Hike the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth — a mile deep, up to 18 miles wide, and carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. Walking into the canyon transforms it from a scenic overlook into a full-body experience. The temperature rises, the walls close in, and the scale becomes personal. Packhorse is your guide to planning and completing a Grand Canyon hike.

Popular Trails

Bright Angel Trail

The most popular corridor trail, dropping from the South Rim to the Colorado River over 9.5 miles. Rest houses with water are spaced along the route at 1.5 and 3 miles, with Indian Garden campground at 4.6 miles. The full round trip to the river and back is strenuous and should not be attempted in a single day.

• Distance — 9.5 miles to river (one way)
• Elevation change — 4,380 ft
• Difficulty — Strenuous
• Water — Available at rest houses (seasonal)

South Kaibab Trail

Steeper and more exposed than Bright Angel, the South Kaibab follows a ridgeline with panoramic views in every direction. No water is available on the trail. Most day hikers turn around at Ooh Aah Point (1.8 miles) or Cedar Ridge (3 miles).

• Distance — 7 miles to river (one way)
• Elevation change — 4,860 ft
• Difficulty — Very strenuous
• Water — None on trail

Rim-to-Rim

The ultimate Grand Canyon hike — crossing from the North Rim to the South Rim (or vice versa) via the canyon floor. Most hikers take two to three days, camping at Cottonwood or Phantom Ranch. Requires a backcountry permit and careful planning.

• Distance — 21–24 miles (depending on route)
• Difficulty — Very strenuous, multi-day
• Best season — May or October

Lodging

At the Canyon

• Phantom Ranch — The only lodging at the bottom of the canyon, accessible only by foot, mule, or raft. Reservations are made by lottery 15 months in advance.
• Bright Angel Lodge — Historic South Rim lodge steps from the trailhead, with cabins and lodge rooms
• El Tovar Hotel — The grand dame of Grand Canyon lodging, perched on the South Rim since 1905

Nearby Towns

• Tusayan — The closest town to the South Rim entrance (2 miles), with hotels, restaurants, and an IMAX theater
• Williams — A Route 66 town 60 miles south, offering more affordable lodging and dining options
• Flagstaff — A full-service city 80 miles southeast with a wide range of accommodations

Restaurants Near the Canyon

• El Tovar Dining Room — Fine dining on the South Rim with canyon views
• Arizona Room — Steaks and southwestern fare at Bright Angel Lodge
• Canyon Village Market — Grab-and-go meals and supplies near Mather Point
• Tusayan restaurants — Pizza, BBQ, and casual dining just outside the park entrance

Essential Preparation

• Water — Carry at least one liter per hour of hiking in summer; heat-related illness is the leading cause of rescue
• Start early — Begin descending before dawn to avoid the hottest hours
• Permits — Overnight backcountry trips require a permit from the Backcountry Information Center
• Footwear — Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
• Don't hike to the river and back in one day — The National Park Service strongly discourages this for most hikers

Take the first step into the canyon and see one of America's greatest landscapes from the inside.