With some of the most unique and rewarding scenery in the National Park System, backpacking in the Grand Canyon should be on every backpackers bucket list. Standing on the rim and overlooking the edge, the sheer depth of the canyon makes the mighty Colorado River appear insignificant. To truly appreciate the scenic beauty of this behemoth, you can’t limit yourself to a view from the rim. You need to shoulder a pack and hike the switchbacks down to the water below. Along this route you will get to see the canyon first hand from top to bottom and discover all of its layers. The trip outlined below is the most popular route to travel from the south rim to the river and back utilizing the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails.
Just The Facts
- Location: Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim
- Distance: 16.5 miles
- Days required: 2-3 days
- Route type: Shuttle
- Type of trail: Maintained, excellent condition
- Vertical Ascent: 4,340 feet
- Max Altitude: 6,820 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- When to go: March to April and Late September-November
- Permits: Required
- Fees: $35 for National Park Entrance, $10 per backcountry permit, $8 per person per night below the rim
- Maps: Trails Illustrated Grand Canyon National Park
- Dogs: No
Why you should go
- Mind blowing scenery
- Beautifully maintained trail
- Easy to navigate
- Easiest option for a rim to river trip which makes it a great option for a first time Grand Canyon backpacking trip
- Did I mention the stunning scenery?!
Things to consider before going
- Complicated permit application and it is very competitive to get a permit
- This is the most popular route in the park, expect crowds, especially near the rim
- There is a significant amount of elevation loss and gain to complete this hike
- Many water sources are turned off seasonally or due to drought
- In the colder months the trail near the rim can be icy, bring shoe traction devices
When to go
The best weather for hiking in the Grand Canyon is usually between March-April and Late September-November.
During summer hiking is strongly discouraged due to the high potential for thunderstorms and temperatures of 100+ degrees near the river.
During winter hiking is possible depending on the current weather conditions. Be prepared for snow and ice along the higher elevation portions of the trail. Shoe traction devices may be helpful.
Getting to the trailhead
Park at the Backcountry Information Center and take the free Hiker Express Shuttle bus to the South Kaibab Trailhead. You cannot park at the South Kaibab Trailhead. Upon completion of the hike, you can walk or take the free shuttle from the Bright Angel Trailhead back to the Backcountry Information Center.
Image from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide
Difficulty
- Distance: 16.5 miles
- Days required: 2-3 days
- Type of trail: Maintained, excellent condition
- Vertical Ascent: 4,340 feet
- Max Altitude: 6,820 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
While the trail itself is beautifully graded, well maintained, and easy to navigate, the elevation change makes this a strenuous hike. The descent from the rim to the Colorado River is 4,700 feet. The return ascent along the Bright Angel Trail is 4,340 feet. To give you an idea of scale, it’s equivalent to climbing the Empire State Building roughly 3.5 times!
Permits
Permits are required for overnight camping below the rim. You do not need a permit if you are staying overnight at Phantom Ranch.
Permits are assigned based on campsites rather than an overall trail quota. For this reason, you have the same chance of getting a spot whether you are solo or up to 6 people. Groups between 7-11 people require a group site. There are fewer group sites than regular sites, so keeping your group size at 6 people or fewer will increase your chances of getting a permit.
There are two options to secure a permit: You can either apply for a permit in advance or try for a walk-up permit.
Option 1: apply in advance for a permit
Fax and mail application must be submitted approximately 4-5 months prior to your starting date. This is because applications can be submitted no sooner than the 20th day of the 5th month prior to your starting date but no later than 5 P.M. on the 1st day of the 4th month prior to your starting date to be considered for the lottery. At 5 P.M. on the 1st of the month, all applications are entered into a random computer drawing, regardless of when they were submitted. I know, it’s complicated. If you are confused check out the chart below.
For in-person requests the earliest you can request a permit is 3 months prior to the month you plan to hike.
For the best chance of success, apply during the earliest consideration timeframe outlined below.
| Hike Start Date | Application Period for mail and fax | In-person application |
|---|---|---|
| January | Aug 20 and Sep 1 (by 5pm MST) | Oct 1 |
| February | Sep 20 and Oct 1 (by 5pm MST) | Nov 1 |
| March | Oct 20 and Nov 1 (by 5pm MST) | Dec 1 |
| April | Nov 20 and Dec 1 (by 5pm MST) | Jan 1 |
| May | Dec 20 and Jan 1 (by 5pm MST) | Feb 1 |
| June | Jan 20 and Feb 1 (by 5pm MST) | March 1 |
| July | Feb 20 and Mar 1 (by 5pm MST) | April 1 |
| August | Mar 20 and Apr 1 (by 5pm MST) | May 1 |
| September | Apr 20 and May 1 (by 5pm MST) | June 1 |
| October | May 20 and Jun 1 (by 5pm MST) | July 1 |
| November | Jun 20 and Jul 1 (by 5pm MST) | Aug 1 |
| December | Jul 20 and Aug 1 (by 5pm MST) | Sept |
Submit the request in one of the following ways:
- Fax request to the Backcountry Information Center: (928)-638-2125
- Mail request to Grand Canyon National Park, Permits Office, 1824 S. Thompson St., Suite 201, Flagstaff AZ, 86001
- Physically submit a request to the Backcountry Information Center or The North Rim Backcountry Information Center
Option 2: Try for a walk-in permit
Grand Canyon National Park reserves a small number of permits to be issued to people in person the day before they plan to hike. To get in on this action, you will need to go to the Backcountry Information Center (open 8 am -12 pm and 1-5 pm MST) as soon as you get to the park to get a waitlist number. Your waitlist number will determine your spot in line the next morning. The following morning, be at the Backcountry Information Center at 8am. The ranger will issue permits according to waitlist numbers until they are gone. If you do not get a permit then you will be issued a new (lower) waitlist number for the following day and the process repeats.
Possible Itineraries along the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails
The South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails are the most popular trails in the park. Most choose to descend to the river on the South Kaibab Trail as this trail is shorter and steeper. The Bright Angel trail is a better choice for the ascent as it is less steep and passes Indian Garden Campground, a possible campground to break up the ascent.
This route can be completed in either 2 or 3 days. Regardless of trip length, you will camp at Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch on your fist night. On the 2nd day, you can either hike all the way up to the rim or camp partway up the Bright Angel Trail at Indian Garden Campground. If you have the time, and are able to secure a spot Indian Garden Campgrounds, I highly recommend it. Camping at Indian Garden will allow you to spread the ascent over 2 days, making for an easier hike and allowing time for a side hike to Plateau Point for sunset!
2 DAYS, 1 NIGHT
Day 1: South Kaibab Trailhead to Bright Angel Campground (or Phantom Ranch)
Distance: 7 miles
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation loss: 4,700 feet
Day 2: Bright Angel Campground to Bright Angel Trailhead
Distance: 9.5 miles
Duration: 7-9 hours
Elevation gain: 4,340 feet
3 Days, 2 Nights
Day 1: South Kaibab Trailhead to Bright Angel Campground (or Phantom Ranch)
Distance: 7 miles
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation loss: 4,700 feet
Day 2: Bright Angel Campground to Indian Garden Campground
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Optional (but highly encouraged): From Indian Garden Campground there is a side hike to Plateau Point. The trail is 3 miles round trip and mostly flat. I highly recommend that you visit this vista for sunset. The views are stunning and there will likely be no one around as all the day hikers will be long gone.
Day 3: Indian Garden Campground to Bright Angel Trailhead
Distance: 4.5 miles
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain: 3,040 feet
Campsites
Along this route you will be required to camp in established campgrounds and you must stick to the itinerary on your permit.
Camping is limited to 2 nights (consecutive or non-consecutive) per campground during the main season. Between November 15 and February 28, camping is allowed up to 4 nights per campground.
Bright Angel Campground
Bright angel campground is situated along Bright Angel Creek, 0.5 miles north of the Colorado River. There are 31 normal sites (1-6 people) and 2 group sites (7-11 people). The sites vary in size, however none are large. If you have 6 people, plan to consolidate the number of tents you have to ensure you will fit.
Site amenities include: picnic table, pack pole (to prevent critters from getting to your backpack), food storage cans, flush toilets, and drinking water.
Phantom Ranch is located 0.3 miles North of Bright Angel Campground and hikers can grab snacks and a beer from the canteen during public hours (8am to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm).
Phantom Ranch
If you prefer to sleep in a real bed or cannot get a permit for the Bright Angel campground, then another option is to stay at Phantom Ranch. This lodge is located 0.3 miles north of the Bright Angel Campground and it consists of dormitory and cabin accommodations. Hikers staying at the ranch must make reservations in advance via a lottery system. Guests can also opt to preorder breakfast and lunch.
This is a nice option if you are planning to hike from the river back to the rim in 1 day without staying at Indian Garden. If you stay at Phantom Ranch then you will be able to save a ton of pack weight by ditching your tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, breakfast/dinner meals, and cookware.
Indian Garden Campground
Indian Garden is located 4.8 miles below the south rim along the Bright Angel Trail. The lush, tree lined campground stands in stark contrast to the surrounding barren landscape. This is a popular spot for hikers to stop and enjoy respite in the shade. There is a small creek that runs past the south side of the campground.
Site amenities include: shade structure, picnic table, pack pole, food storage cans, pit toilets, and drinking water.
Maps and Guidebooks
The route is possible to hike safely with the general map you will receive with your permit. However, the Trails Illustrated Grand Canyon National Park map is an excellent resource if you want to explore other sections of the park.
The guidebook: Hiking Grand Canyon National Park: A Guide to the Best Hiking Adventures on the North and South Rims is an excellent resource for researching and trip planning.
Water
Dehydration is a serious concern for this hike especially if you are attempting to hike in the warmer months. Fluid consumption varies by person, and can change drastically depending upon temperature, sun exposure, and humidity. Expect to drink a minimum of 4 liters of water per day. Remember that, “A happy mountaineer pees free and clear.” While your urine should not actually be clear, the idea is your urine should not be dark colored or small in quantity. If you notice either, increase your water consumption and supplement with salty snacks.
Purified drinking water is located at a few locations along the route. But, some water sources are turned off in the winter, pipelines may be damaged and not flowing or turned off due to drought, and seasonal creeks may not be flowing. Always check with the ranger when you pick up your permit to confirm water sources.
The piped water located at campgrounds and rest houses is safe to drink. But always be prepared to boil, filter, or purify creek or river water should the pipelines fail.
Piped water is available at the following locations along this route:
- Bright Angel Campground: year round
- Phantom Ranch: year round
- Indian Garden Campground: year round
- Mile-and-a-half rest house (along Bight Angel Trail): Seasonally, May to September
- Three-Mile rest houses (along Bright Angel Trail): Seasonally, May to September
Water is available from the following natural water sources:
- Colorado River
- Bright Angel Creek
- Indian Garden Creek
Food storage
Rodents are a serious issue in camp and on trail. Never leave your pack unattended with food inside. Once in camp, immediately take food and scented items out of your pack and place them in the provided metal storage bins. To keep critters from eating through your pack in search of food, open all pockets and then hang your pack from the pack pole in your campsite. The slick metal poles are difficult for rodents to climb and leaving all pockets unzipped will keep any animals that do get to your pack from chewing a hole to get in.
Dangerous Animals
There are snakes and scorpions in this area. But you are not likely to encounter them. The best way to be safe is to pay attention to where you place your hands and feet. Do not walk barefoot, shake out your sleeping bag before getting in, and shake out your shoes and clothing in the morning before putting them on.
Additional Information
Thanks so much for checking out my Backpacking Guide for the Grand Canyon via the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. I Hope that this guide will help you have an excellent trip. As always, please remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural state of the places we love. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions, suggestions, or good vibes you want to share. If you found this guide useful, please like, pin, and share using the “share” icons below.
THANKS!
Thanks so much for checking out my guide to backpacking the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. I hope that this guide will help you plan an excellent trip. As always, please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural state of the places we love. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions, suggestions, or good vibes you want to share. If you found this guide useful, please like, pin, and share using the “share” icons below.
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Thanks for taking the time to post. I’m planning to hike to Phantom with my 16 y daughters this June and am reading everything I can to determine if we are getting in over our heads! Seems doable if we plan well but I would appreciate any thoughts you might have.
The hike from the rim to Phantom Ranch and back is strenuous due to the significant elevation gain and loss, but the trail itself is easy to follow and well maintained. If you and your daughters are in decent physical condition, keep your pack weights low, and allow ample time the hike itself should be doable.
My main concern would be that the temperatures can be 80+ degrees at the rim and 100+ degrees at the river in June. The danger of hiking in hot weather should not be underestimated. I would check the forecast carefully and consult with park rangers before heading out. Check out the Grand Canyon Summer Hiking Guide for more details and info.
Another recommendation would be to try and camp at Indian Garden Campground if you are planning to take the Bright Angel Trail from Phantom Ranch back to the rim. This way you can break your ascent into two days making the hike much more manageable.
Let me know if you have any more questions. I am happy to help.
Hi Tracy,
I agree, the temperature will be the most concerning part of the hike. I have been doing lots of reading and plan to be carrying a gallon of water along with food and electrolyte replacement. We will hike down to Phantom in the earlier part of the day, not sure if we will take South Kaibab down or Bright Angel but we will certainly take BA back up. A loop would be most idea but I worry about the full sun and lack of water on SK. Thought? While we are not planning on staying the night at Indian Garden (I’ve never done that kind of camping) we are planning on remaining there through the hottest part of the day and then resume hiking in the late afternoon/early evening. We are not coach potatoes (we go do the gym and my girls play sports) and have started a training program that will increase in intensity and duration over the next few months. We are doing hikes and stair climbing along with cross training but any specific things you can recommend would be great.
Thanks again for posting and being willing to help!
Anna
I would check with the park rangers just prior to your hike to decide if going down on South Kaibab or Bright Angel is the best choice. South Kaibab has less shade and no water but is shorter, so it will depend on how hot the day is supposed to be. Definitely a good idea to ascend on Bright Angel. Hiking early in the day, breaking midday, and then resuming hiking in the evening is a good strategy. Indian Garden is definitely a good place to rest at midday since there are shade and water there.
Overall it sounds like you are doing a good job preparing and researching your options. I would try some practice hikes in the heat if you have that option. That will give you a sense of how your body responds to exercise in hot weather and a sense of your water needs. Also, try to keep your pack weight as light as safely possible. Otherwise, just stay on top of the weather report and consult with park rangers before heading out.
Happy Hiking.
I noticed that you slept under a tarp tent! What time of year did you go? Did you have to worry about condensation in the morning or ground critters at night? I’ve just started to use a tarp tent and I love it! But I also worry about mice and snakes looking for warmth at night.
I used a Six Moon Designs Deschutes tarp for my Grand Canyon trip. I hiked the trail in March. Condensation can be an issue, however, I usually pitch the tarp higher off the ground for more airflow and don’t usually have any issues. I did find that mice were an issue at Indian Garden Campground. I sleep on a Tyvek ground cloth and I could hear them scurrying across it all night long. This has been a repeated issue for me when camping in heavily used campgrounds where rodents are a major concern. For this reason, and for bug protection, I am testing out the Gossamer Gear The One this summer. This tent is still very light, decently priced, and has a floor/bug netting.
Did you have any problems driving stakes into the hard ground of the canyon floor?
Hi Jay. No, I had no trouble putting stakes in the ground in the Grand Canyon. But, in places that I cannot get my stakes to go in the ground, I use rocks to weigh down my stakes and that works as well.