Hike Overview
The South Kaibab Trail Day Hike is a must-do for visitors seeking a rewarding and scenic Grand Canyon experience. This hike offers stunning, unobstructed views of the canyon’s vastness, as the trail follows a ridge line with 360-degree panoramas. The South Kaibab Trail is steeper and shorter than the Bright Angel Trail, making it a challenging yet exhilarating option for those looking to experience the canyon’s inner depths in a single day. This is by far the most popular day hike at Grand Canyon, and for good reason.
Itinerary
- Start: Begin your hike at the South Kaibab Trailhead, located near Yaki Point. The trailhead is only accessible by shuttle bus, ensuring a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
- Ooh Aah Point: After just under a mile of hiking, reach Ooh Aah Point, the first major viewpoint. This spot offers jaw-dropping views of the canyon and is a great place for a quick photo stop.
- Cedar Ridge: Continue your descent to Cedar Ridge, 1.5 miles from the trailhead. This expansive plateau offers more incredible views and a great place to take a break. Here, you’ll find restrooms and a large, flat area perfect for soaking in the canyon’s beauty.
- Skeleton Point (Optional): For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, continue to Skeleton Point, 3 miles from the trailhead. This point offers the first views of the Colorado River and provides a sense of the canyon’s depth.
- Return: After enjoying your time at either Cedar Ridge or Skeleton Point, begin the ascent back to the South Rim. The return hike is steep and challenging, but the breathtaking scenery makes it worth every step.
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- 2-3 liters of water
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Guide Gratuity (10-20%)
- Camera
- Extra Layers
- Park Entrance Fee $30/vehicle
