs. South Kaibab. Grand Canyon's South Rim has two very popular corridor trails- South Kaibab and Bright Angel.

  2. South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail

    South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail. Hard • 4.9 (4491) Grand Canyon National Park. Photos (35,031) Directions. Print/PDF map. More. Length 16.6 miElevation gain 4,747 ftRoute type Point to point. Proceed cautiously on this 16.6-mile point--point trail near Grand Canyon, Arizona.

  3. Backcountry Trail Distances

    Bright Angel Trail: The trail begins on the South Rim just west of Kolb Studio, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4460 ft (1360 m), along a 7.8 mile (12.6 km) trail. ... Phantom Ranch: 9.9/15.9: 2546/776: Y: Y: Y: Y: reservation required for food and lodging: South Kaibab Trailhead to: 7260/2213: Cedar ...

  4. Bright Angel Trail

    Visitors can still have a below the rim experience on the Bright Angel Trail, as it will remain open from the Trailhead to nearly 1/2 mile down the trail to the turnaround point ... located on the north side of the Colorado River at Phantom Ranch, offers 30 small group sites and 2 large group sites. Stock is permitted here! Last updated ...

  5. The Phantom Ranch Hike

    A blog post about hiking from the rim to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back on the South Kaibab Trail, a 7.1-mile route with 1,500 metres of elevation change. The author shares their experience of booking a reservation, the views, the challenges and the magic of this hike.

  6. How To Hike South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, & Bright Angel In One Day

    Elevation Change | 7,000 feet at the South Rim to 2,400 feet at Phantom Ranch. Begin & End | Begin at South Kaibab Trailhead and end at Bright Angel Trailhead, both on the South Rim. Total Time | 10 hours & 25 minutes. Permits Needed | None unless you plan on camping at the bottom. Best Months | October-April.

  7. Hiking The Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon: Complete Guide

    Next along the River Trail is the Bright Angel Campground, 9.5 miles/ 15.3 km from the start. Bright Angel Campground elevation: 2,480 feet/ 756 meters. Finally, you will get to Phantom Ranch where there are cabins, a basic restaurant and shop. Total Bright Angel Trail length. Bright Angel Trail is 9.9 miles/ 15.9 km from the start

  8. Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop

    Take in the last 0.5 miles of flat trail as you complete the hike down arriving at Bright Angel Campground or a little further into the canyon at Phantom Ranch. Spend as long as you can get a spot or spare the time for at the bottom of the canyon exploring the river trails and up towards the North side (which is a world all it's own).

  9. South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Trail route

    South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Trail is a 17 mile moderately popular expert route located near Grand Canyon Village Arizona. This hike primary route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 3 trails. This route climbs 4,928 ft with a max elevation of 7,203 ft then descends -5,288 ft.

  10. Bright Angel Trail, Arizona

    Bright Angel Trail. Hard • 4.8 (4542) Grand Canyon National Park. Photos (15,302) Directions. Print/PDF map. Length 15.3 miElevation gain 4,478 ftRoute type Out & back. Proceed cautiously on this 15.3-mile out-and-back trail near Grand Canyon, Arizona. Generally considered a highly challenging route, it should only be attempted by experienced ...

  11. PDF Gr and Canyon

    The Bright Angel Trail is Grand Canyon National Park's premier hiking trail. It is well-maintained, graded for stock, has regular drinking water, covered rest houses, and emergency phones. Located at the trail's halfway point lies Havasupai Gardens Ranger Station and Campground. Then, after crossing the Silver Bridge over the Colorado River ...

  12. Day Hike to Phantom Ranch

    Day Hike to Phantom Ranch. updated: February 11, 2022. June 7, 2008. I'd been living at the Canyon for less than 3 weeks when I found an opportunity to hike to Phantom Ranch for the first time. There's 2 trails that start on the South Rim and converge at the bottom of the Canyon at Phantom Ranch. The Bright Angel Trail (about 10 miles ...

  13. Bright Angel Trail

    After crossing the river, the trail continues past park buildings and private residences. Follow signs towards Bright Angel Campground until the trail turns north along Bright Angel Creek around 9 miles. The campground is a little ways up the creek, and camping is by permit only. Phantom Ranch, which has cabins, bunkhouses and a dining room ...

  14. How to Hike the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail in One Day

    This information is for the hike on the South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground to the Bright Angel Trail. Distance: 16.5 miles. Elevation Change: 4780 feet loss (to the Colorado River) and 4380 elevation gain (Bright Angel Campground to the South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail).

  15. South Kaibab To Bright Angel Trail: The Ultimate Grand Canyon Day Hike

    Bright Angel is the more gradual, longer and more popular trail hikers use to get a taste of hiking into the Grand Canyon. The trailhead begins at 6840 ft and to reach Phantom Ranch you have to hike 9.8 miles.

  16. Day Hiking Bright Angel Trail At Grand Canyon South Rim

    Plateau Point: 9-12 hours. Phantom Ranch: 2 days. So officially, if you want to hike the entire Bright Angel Trail and back up to South Rim, you should spend the night at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground. These are guideline timeframes and they are aimed at the average hiker.

  17. Bright Angel to Phantom Ranch and Back

    Bright Angel Trail: Bright Angel to Phantom Ranch and Back - See 2,393 traveler reviews, 1,987 candid photos, and great deals for Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, at Tripadvisor. ... **Just to clear up any confusion** The Bright Angel Trail leads to Phantom Ranch (9-miles one way) or Plateau Point (6 miles one way). The trail forks at the 4.5 ...

  18. Bright Angel Trail

    The Bright Angel Trail itself is 8 miles in length, but if you plan on continuing to the Phantom Ranch, the total distance traveled will be 9.9 miles, so come prepared to walk a couple of extra miles. This trail is well-maintained by park staff and patrolled by park rangers, and despite being a very popular trail, it still has its hazards.

  19. South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail

    South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail. Hard • 4.9 (4548) Grand Canyon National Park. Photos (34,948) Directions. Print/PDF map. More. Length 16.6 miElevation gain 4,747 ftRoute type Point-to-point. Proceed cautiously on this 26.7-km point-to-point trail near Grand Canyon, Arizona.

  20. South Kaibab Trail To Ooh Aah Point, Skeleton Point & Phantom Ranch

    The Tipoff: 6-9 hours. Phantom Ranch: 2 days. Technically if you want to hike South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch and back up to South Rim, you are recommended to spend the night at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel campground. However, these are guidelines and they are directed at the average hiker.

  21. Hiking to Phantom Ranch on South Kaibab Trail

    The hike to Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon from the South Rim. South Kaibab Trail is the second-most visited trail in the canyon after Bright Angel Trail and there are a variety of viewpoints along the way. Phantom Ranch is a set of lodges on the canyon floor, so use this route as ...

  22. Day hiking the South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail

    Phantom Ranch opened in 1922, three years after the Grand Canyon was incorporated into the National Park System. Since that time, it's been a coveted accommodation by canyon visitors. ... From the second bridge, it was a 9.5-mile return via the Bright Angel Trail, gaining back the entirety of the 4,900 vertical feet we lost en route to the ...

  23. Bright Angel Trail

    The trail originates at Grand Canyon Village on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, descending 4380 feet to the Colorado River. It has an average grade of 10% along its entire length. At trail's end, the River Trail continues another 1.9 miles to the Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch. These two trails combined are the most common method ...