South Kaibab Trail

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Roman

Grand Circle expert

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The South Kaibab Trail is known for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain, making it a favorite among experienced hikers.

There are multiple versions of this trail, ranging from 2 to 15 miles roundtrip. We recommend going no further than the Skeleton Point as a day hike (6 miles roundtrip) because of a very steep descend afterwards. Check the AllTrails link for more details.

The trail begins near Yaki Point on the South Rim of the canyon and descends to the Colorado River. Along the way, you can expect to encounter steep drops, switchbacks, and narrow sections of the trail that are carved into the canyon walls. The trail provides incredible views from the start, so you can turn back at any point if you don't feel like completing the entire route.

Despite its difficulty, the South Kaibab Trail offers some of the best views in the Grand Canyon, including panoramas of the Inner Gorge and the Phantom Ranch area. You can also see geological formations like the O'Neill Butte and Cedar Ridge, as well as wildlife such as mule deer and California condors.

While the trail is accessible year-round, we recommend to hike in the spring and fall when temperatures are cooler. Come prepared with plenty of water and snacks, as there is no potable water along the trail.