Grand Canyon National Park is a hikers paradise, but a very demanding one. This is not an easy park to hike, even for those who are in relatively good shape. The combination of environmental conditions, remoteness and steep climbs make for a very physically and mentally challenging experience. The backcountry of the Grand Canyon offers an unlimited hiking experience. Check with park officials before planning your backcountry trip. You also need to have a backcountry permit.

Backcountry Trip Planner ( you need Abobe PDF viewer)

Grand Canyon National Park
Backcountry Information Center
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon AZ, 86023
928-638-7875

Popular Day Hikes South Rim:

Rim Trail: Random entry. Gentle trail along the South Rim. You can't miss it.
Bright Angel Trail: 12 miles round trip. Steep hiking, lack of water.
South Kaibab Trail: 6 miles round trip. Steep hiking, lack of water.
Hermit Trail: 5to 7 miles round trip. Steep hiking, unmaintained. Water from springs must be filtered.
Grandview Trail: 2.2 to 6.4 miles round trip. Steep hiking, unmaintained. No water. Experienced desert hikers.

Popular Day Hikes North Rim:

Bright Angel Point Trail: 0.5 to 0.8 miles round trip. Paved trail with easy access and a great view.
North Kaibab Trail: 1.5 to 28 miles round trip. One of the only maintained trails on the North Rim. Spectacular views and experience, but do not push it. The Park Service strongly advises against hiking to the river and back to the rim in one day.
Ken Patrick Trail: 10 miles round trip. Very pretty forest hike along the rim.
Widforss Trail: 10 miles round trip. Another scenic trail weaving between forest and rim.
Cliff Springs Trail: 1 mile round trip. A lovely hike to a spring. Please do not drink the water as it could be contaminated.
Roosevelt Point Trail: 0.2 miles round trip. A nice relaxing hike with resting benches and great views.