North Kaibab Trail

Composting toilet by a trail in forested area with sign warning hikers of potential hazards.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 5.2
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 2200

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 5.2
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 2200
Estimated Time: 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.
Trail 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.
Trail Features: Switchbacks through fir and aspen forest
Supai Tunnel with potable water (mid-May to mid-October)
Redwall Limestone cliffs with blasted trail sections
Redwall Bridge with dramatic exposure
Bright Angel Canyon vistas
Roaring Springs cascading from cliffs
Bright Angel Creek crossings (6 total)
Desert landscape viewed from rim
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 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.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle system available. Trail is foot traffic only. Private vehicle required to reach North Rim Trailhead via AZ 67.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: 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.
Trail Status: Open from Phantom Ranch to North Rim Trailhead (foot traffic only). Trail maintenance and rehabilitation ongoing throughout 2026 season; expect temporary closures or delays due to weather or crew activity.
Seasonal Closures: North Rim and trailhead closed November through mid-May due to snow and winter hazards. Upper sections ice-covered and snowbound in winter.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: 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.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Extreme vertical exposure—dramatic cliffs, blasted sections with drop-offs
Heat stroke—summer temps exceed 100°F
Altitude acclimatization stress—high start elevation
Ice and snow (Nov–April)—dangerous slippery conditions
Lightning—monsoon storms July–September
Mules and packing stock encounters
Hyponatremia—from over-hydration without electrolytes
Post-fire hazards and weather-induced trail closures
Hazard Details: 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.
Crowd Level: Ghost town relative to South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. Least visited major canyon corridor.
Peak Crowd 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.
Best Season: May 15 to October 15
Best Time To Visit: Mid-May to mid-June or September to October 15. Start by 5:30 AM to avoid peak heat (10 AM–4 PM). Summer (July–September): temperatures exceed 100°F in shade; monsoon storms build violent lightning. Winter (Nov–April): upper trail becomes ice-covered and dangerously slippery. North Rim closes mid-October to mid-May.
Tips Advice: 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).

More details

Park Area: North Rim
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.
Biking Allowed: No. Trail is foot traffic only. Mule stock use for trail maintenance only (2026).
Shade Level: 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.
Emergency Contacts: 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.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Upper sections snow-covered and icy November through April. Peak ice hazard December–February. April and May may still have snow melt and ice patches. Over-the-shoe traction devices highly recommended if hiking November–May.
Mud Season: May–June post-snowmelt. Expect wet conditions on upper sections and stream crossings. Water stations may be over-capacity due to runoff.
Wildflower Peak: May–July. Upper trail displays ferns and wildflowers visible through fir and aspen. Peak mid-to-late spring.
Fall Colors Peak: September–October. Aspen foliage on upper sections peaks late September to early October before North Rim closure.
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.
Recent Updates: Trail maintenance and rehabilitation ongoing throughout 2026 season. North Kaibab reopened for foot traffic only; mule stock use is for trail maintenance purposes only. Hikers should anticipate temporary closures or delays due to weather events or crew activity. Post-fire hazards and weather events may result in additional closures. Check North Rim status page: nps.gov/grca/northrimstatus.htm.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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).
Review Summary: Hikers consistently report that the grit required—altitude, exposure, and heat—far outweighs the scenic payoff for day hikers. However, those who reach Redwall Bridge describe the experience as humbling and revelatory. Experienced canyon hikers praise the trail's engineering and relative solitude. Full rim-to-river attempts are legendary among ultralight backpackers.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

Will I see mules?

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.

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.

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.