Potable water is only at Manzanita Rest Area (4.5 miles down). It may be non-functional due to maintenance—assume you need to carry 2–3 liters. Roaring Springs (natural, beyond Redwall) requires filtering. No water on the North Rim currently. Bring a filter and electrolyte packets to manage both dehydration and over-hydration.

Possibly. Mule stock is used for trail maintenance in 2026 (not resupply). If you encounter mules, step uphill, stand still, and remain silent until they pass 50 feet beyond you. Mule encounters are rare on this trail compared to Bright Angel Trail.

North Kaibab Trail

Q: Is this trail safe alone?

Hiking alone is permitted but not ideal. Leave a detailed itinerary with someone who will contact 911 if you don't check in by a specific time. Cell service is unreliable. The trail is well-marked, but exposure is real—bad decisions on this trail compound quickly. Hiking with a partner is recommended.

Q: Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the ascent (knee protection). A water filter is essential. Bring a headlamp for early starts or contingencies. Sun hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable. If hiking in winter (Nov–May, not recommended), over-the-shoe traction devices are mandatory. No rock climbing gear needed for day hikes.

Q: Why is this harder than South Kaibab Trail?

North Kaibab starts 1,000 feet higher, making acclimatization harder. It's steeper, more exposed (the Redwall section is genuinely technical), and water is scarcer. South Kaibab gets more maintenance; North Kaibab feels wilder and more remote. Both are serious; North Kaibab is objectively more difficult.

Q: When should I absolutely NOT hike this?

November–April: ice and snow make this dangerous. July–September: extreme heat (100°F+) and monsoon lightning. If North Rim is closed (check status page), the trailhead is inaccessible. If Manzanita water station is down and weather is hot, reconsider or day-hike a shorter option instead.

Overview

About This Trail

The North Kaibab Trail is the least visited and most difficult of Grand Canyon's major corridor trails—a relentless test of grit and hydration. Day hikers typically target Redwall Bridge (5.2 miles roundtrip, 2,200 ft elevation loss), a blasted-limestone passage with spectacular exposure overlooking Bright Angel Canyon. Beyond Redwall, fit hikers continue to Roaring Springs, where a massive spring cascades from the cliffs to form Bright Angel Creek. This is not a scenic stroll; it demands early starts, careful water planning, and respect for vertical exposure.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous

Trail Highlights

Redwall Bridge vista overlooking Bright Angel Canyon; the moment the vast canyon sprawls below you. Roaring Springs, where groundwater cascades from cliffs to form the creek supplying all park visitors. Geological layers revealed in Redwall Limestone. For full attempts, the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch.

Insider Tips

• The false summit effect: Supai Tunnel feels like the turning point, but Redwall Bridge (2 miles further) is the true day hike destination. Redwall views are worth the extra effort. • Water stations (Manzanita, Supai Tunnel) may be non-functional due to maintenance. Always carry filters and three-liter capacity. • The ascent is longer than the descent. Pace yourself: the hike out takes 1.5–2x as long as the way down. • Mule encounters are rare but possible. If you see one, step uphill immediately and stand silently. • Trail rehabilitation is ongoing. Expect occasional reroutes or closures. Check with rangers before your hike. • Best photo ops: Coconino Overlook vista opening, Redwall Bridge overlooking Bright Angel Canyon, and Roaring Springs cascade.

Best Season to Hike

May 15 to October 15

Hiking Tips

Carry 2–3 liters water minimum. Manzanita Rest Area is the only reliable potable source; it's 4.5 miles down. Roaring Springs (beyond Redwall) requires filtering.
Start by 5:30 AM. The ascent out takes twice as long as the descent. Trekking poles are mandatory for knee protection.
Eat twice your normal calorie intake; electrolyte supplements prevent hyponatremia from over-hydration.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, light moisture-wicking clothing, and layers for temperature swings.
When mules appear, step uphill, stand perfectly still, remain silent until they pass 50 feet beyond.
Do not attempt past Redwall Bridge and back in one day without ranger approval.
Pack headlamp and traction devices for ice hazard management (April–May, October–November).

Family Info

Not recommended for young children. Significant exposure—sheer drop-offs with no handrails. High altitude demands (starting at 8,241 ft) cause acclimatization issues in young children. Heat and dehydration risks are acute. Recommended for teenagers 16+ with prior canyon hiking experience only. Parent supervision and hand-holding mandatory around exposed sections.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 5.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft

Duration: 4–6 hours to Redwall Bridge (5.2 mi RT). Supai Tunnel (4.0 mi RT): 2–4 hours. Coconino Overlook (1.4 mi RT): 1–2 hours. Full rim-to-river: 2–3 days.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Switchbacks, dirt, and sections blasted from cliffside. Upper trail has rooty hazards in fir/aspen forest. Middle sections: exposed canyon limestone. Lower sections: sandy flats near creek.

Getting There

Trailhead: North Rim Trailhead at 8,241 feet. Located at the terminus of Highway AZ 67 on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Parking at North Rim Campground area (currently closed for 2026 season). Obtain a map before descending.

Requirements

Permit Required

Backcountry permit required for overnight camping. Apply online at nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm or visit the Backcountry Information Kiosk at North Rim Campground entrance (8 AM–12 PM) for details. At-large camping not permitted; designated campgrounds only.

Fees: $35 private vehicle entrance fee (valid 7 days). $20 per person (bicycle/hiker). Non-US residents add $100.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle system available. Trail is foot traffic only. Private vehicle required to reach North Rim Trailhead via AZ 67.

Trail Rules

Biking: No. Trail is foot traffic only. Mule stock use for trail maintenance only (2026).

Trail Markers: Well-marked and maintained. Trail is clearly defined with rock cairns and worn tread. A map is recommended for orientation and to identify day hike turnaround points.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Manzanita Rest Area: potable water (4.5 miles down; may be non-functional due to maintenance). Supai Tunnel: potable water mid-May to mid-October. Roaring Springs: natural flow from cliffs (requires filtering). No water on North Rim currently (2026); purchase bottled water at North Rim General Store. Hikers must carry sufficient water and assume water stations may be offline.

Shade: Upper sections (first 2–3 miles): mixed shade in fir/aspen forest. Redwall section (miles 2.6–3): mostly exposed limestone cliffs, minimal shade. Lower canyon (beyond Redwall): partial shade near creek.

Hazards:

Cliff edges are real—the Redwall section features dramatic exposure and engineering feats cut from bedrock. Summer heat exceeds 100°F in shade. Upper trail becomes ice-covered and dangerously slippery in winter; hard ice conceals hazardous passages. Monsoon storms (July–September) build violent lightning; seek shelter immediately. Water scarcity makes dehydration risk acute. Mules use the trail for maintenance—give right-of-way or risk injury.

Emergency: Call 911 if you can access cell service. Leave a detailed itinerary with someone who will notice if you are overdue and report it to 911. No emergency phone is available on the trail.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Ghost town relative to South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. Least visited major canyon corridor.

Peak Times: May 15–June 30 and September 1–October 15 (shoulder seasons). Mid-day (10 AM–4 PM) has more traffic due to hikers avoiding heat.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and steep. Upper sections: dense switchbacks through forest with exposed root hazards. Middle sections: blasted limestone trail with cliff-edge passages and zero margin for error. Lower sections: steep scrambling near creek. Repeated elevation change is relentless on descent and brutal on ascent. Not wheelchair accessible.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

North Rim General Store (entrance to campground area; bottled water available). Backcountry Information Kiosk at North Rim Campground entrance (8 AM–12 PM) for water status updates. North Rim Campground currently closed (2026 season). Nearest town: Fredonia, Arizona (~45 minutes north of North Rim).

FAQs

Can I do this as a day hike?

Yes. Most day hikers target Redwall Bridge (5.2 miles RT, 4–6 hours). Shorter options: Supai Tunnel (4.0 mi RT, 2–4 hours) or Coconino Overlook (1.4 mi RT, 1–2 hours). Do NOT attempt past Redwall and back in one day without ranger approval. Full rim-to-river requires overnight permits and 2–3 days.

What about water?

Is this trail safe alone?

Do I need special gear?

Will I see mules?

Why is this harder than South Kaibab Trail?

When should I absolutely NOT hike this?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Visit Website