Trail

South Kaibab Trail

Trail
Several trail switchbacks are cut into a cliff of tan rock.

This steep, exposed ridgeline is the only trail at Grand Canyon that truly follows a spine for wide views. The cost: zero water, intense sun, and relentless elevation loss. Day hike to Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles in); beyond Skeleton Point is overnight-only.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
3
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
1120

Trail profile

Distance Miles
3
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
1120
Estimated Time
2-4 hours to Cedar Ridge; experienced hikers can extend to Skeleton Point (6 miles, 4-6 hours)
Trail Surface
Well-maintained dirt trail, packed earth. Loose rock in sections. Icy in winter.
Trail Features
  • 360-degree canyon panoramas from exposed ridgeline
  • Extreme elevation exposure with 5,000+ foot drops visible
  • Multiple day-hike destinations (Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point)
  • Clear, well-maintained trail with minimal shade
Trail Highlights
The only trail at Grand Canyon that clings to a ridgeline spine, offering unobstructed panoramic views on both sides. You're exposed to the vastness—nothing between you and the void. Cedar Ridge provides the best turnaround views.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
South Kaibab Trailhead (accessed via Kaibab Orange Route shuttle from Grand Canyon Visitor Center)
Parking Lot Size
No parking at trailhead—park at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Parking Fill Time
Visitor Center parking lot capacity unknown; plan for shuttle logistics
Shuttle Required
1
Shuttle Details
No public parking at South Kaibab Trailhead. Board the Kaibab (Orange) Route shuttle at Grand Canyon Visitor Center—9-minute ride to trailhead. Check schedule at nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm. Outside shuttle hours, call Xanterra Taxi Service at 928.638.2631.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
Day hiking is unrestricted. Backcountry camping (overnight) requires a permit; apply at nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm or consult Backcountry Information Center.
Fees
$20 per person (7-day pass) for hikers/pedestrians
Trail Status
Open (South Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch as of March 6, 2026)
Seasonal Closures
No seasonal closures for main trail. Water at trailhead currently offline (pipeline break).

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
NO water on the trail. Trailhead water currently offline (pipeline break). Carry all water. Potable water available year-round at Bright Angel Campground (Colorado River north side).
Accessibility
Not accessible. Steep, exposed trail with no guardrails or accessibility features. Requires high fitness, balance, and mental fortitude for exposure.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Extreme heat exposure (summer 100°F+)
  • Dehydration (zero water sources)
  • Steep, unforgiving terrain
  • Exposed cliff edges on ridgeline
  • Winter ice (hidden under sun patches)
  • Monsoon thunderstorms (July–Sept)
  • Exposure-induced vertigo
  • Mule traffic
Hazard Details
Extreme heat in summer—temperatures routinely exceed 100°F. Zero water along the trail; trailhead water currently offline. Steep descent with exposed cliff edges; a fall is fatal. Winter brings hidden ice under sunny patches. July–September: violent monsoon thunderstorms appear suddenly. Ridgeline exposure triggers vertigo in unprepared hikers. Mule traffic is regular. This trail does not forgive mistakes.
Cell Service
Unreliable in canyon. Bring a satellite communicator (InReach/Spot) for reliable emergency contact.
Best Season
October through April (avoid summer heat; winter requires traction devices)
Best Time To Visit
October through April. Start by 6 AM to beat midday heat. Winter: wear traction devices—ice hides under sun-exposed sections.
Tips Advice
  • Carry minimum 4 liters water (6+ in summer); trailhead water currently offline
  • Start by 6 AM; avoid hiking 10 AM–4 PM when heat peaks
  • Wear sun hat, light-colored clothing, and sunscreen—no shade
  • Trekking poles essential for descent stability
  • Winter: over-the-shoe traction devices mandatory—ice is hidden
  • Eat high-calorie snacks; ascending takes twice as long as descending
  • Tell someone your plan; don't attempt solo
  • Expect mules—step uphill, stay silent, wait 50+ feet past
  • Do not hike below Skeleton Point as a day hike
  • Bring electrolyte tablets to prevent hyponatremia

More details

Park Area
South Rim
Trail Markers
Well-marked trail, well-defined and easy to follow. Map recommended for route confidence and context.
Biking Allowed
Yes, bicycles allowed. Must use shuttle bus to reach trailhead with bike.
Shade Level
Full sun for entire descent. Minimal shade only in early morning from canyon walls at trailhead. Wear sun hat and light layers.
Emergency Contacts
Dial 911 for emergencies. Contact Backcountry Information Center at Visitor Center or park rangers for pre-hike consultation and safety guidance.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
November–March; winter sections above Skeleton Point typically remain snow-free due to sun exposure, but lower sections can ice over.
Insider Tips
  • Start by 6 AM; by 10 AM, heat becomes dangerous
  • Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles in) offers the best rest stop with widest views—good turnaround for most hikers
  • Winter: sun exposure keeps upper sections clear, but lower trail sections can ice over without warning
  • The descent feels deceptive—climbing out takes twice as long
  • Mule trains pass regularly; step uphill, stay silent, wait 50+ feet past
  • Electrolyte tablets + water prevent hyponatremia (a seizure-producing electrolyte disorder)
  • Scan the QR code at trailhead for current weather, water status, and closure updates
Recent Updates
As of March 6, 2026: South Kaibab Trail open to Phantom Ranch. Trailhead water offline (localized pipeline break). River Trail (Pipe Creek to South Kaibab junction) remains closed through June 30, 2026 due to Transcanyon Waterline Project construction.
Family Friendly Notes
Not family-friendly. Steep drops, unrelenting sun, and zero water are dangerous for children. Older teens (16+) with solid fitness and hiking experience may handle short sections (Ooh Aah Point, 1.8 miles roundtrip) with close supervision.
Nearby Facilities
Grand Canyon Visitor Center (9-min shuttle ride): restrooms, water, visitor services. Bright Angel Campground (north side of Colorado River): potable water, camping.
Review Summary
Hikers consistently report unmatched panoramic views but emphasize the brutal sun exposure and dehydration risk. Those who succeed credit early starts, carrying ample water, and honest fitness self-assessment. Regrets usually stem from ignoring water and heat warnings or underestimating climb-out difficulty.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can beginners hike this trail?

Not recommended. Zero water, extreme exposure, and relentless elevation loss. Start with Bright Angel Trail instead.

Is the heat really that dangerous?

Yes. Summer temps exceed 100°F. Dehydration on a steep ascent is life-threatening. Hike October–April only.

Do I need trekking poles?

Highly recommended for descent stability. Winter: over-the-shoe traction devices are mandatory—ice hides under sunny patches.

How much water should I carry?

Minimum 4 liters; 6+ liters in summer. Trailhead water is currently offline. Bring electrolyte tablets too.

What if I encounter mules on the trail?

Step uphill, stay silent, stand still. Only resume hiking when the last mule is 50+ feet past you.

Is a map necessary?

The trail is well-marked, but carrying a map is smart for confidence and route-finding at junctions.

Can I hike this in winter?

Yes, but ice is hidden under sun-exposed patches. Traction devices required. Check weather before departing.

Bridle Path (North End)

Easy 1.6mi walk, brutal hydration reality: zero water on North Rim in 2026. Bring your own supply.

Bridle Path (South End)

Easy 1.6mi connector to North Kaibab Trailhead. Hard-packed, minimal gain. But the North Rim has NO water—bring 3L or turn back.

Bright Angel Trail

Iconic canyon descent, steep switchbacks, relentless ascent. Start at dawn, bring double water, respect the return climb.

Cape Final Trail

Flat forest stroll to North Rim's killer viewpoint. No water, no shade—bring everything.

Grandview Trail

Rocky, exposed 6-mile route demands experience. No water. Extreme pitches—only for desert-hardened hikers.

Sources

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

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.