SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL
Should you hike the Bright Angel or the South Kaibab Trail? The South Kaibab trail is 6.5 miles / 10.1 km and located off the Yaki Point Road. It has extensive views along both sides of the Grand Canyon as it follows the top of a ridge and is considered by many to be the more scenic of the two Rim-to-River hikes but the more strenuous of the two.
It should be stressed that both trails are very strenuous, but while the Bright Angel is roughly 2 miles longer it does have more shade and the rest area at Indian Garden with water, toilets and a ranger station. There is no parking so you must access it by the free Grand Canyon National Park Shuttle bus or by the Rim Trail.
South Kaibab is much steeper, has relatively little shade and no water or facilities. If you intend to hike from the South Rim to the Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch, one option is to take the South Kaibab trail down and return via the Bright Angel trail. You may be more tired on the return journey and be glad of the respite at Indian Garden.
Name: South Kaibab Trail
Location: from South of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Latitude: 36° 13' 1.42" N
Longitude: -112° 03' 21.28" W
Distance: 7 miles / 11.3 km
Duration: between 4 and 6 hours
Difficulty: strenuous
Elevation gain: 1463 m / 4860 ft from the South Rim to Bright Angel Campground
What to take: see the Ultimate Grand Canyon Packing guide
Water stations: no potable water between the top of the rim and the Colorado River
Facilities: toilets are available at Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch
When to go: between April and September/October is the best time
How to get there: from Indian Garden, just hike down
Permit required: for an overnight stay yes. See Permits and passes
Lodgings: Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground (reservations required)
Note: you can hire a mule to either carry your pack or to ride down
Warning: do not attempt to hike down the South Kaibab trail to Indian Garden because, although they may look very close on the map, they are a very long distance apart
Why is it for you: to experience a night in the canyon
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For more information, please check the Day Hike - South Kaibab Trail government website
Sherpa Sam says...
One way to hike the Grand Canyon is to take the South Kaibab trail down to the river, spend the night at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground, and hike back through the Bright Angel Trail. South Kaibab is steeper and faster, which makes it the preferred route down. Bright Angel Trail offers a lot of switchbacks and is the easier trail back up to the rim.
One common mistake is to go down South Kaibab hoping to spend the night at Indian Garden. Indian Garden is only accessible if you're going down Bright Angel Trail, so don't go down the South Kaibab Trail if you're going to spend the night at Indian Garden. Be careful to have the right permit for the right campground!
Sherpa Sam says...
Download...
to download the full South Kaibab Trail map and for more information on the services, tips and a detailed description of the trail.
All maps and charts courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park Services.