Grand Canyon South Kaibab Trail Expedition

Experience the raw beauty of the Grand Canyon via the South Kaibab Trail, where each step down its steep path offers unparalleled vistas and rigorous adventure.

Last updated: May 2024

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Entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park required.
More than 500 Miles from you
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Description

The South Kaibab Trail provides a unique and exhilarating hiking experience as it winds down the ridges of the Grand Canyon, offering unmatched panoramic views. This challenging trail descends from the rim to the canyon floor, passing iconic points such as Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, and Skeleton Point. The trail is known for its lack of water sources and minimal shade, making it essential to carry plenty of water and sun protection. The journey encompasses significant elevation changes, which can be strenuous but rewarding, with the Colorado River as the ultimate destination for those venturing to the bottom.

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Itinerary

Begin at the South Kaibab Trailhead, accessed via a park shuttle bus.
Hike down to Ooh Aah Point (0.9 miles) for your first major vista.
Continue to Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles from the trailhead) and consider a rest here.
For a longer hike, proceed to Skeleton Point (3 miles from the trailhead) and enjoy views of the Colorado River from above.
Return by the same route, keeping in mind the ascent is notably more challenging than the descent.

Location

Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

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Packing List

Water (minimum 4 liters recommended)
High-calorie snacks
Sturdy hiking boots
Sunscreen and hat
Layered clothing suitable for changing weather conditions
Emergency kit including first aid supplies and a headlamp or flashlight

4.9 ● Google reviews

Less traffic, easy and convenient entrance into the decent of the canyon, switchbacks are well designed, breathtaking views on a clouded day. Feel free to make your way to ooh ahh point. The mornings have this trail mostly in the shade. If you're afraid of heights, this trail can be somewhat daunting, although at the same time, it's rather safe and can help you fight your fear.

One of the many trails in the park you can trek down into the canyon. This trial is one of the better trails to get an early start in the morning as it hugs the east side of the canyon. This will give you a lot of shade until mid day. The trail is maintained and has steps here and there. This is not a steep trail, so those who are mobile can easily take the trail down to any stop.

Started this trail around 7:30am to hike just past Cedar Ridge and thank goodness we did. Though it was chilly to start, the canyon warms up quickly and by 9am you'll be sweating. The entire trip out is an easy descent into the canyon with gorgeous views...but this also means the entire return trip is an ascent back up to the top rim of the canyon, so you'll be doing nothing but gaining altitude and wishing for a new set of lungs the whole way back. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, take a break at Cedar Ridge to use the restrooms (no water refills there) and if you're feeling adventurous, maybe continue a little further for a clear view of O'Neill Butte. I wouldn't recommend going further than this for a summer day hike, though we did see some people going all the way to the river (a 12-mile roundtrip adventure). Other than that, the trail is well-maintained and gives some gorgeous views of the canyon! If you start early you'll also have the bonus of a very quiet trail before a lot of tourists start packing in for the day. Definitely stop at Ooh Aah Point to "ooh" and "aah" over the views!

We hiked to Cedar Ridge point and we loved it! It was pretty easy to get to the check points since you're going downhill into the canyon but a little tougher to come back up. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunblock!

What a trail! I stopped at Cedar ridge as I didn't have time to go further but it was already incredible. I wish I had more time to continnue. The Ooh Aah point is probably my favourite viewpoint in the Grand Canyon area. I started the trail at sunrise and it was incredible! I would recommend it 100%, even if it means waking up "a bit" early ;)

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