South Kaibab Trail

Managing agency

National Park Service

Know Before You Go Before heading down into the canyon, consult the signs at the trailhead, and scan the QR code for trip planning, current weather, water availability, and trail information/closures. (or visit our Key Hiking Messages webpage). Trail Reopenings and Current Closures (Updated March 6, 2026) South Kaibab Trail is open from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch (the Black Bridge crossing the Colorado River is open). Bright Angel Trail is open from the Bright Angel Trailhead to Pipe Creek Resthouse. The River Trail from Pipe Creek to the South Kaibab Trail junction remains closed through June 30, 2026, due to ongoing construction on the Transcanyon Waterline Project. The Silver Bridge will remain closed through June 30, 2026. The North Kaibab Trail is open from Phantom Ranch to the Ribbon Falls trail junction. The North Kaibab Trail north of this junction to the North Kaibab Trailhead is closed until further notice. Accessing South Kaibab Trailhead Since there is no public parking at the South Kaibab Trailhead, please park at the Visitor Center, then take the Kaibab (Orange) Route shuttle bus to the trailhead. It is a 9-minute ride from the Visitor Center to the Trailhead. Current shuttle schedule. If trail users need access to or from the South Kaibab Trailhead when the shuttle buses are not running, please contact Xanterra Taxi Service at 928.638.2631. About South Kaibab Trail The South Kaibab Trail is a well-defined, well-maintained dirt trail offering wonderful expansive views. This can be a great trail for short trips into the canyon of half a day or less, but the openness of this trail lends itself to extreme heat during the summer months and little to no protection from passing storms. There is little shade, and what is there comes mostly from the canyon walls at the very beginning of the trail in the early part of day. There is no water along the trail, though there is a spring-fed water filling station at the trailhead during the summer. No private vehicles allowed at the trailhead. Access is by foot, bicycle, or shuttle bus only. *Note: all trails into the canyon are steep and difficult; consider contacting a park ranger before starting your hike. Destinations Ooh Aah Point 1.8 miles (2.9 km) roundtrip / 1-2 hours / 790 feet (230 m) elevation change Cedar Ridge 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip / 2-4 hours / 1,120 feet (340 m) elevation change Skeleton Point - Check with a park ranger before attempting as a day hike. 6 miles (9.6 km) roundtrip / 4-6 hours / 2,040 feet (620 m) elevation change Hiking below Skeleton Point is not recommended as a day hike due to the long distance, extreme temperature changes, and an approximately 5,000-foot (1,500 m) elevation change each way. Consult a park ranger before heading further down for safety tips and overnight permits. The Tipoff 9 miles (14.5 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 3,280 feet (1,100 m) elevation change Phantom Ranch 15 miles (24 km) roundtrip / 2 days / 4,700 ft (1,430 m) elevation change Water There is no water on the South Kaibab Trail. Water at the South Kaibab Trailhead is currently OFF due to a localized pipeline break. Potable water is available year round at Bright Angel Campground, however, please note that due to occasional pipeline breaks water at Bright Angel Campground is not guaranteed: bringing an alternative form of water treatment, such as iodine tablets or a water filter, is essential. During hot weather, take at least 4 liters of water. Trail Description Hikers seeking panoramic views unparalleled on any other trail at Grand Canyon will want to consider a hike down the South Kaibab Trail. It is the only trail at Grand Canyon National Park that so dramatically holds true to a ridgeline descent. But this exhilarating sense of exposure to the vastness of the canyon comes at a cost: there is little shade and no water for the length of this trail. During winter months, the constant sun exposure is likely to keep most of the trail relatively free of ice and snow. For those who insist on hiking during summer months, which is not recommended in general, this trail is the quickest way to the bottom (it has been described as "a trail in a hurry to get to the river"), but due to lack of any water sources, ascending the trail can be a dangerous proposition. Access Hikers must use the park's free shuttle bus system to reach the trailhead. Every morning, three hiker express buses leave from the Bright Angel Lodge and then from the Backcountry Information Center (times vary depending on the month). Otherwise, hikers will need to park at Grand Canyon Visitor Center and take the South Kaibab (Orange) shuttle bus. Hike Smart Make a Plan Once you have researched your trip and are confident in what to expect on the trail, communicate your plan to someone who will notice if you are overdue and report it to 911. Check the Weather Summer temperatures in the shade routinely pass 100°F (38°C). Avoid hiking between 10 am and 4 pm, the hottest times of day. From July to September, monsoons can build large, violent lightning storms. Seek shelter immediately. In winter and early spring, temperatures can drop below 32°F (0°C) and upper portions of this steep trail become dangerously icy. Hard ice often conceals potentially hazardous passages. Over-the-shoe traction devices are highly recommended. Pack Properly It is critical to determine before your hike your needs for fluids and for snacks high in calories and salts. Consuming twice as many calories as during normal exercise is realistic for summer canyon hikes. The hike out of the canyon will likely take twice as long as the hike down. Wearing sun hats and cool, wet clothing will help regulate your core body temperature during warmer hikes. Energy Balance Your body needs energy-balancing proper nutrition and hydration are critical to your hiking success! Eat and drink while resting-sip fluids only when thirsty. Too little water leads to dehydration and heat stroke. Excessive hydration and insufficient salt intake causes hyponatremia a seizure-producing electrolyte disorder. If you do not feel well: seek shade, get wet, cool off, eat, and rest. Turning around may be your best option. Mules and Hikers Mules use this trail regularly. Expect to encounter aromatic evidence of them on your hike! Always give mules the right of way. Encounters between hikers and mules have resulted in injuries to packers and the death to mules. To ensure safety for yourself, other trail users, mules, and mule riders, follow these steps when encountering mules on the trails: Step off the trail on the uphill side-away from the edge. Listen for and follow the direction of the wrangler. Remain completely quiet and stand perfectly still. Only return to the trail when the last mule is 50 feet (15 m) beyond your position. Camping A permit is required for backcountry camping in this area. Learn more and how to apply online —or if you are visiting the South Rim, check with a ranger at the Backcountry Information Center, Bright Angel Campground. Located on the north side of the Colorado River Bright Angel Campground offers 30 small group sites and 2 large group sites.