National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon, Arizona

Hiking Into Grand Canyon

Plan Ahead limits, and avoid spontaneity—Grand Canyon is an extreme Whether a day or overnight trip, hiking into Grand Canyon on environment and overexertion affects everybody at some point. the Bright Angel, North Kaibab, or South Kaibab trails gives an unparalleled experience that changes your perspective. Stay together, follow your plan, and know where you can call 911 with emergencies. Turning around may be your best decision. Knowledge, preparation, and a good plan are your keys to For information about Leave No Trace strategies, hiking tips, success. Be honest about your health and fitness, know your closures, roads, trails, and permits, visit go.nps.gov/grca- backcountry. Warning While Hiking BALANCE FOOD AND WATER Hiking to the river and back in one • Do not force fluids. Drink water when day is not recommended due to you are thirsty, and stop when you are long distance, extreme temperature quenched. Over-hydration may lead to a changes, and an approximately 5,000- life-threatening electrolyte disorder called foot (1,500 m) elevation change each hyponatremia. way. RESTORE YOUR ENERGY If you think you have the fitness and • Eat double your normal intake of expertise to attempt this extremely carbohydrates and salty foods. Calories strenuous hike, please seek the advice play an important role in regulating body of a park ranger at the Backcountry temperature, and hiking suppresses your Information Center. appetite.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY Know how to rescue yourself. YOU • If you start to feel nauseated, dizzy, or are responsible for your safety and disoriented, rest, eat, and drink until the safety of your family and friends. you feel better. This can take an hour or Rescue is not guaranteed, and longer. assistance may take hours or days due to weather or other emergencies. • If you are hot, cool off by getting wet in creeks and water stations. If you are cold, put on layers and eat food. Before You Go • Take plenty of breaks and enjoy the view • Choose the appropriate trail for your while resting. abilities or consider walking the Rim Trail for an easier hike.

• Check the weather and adjust plans; avoid summer heat. Remember the weather can 10 Essentials change suddenly. for Your Day Pack 1. Water: bring a sufficient amount and • Leave your itinerary with someone who extra in case of emergency; always will notice if you are overdue and report bring a water treatment method it to 911. 2. Salty snacks and high-calorie meal(s) • Hydrate, but don’t force fluids. Eat a good meal, and get a good night’s sleep. If you 3. First aid kit, prescriptions, blister care, do not feel well, do not hike. duct tape, and pocket knife

• Prepare yourself for a faster hike down 4. Map or trail guide with high impact on your joints and a slow, strenuous hike out that may take 5. Flashlight or headlamp with spare twice as long or longer. that may take batteries twice as long or longer. 6. Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses

7. Whistle, signal mirror, and cell phone

8. Lightweight tarp or emergency shelter

9. Broken-in hiking shoes with good soles and hiking poles

10. Layers of clothing What to Expect Each Season

SUMMER WINTER SPRING AND AUTUMN Plan for hot, mostly dry weather in May and Plan for short days and long, cold nights with Plan for short days with highly variable September; extremely hot, dry weather in potential snow and ice at the top and rain in weather. While the climate is typically cool, it June; and hot with monsoon thunderstorms in the canyon. The upper portion of all trails can can snow or be intensely hot. High winds are July and August. be icy and dangerous. The South Kaibab Trail common. receives more sun than the Bright Angel Trail. Average temperatures at the top: 48°F to Average temperatures at the top: 32°F to 83°F (9°C to 28°C) Average temperatures at the top: 19°F to 63°F (0°C to 17°C) Average temperatures at the river: 74°F to 45°F (-7°C to 7°C) Average temperatures at the river: 56°F to 104°F (23°C to 40°C); temperatures can feel Average temperatures at the river: 38°F to 82°F (13°C to 28°C) like 140°F (60°C) in the sun and reach 115°F 59°F (3°C to 15°C) (46°C) in the shade. Hiking Tips Hiking Tips • If the weather is hot, follow summer Hiking Tips • Carry over-the-shoe traction devices and hiking tips at left. • Start hiking before dawn, in the evening, use them on icy trails. or at night to avoid dangerous heat. Do • Prepare for lingering ice in spring and not hike between 10 am and 4 pm. • Wear a warm hat, gloves, wool socks, and early snow in autumn. Bring over-the- synthetic or wool-blend layers. shoe traction devices. • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting cotton Pack waterproof layers, dry clothes, clothing. Soak your shirt, bandana, and and socks. • Check water availability along the Bright hat to stay cool. Angel and North Kaibab trails. Seasonal • Eat warm foods often, such as soup, tea, water is usually available May through • Beware of lightning, falling rocks, and cocoa, and oatmeal. September. flash floods during storms. Stay away from edges, promontories, and individual • Know the signs of hypothermia: • Wear windproof layers on windy days. trees. uncontrolled shivering, confusion, and exhaustion. Put on dry clothing, drink • Stay aware—hypothermia can occur in • Know the signs of heat illness: headaches, warm liquids, and protect yourself from 50°F (10°C) weather and heat illness in dizziness, nausea and vomiting, cramping, wind, rain, snow, and cold. 80°F (27°C) weather. and decreased urine output. Rest in the shade, get wet, hydrate, and eat high- energy foods.

• Know the signs of hyponatremia, caused by over-hydration: nausea and vomiting, headache, difficulty walking, confusion, and seizures. Balance hydration with salty snacks, eat well-rounded meals, and rest frequently. Hiking and Camping North Kaibab Trailhead: elevation 8240ft (2511m) Information Destination Elevation Change from Top Distance one-way Time Roundtrip

Coconino 790ft (240m) 0.7mi (1.1km) 1–2 hours Overlook

Supai Tunnel 1400ft (425m) 2.0mi (3.2km) 2–4 hours

Redwall Bridge 2200ft (670m) 2.6mi (4.2km) 4–6 hours

Roaring Springs 3280ft (1000m) 4.7mi (7.6km) 6–9 hours Day Use Area

Manzanita 3840ft (1170m) 5.1mi (8.2km) 7–10 hours Rest Area

Cottonwood 4200ft (1280m) 6.5mi (10.5km) 2 days Campground

Ribbon Falls 4480ft (1365m) 7.9mi (12.7km) 2 days

Phantom Ranch 5740ft (1750m) 13.6mi (21.9km) 3–4 days Ranger Station

Bright Angel 5740ft (1750m) 13.7mi (22.0km) 3–4 days Campground

South Kaibab Trailhead: elevation 7200ft (2195m) Destination Elevation Changefrom Top Distance one-way Time Roundtrip

Ooh Aah Point 790ft (230m) 0.9mi (1.4km) 1–2 hours

Cedar Ridge 1120ft (340m) 1.5mi (2.4km) 2–4 hours

Skeleton Point 2040ft (620m) 3.0mi (4.8km) 4–6 hours

The Tip Off 3280ft (1100m) 4.4mi (7.1km) 6–9 hours

North Kaibab Trail 4700ft (1430m) 6.8mi (10.9km) 2 Days junction

Bright Angel 4700ft (1430m) 7.0mi (11.3km) 2 Days Campground

Bright Angel Trailhead: elevation 6840ft (2085m) Destination Elevation Change from Top Distance one-way Time Roundtrip

Lower Tunnel 590ft (180m) 0.9mi (1.4km) 1–2 hours

1½-Mile Resthouse 1120ft (340m) 1.5mi (2.4km) 2–4 hours

3-Mile Resthouse 2120ft (645m) 3.0mi (4.8km) 4–6 hours

Indian Garden 3040ft (925m) 4.5mi (7.2km) 6–9 hours Campground

Plateau Point 3080ft (940m) 6.1mi (9.8km) 9–12 hours

River Resthouse 4340ft (1320m) 7.7mi (12.4km) 12+ hours

North Kaibab Trail 4340ft (1320m) 9.3mi (15.0km) 2 days junction The Bright Angel Trail follows Bright Angel Fault down Garden Creek Canyon on a well- Bright Angel 4340ft (1320m) 9.5mi (15.3km) 2 Days maintained trail; ”easiest” trail, but still Campground incredibly steep. Hiking and Camping Information Cont.

North Kaibab Trailhead

Coconino South Kaibab Trailhead Overlook Have Fun Bright Angel Trailhead Supai Tunnel Ooh Aah Point Upper Tunnel Lower Tunnel Redwall Be Careful Cedar Bridge Ridge 1½-Mile Resthouse Skeleton Point Roaring Springs Seek Advice Day Use Area 3-Mile Resthouse Manzanita Rest Area Tip Off Cottonwood Campground Indian Garden Campground Ribbon Falls Bright Angel Campground River Resthouse

Trail Courtesy 1. Travel with a friend and stick together.

2. Use toilets along the trails.

3. Mules have the right of way.

4. Uphill hikers have the right of way.

5. To pass someone in front of you: The South Kaibab Trail follows an exposed ridge slow down and let them know you line with no shade on a well-maintained trail; best views during a short hike. want to pass.

6. Do not store or abandon gear along the trail; it attracts wildlife. The North Kaibab Trail travels through pine 7. Pack out your trash. forests and rock outcroppings down Roaring Springs Canyon on a well-maintained trail. 8. Be quiet and respect those who seek serenity. Trail Map Plan your Hike

To North Entrance To Point Imperial Station and Jacob Lake NORTH RIM 67 Full services May 15 to October 15; located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from trailhead. 8241ft 2510m Hiking into Grand Canyon—how far should you go? Station 3 Bldg North Kaibab N k

e Trailhead O e KAIBAB r Use the charts below to plan a not recommended due to long C Y Have fun 0.7mi 1.1km Coconino Overlook N safe hike below the canyon rims. distance, extreme temperature Administration 7450ft Uncle Jim Point A 2270m 8336ft Remember that every exhilarating changes, and an approximately PLATEAU and Backcountry C Office 1.3mi 2541m step you take downhill means 5,000-foot (1,500-meter) elevation B 2.1km l Be careful r Supai Tunnel e i g L twice as much work to hike back change each way. If you think you d 6840ft n E l A e 2085m G up. Day-hiking from the rims to have the fitness and expertise to N k General Store e o 0.6mi N the “rede zone” destinations attempt this extremely strenuous r 1.0km Seek advice r R t A C 1.7mi h shown in the charts below is for hike, please seek advice from a Campground O 2.7km P A T experienced hikers only. Hiking to park ranger at the Backcountry a Redwall Bridge

T K H r t R 6040ft a h the river and back in one day is Information Center. n a 1840m t G I I s h e N i n b g p i R o G a r g t B B a b r 1.8mi

North Kaibab Trail:D Trailhead elevation 8240ft (2511m) T S 2.9km r a P T Good shade and cover from wind and lightning; seasonal water. i r l R a i I l N Destination Elevation change Distance one-way Time round-trip G from top North Rim Visitor Center S T Grand Canyon Lodge Coconino Overlook 790ft 240m 0.7mi 1.1km 1–2 hours H C A Supai Tunnel 1400ft 425m 2.0mi 3.2km 2–4 hours E N Y 0.3mi Redwall Bridge 2200ft 670m 2.6mi 4.2km 4–6 hours O 0.5km Bright Angel N Manzanita Rest Area 3840ft 1170m 5.1mi 8.2km 7–10 hours Roaring Spring Junction Point

l i T 8161ft Cottonwood Campground 4200ft 1280m 6.5mi 10.5km 2 days 2487m k a e r R e T r Ribbon Falls 4480ft 1365m 7.9mi 12.7km 2 days A 0.7mi C 1.1km Phantom Ranch Ranger Station 5740ft 1750m 13.6mi 21.9km 3-4 days t N in Bright Angel Campground 5740ft 1750m 13.7mi 22.0km 3-4 days Po S E Manzanita Rest Area ita o P 4400ft zan iy 1341m Bridge Man T T

South Kaibab Trail: Trailhead elevation 7200ft (2195m) Follows an exposed ridgeline with no shade; no water.

Tiyo Point Destination Elevation change Distance one-way7763ft Time round-trip 1.4mi from top 2366m 2.3km

k Manzanita Point e Ooh Aah Point 790ft 230m 0.9mi 1.4km 1–2 hours e r C Cedar Ridge 1120ft 340m 1.5mi 2.4km 2–4 hours

Skeleton Point 2040ft 620m 3.0mi 4.8km 4–6 hours N The Tipoff 3280ft 1100m 4.5mi 7.2km 6–9 hours Komo Point m O o 8050ft t Y 2454 m North Kaibab Trail junction 4700ft 1430m 6.8mi 10.9km 2 days an h N P k Bright Angel Campground 4700ft 1430m 7.0mi 11.3km 2 days A e C re C Cottonwood

M O l S e 4040ft H T g Bright Angel ITrail:V Trailhead elevation 6840ft (2085m) N n 1231m A A A Some shade and cover from wind and lightning; seasonal and year-round water.

H

W T P all k Cree E t Destination Elevation change Distance one-way Time round-trip h M g 1.1mi Claude Birdseye Point from top ri 1.8km 6981ft P 7298ft B 2128m L 2224m Lower Tunnel E 590ft 180m 1.0mi 1.6km 1–2 hours 0.3mi 1½-Mile Resthouse 1120ft 340m 1.5mi 2.4km 2–4 hours 0.5km Ribbon Falls Ribbon Falls junction 3-Mile Resthouse 2120ft 645m 3.0mi 4.8km 4–6 hours 3760ft 1146 m Indian Garden Campground 3040ft 925m 4.5mi 7.2km 6–9 hours

Plateau Point 3080ft 940m 6.1mi 9.8km 9–12 hours N River Resthouse 4340ft 1320m 7.8mi 12.6km 12+ hours O North Kaibab Trail junction 4340ft 1320m 9.3mi 15.0km 2 days Y Bright Angel Campground 4340ft 1320m 9.5mi 15.3km 2 days N A

5.8mi C 9.3km

Osiris Temple L 6637ft E 2023m G N A Upper Bright Angel Trail

To Indian Garden, Plateau Point, and Phantom Ranch T Hattan Butte 5973ft H 1821m il a G 3-Mile Resthouse r Bridge T I 4720ft 1439m Johnson Point R Jones Point 5313ft b a Bridge 5314ft 1619m B 1620m b i k a e e K r

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h t r k e o e r N C

P HA Trailview l l N Phantom Ranch i TO e g a Overlook M r CA n T N A YO 1½-Mile Resthouse N To Cottonwood Campground and North Rim

5720ft Bridge m 1743m i ail X R Tr Hiker Dormitories l O ge B Bridge Summer Butte Br An ight E t 5126ft Canteen (Snack bar open daily; dinner H h 1562m reservations required) T ig r k B e e Afternoon amphitheater r

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Lower Verkamps l Tunnel Upper Tunnel Visitor Center Phantom Ranch Cree e C k il g 6780ft Canteen lear ra 6250ft 1905m Do not swim in the Colorado T n Evening amphitheater 2067m Kolb Studio River! You could drown due to A 0.2mi

dangerous currents and extremely 0.3km Ranger Station t cold water temperatures. h 0.1mi g Ranger Station l 0.2km i R rai Bright Angel Black Bridge r im T El Tovar B 0.2mi C Hotel Pipe Creek 0.3km ol Granite Bright Angel Bright Angel Rapids or Rapids Lodge a Trailhead Silver do River Resthouse Bridge 2.3mi Bridge to Xanterra 6840ft 0 200 Meters 2500ft er Tra 3.7km 2085m iv il campground Corral Do not swim in the Colorado 762m R R River! You could drown due to 0 1000 Feet i dangerous currents and extremely 1.5mi v e cold water temperatures. Plateau Point 2.4km r N 3760ft Angels Gate 1146m Bright Angel o r t h T l Campground i The Tipoff Black O a N r 3920ft T T K Bridge O 0.7mi 1195m a i 1.1km b P L R M ab Boat t A T F O in Tr beach Tunnel o ail P l 2.9mi i 1.5mi k 4.7km a e r 2.4km Bridge e T Cr 0.8mi 2.2mi 1.3km 3.5km

u a P o 5160ft e 2.0mi i p t t e 1573m l 3800ft 3.2km n NPS Corral i a r a 1158m l r o Skeleton Point e T P T v r i ive Indian Garden 0.3mi R R 0.5km Silver do South Kaibab Bridge ra Trail C o Ranger Station 0.1mi ol To South Kaibab Trailhead r C 0.2km e Hopi Point m 7065ft The a n t 2153m Battleship i e o l d n rai r T r North a 1.5mi ve Ri 0 100 Meters Mojave Point G 2.4km Powell Point

6995ft C 2132m l C To Indian Garden and i r 0 500 Feet r e Maricopa Point a e Bright Angel Trailhead l r 1.5mi e O'Neill Butte e i T 2.4km k 6071ft k a r d 1850m T oa l He R e rmit g n Yavapai Point Grandeur 7082ft A S Point 2159m o m i t 7032ft Cedar Ridge 3-Mile Resthouse u R h 2143m 6080ft g t 1853m i h r

B 1.5mi 2.4km 0.6mi THE K 1.0km d 2.6mi a a Drinking Water: Year-Round Ranger Station: Year-round ABYSS o Mather Point 4.2km R i 7120ft b Ooh Aah Point Always carry backup water purification

1½-Mile Resthouse e 2170m a 6440ft Lower Tunnel c Grand Canyon b 1963m Drinking Water: Seasonal; check Ranger Station: Seasonal Grapevine n a 0.5mi 0.8km r Visitor Center R availability Rapids t T n im r Yaki Point E Toilet 1.0mi 1.6km a 7268ft Emergency phone

h i 2215m t l u Verkamps Visitor Center o First aid Campground El Tovar S To Hermits Rest T 0.9mi Camp in designated sites only; r 1.4km 7200ft Bright Angel a permit required i 2195m Food service Trailhead Village Loop Drive l Market South Kaibab 6840ft Ce 2.3mi nte 3.7km Red shuttle route Blue shuttle route 2085m r Trailhead

Backcountry R d oa a South Kaibab Trailhead closed Information d o R Orange shuttle route Purple shuttle route Campground t to private vehicles. Access only Center in Clinic Po via free shuttle bus. i ak d Y Featured trail d Roa a e Gate North

o c an Shoshone Point Lyell Butte R tr n 7300ft SOUTH RIM E D 5365ft a th e 2225m Other trail z u se 1635m Services available year-round. a o r l S t P COCONINO V t i rke ew 0 0.5 1 Kilometer Ma Road D ri v 0 0.5 1 Mile PLATEAU e

To South Entrance Station and Tusayan To Desert View and Cameron

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C re e k Overnight Camping on the Bright Angel, North Kaibab, and South Kaibab Trails

Prepare: Plan Ahead While at Camp When Leaving Camp • Backpackers planning to • Choose your campsite. Sites are first- • If you start early, remember to camp overnight must obtain a come, first-served with the required maintain a quiet camp and let fellow backcountry permit before starting permit. Large group sites are reserved for campers sleep. their hike Attach the permit visibly parties of 7–11 hikers. to your backpack. Camp only in • Do not leave any trash, gear, or extra campgrounds, not along the trail. • Immediately place all food, toiletries, food behind. Check your site for No campfires allowed. and plastic bags in the food storage cans microtrash —look for bandages, twist at each campsite. Keep the lids closed ties, fruit peels, etc. • In addition to the 10 essentials listed and fastened shut at all times. Hang above, bring a stove, fuel, and matches; your backpack with the zippers open to • Remove everything from the food blanket or sleeping bag with ground prevent animals from chewing through storage cans. pad; and ground cloth, tarp, or tent. your pack. • Attach your permit to your backpack • Pack weight should not be more • Place your backcountry permit in the box for your hike out. than 15–20% of your body weight. provided. Leave your permit at your site • Check the campground bulletin In summer, pack light—replace your during your entire stay. boards for weather, trail, and sleeping bag with a liner or sheet; water updates. bring ready-to-eat foods and leave • Use headlamps with red lights to the stove behind. preserve your night vision, minimize light pollution, and avoid disturbing other • Watch and review the Hiking Grand campers. Canyon, Prepare for Backpacking video, available at go.nps.gov/grca- backcountry-video.