Hike Rim to Rim

Most Epic - Rim to Rim

** Warning, this route should only be taken by parties very well prepared and accustomed to the hardships that this rugged terrain can bring**

When the Park Service completed the North Kaibab trail in 1928, it opened up the possibility to cross from one side of the canyon to the other on fully maintained trails. Since then, hardy individuals have been testing themselves on this path anywhere from 5 day scenic trips to the current record of 2 hours and 51 minutes (I know!). Whichever timeframe you decide on, one thing is for sure, you will now have a very intimate relationship with one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The first decision to make is where your hike will begin and end. There are different opinions as to the best route but it mostly depends on your timeline and shuttle. I will begin with my personal favorite. I like to start from the south rim and hike to the north. One reason is that the South Kaibab is the shorter mileage of the 2 options for the south rim and I like to get that part done quickly. It doesn’t have any water sources but you can easily carry enough to get you to Phantom Ranch across the river. Then, I love the gradual uphill along the creek up the north side of the canyon. Finally, when you get to the top of the north rim, there is one of the most beautiful dinner reservations you have ever had awaiting you at The North Rim Lodge!

Either way that you travel, you will need to make your way back to the other side by either doing it all over again (yuk!) or taking a shuttle service. The shuttle ride has always been a fun experience as the drivers are usually very knowledgeable and free to share stories and history with you.


  • Getting there: Begin on the South Rim at either the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trailhead. For Norht Rim starts, begin at the North Kaibab trailhead. There are a few free shuttles from The Lodge to the trailhead each day. *Be sure to make shuttle, lodging and dinner reservations well in advance of your trip.
  • The Hike: 24 miles one-way for the Bright Angel, 21 miles one-way for South Kaibab
  • Elevation loss/gain: A mile down, A mile up!
  • Camping: Indian Garden campground, Bright Angel campground, Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood campground, North Rim cabins
  • Water: Bright Angel trail has water available every 1.5 miles. Water can be obtained at Phantom Ranch just north of the river and after frost danger the North Kaibab has water at Cottonwood campground, Roaring Springs and Supai Tunnel. *Always check with the Park Service for possible pipe breaks!

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Wildland Trekking

Join The Wildland Trekking Co. on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.

Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will
Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will discuss with you your experience and skill level in order to decide which hiking trails would be the best fit for you. Is there a specific trail you have been dying to hike? Great! Our professional guides are here to make sure you have the best experience possible. Because our hiking tours are completely private, your hiking experience is personalized and can be as long or as short as you want. On our Grand Canyon hiking tours, you can opt for a full day of hiking, or we can split the day between hiking and sightseeing. You’ll experience the canyon like never before. When you walk down the canyon, you are walking through geologic time. See the rock layers, and learn about the canyon’s millions of years of geologic history. Enjoy picture-perfect viewpoints along the trail and capture every breathtaking moment.

Roam America Horseshoe Bend

Roam America Horseshoe Bend is the newest modern campground in Page, Arizona. Stay in modern cabins or deluxe RV sites. Amenities include a swimming pool, paw park, fire pits, on-site dining at Sun Café, a Lodge with a coffee bar and store, new bathhouses, and adjacent hiking, biking, and
Roam America Horseshoe Bend is the newest modern campground in Page, Arizona. Stay in modern cabins or deluxe RV sites. Amenities include a swimming pool, paw park, fire pits, on-site dining at Sun Café, a Lodge with a coffee bar and store, new bathhouses, and adjacent hiking, biking, and UTV trails. Located minutes from Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell. Visit Roam America Horseshoe Bend to book your adventure.

Munds Park RV Resort

Stay for a day or stay for the season. Take day trips to explore the iconic Grand Canyon or see Sedona’s stunning sunsets! Enjoy over 30 local ATV & Hiking trails, two dog parks, onsite pool, heated spa, live events, fully stocked general store and MORE! Embark on a journey of relaxation a
Stay for a day or stay for the season. Take day trips to explore the iconic Grand Canyon or see Sedona’s stunning sunsets! Enjoy over 30 local ATV & Hiking trails, two dog parks, onsite pool, heated spa, live events, fully stocked general store and MORE! Embark on a journey of relaxation and adventure, where the charm of the outdoors meets the comfort of modern amenities. Authentic discoveries & unforgettable experiences only at Munds Park RV Resort.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experi
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experienced guides, serving great food, and supplying our customers with the most modern equipment and gear. In addition we are a member of various environmental groups and do our best to take care of the Grand Canyon and our Earth.

Backland Luxury Camping

Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fir

Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fire in our glass-walled restaurant, relax with a massage in our tented spa, marvel at the grandeur of the universe through our complimentary telescopes, and take advantage of miles of nearby hiking trails.

    Features:
  • Complimentary Breakfast
  • Onsite Glass Walled Restaurant
  • Onsite and nearby hiking trails
  • Close to the Grand Canyon and dozens of local attractions
  • Pond with sand beach, fishing, and kayaking
  • Snowshoes and sledding onsite when it snows
    Tents feature:
  • Panoramic windows
  • Huge stargazing skylights over the beds (Skyview tents only)
  • Automatic climate control, fully insulated, and energy-efficient
  • King-sized beds
  • Full en-suite bathroom with showers
  • Luxury linens
  • Electricity in tents
  • Tentside parking + electric vehicle charging at reception
  • Private Outdoor patios
  • Coffee makers + mini-fridges
  • Ecological toiletries + water conservation fixtures

Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground

RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!

We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.

There is free WiF

RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!

We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.

There is free WiFi Available in Lounge & Laundry Room. We have a Grocery Store on Site, Campfire Rings, Firewood Available at the Camp Store, Giftshop, Showers, Snacks, Coffee, and an Overflow Parking.

Check-In: 1:00 pm, Check-Out: 12:00 pm


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