Best trails in Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park pretty much speaks for itself; anyone who has been there will know this. For those yet to go, the spectacular views of the Grand Canyon will consistently make your jaw drop, even for seasoned veterans of the park. It is no wonder it is one of the country's most popular National Parks.
Top trails
Visitor info
Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).
Individual ($20 valid for 7 days): for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians.
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15 person passenger van. Organized non-commercial groups over 16 passengers require different charges. Commercial groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.
Available to the general public for purchase for unlimited visits to Grand Canyon National Park only. This is an annual pass, valid one year from month of purchase; it is non-transferable.
It admits the pass holder and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (train, shuttle, bicycle, or foot).
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The North Rim Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Tusayan Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. All the bookstores and gift shops are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, except for South Rim’s Kolb Studio and Desert View Watchtower. Orientation films include open captioning.
Loaner wheelchairs are available at Bright Angel Bicycles and the North Rim Visitor Center. Tandem bicycles are available for rent at Bright Angel Bicycles.
Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call 928-638-7888 or email grca_information@nps.gov at least 3 weeks in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Grand Canyon National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
All park shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate manual or motorized chairs under 48 inches long and 30 inches wide (122 by 76 cm). However, most motorized scooters cannot be accommodated on the shuttle buses.
A Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit is available at the entrance gates and service centers for visitors with mobility disabilities. It allows access to some areas not open to public traffic, but a state-issued parking placard is still required for parking in wheelchair accessible parking spaces.
The North Rim Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Tusayan Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. All the bookstores and gift shops are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, except for South Rim’s Kolb Studio and Desert View Watchtower. Orientation films include open captioning.
All hotels have wheelchair accessible rooms.
There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Hermits Rest, Hopi Point, Grandview Point, and Buggein.
Mather and North Rim Campgrounds have individual wheelchair accessible camping sites.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Visitors must check in at the Backcountry Information Center to take service animals into the canyon.
Trail reviews for Grand Canyon National Park
This segment of the Rim Trail, stretching from Yavapai Geology Museum to Verkamp’s Visitor Center, offers both accessibility and insight. The Trail of Time provides bite-sized pieces of geologic history that bring the Grand Canyon’s vast timeline to life. While the main path is wheelchair-friendly, there are occasional offshoots for those wanting a closer, slightly more rugged view. Several benches offer rest stops along the way. However, shade is limited to only Utah junipers and Piñón pines offering some relief when the sun is high in the sky. The trail is dog-friendly and features many photo-worthy vistas, but use caution near edges, as there are no guardrails. It was not crowded on the path itself, though the areas around each “trailhead” can get busy. Both ends have restrooms, gift shops, and refreshments, making this a convenient way to explore the canyon’s southern rim.
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike: North Rim to South Rim (July 3–4): We were a group of 11 hikers—five couples in our mid-50s to early 60s, and my son in his early 30s—who completed the iconic Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike over two days. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking scenery, camaraderie, and the joy of adventure. Day 0: Arrival at the North Rim We stayed at the Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim, and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. In hindsight, we wished we had booked 2–3 nights to fully relax and explore more of the area before the hike. The lodge is about 2 miles from the North Kaibab Trailhead. Day 1: North Kaibab to Phantom Ranch Start Time: 3:30 A.M. (July 3) We paid $500 for a special 3 A.M. shuttle to the trailhead to get an early start, although the lodge offers a complimentary shuttle at 4 A.M. In retrospect, the earlier shuttle didn’t provide much of an advantage and could’ve been skipped. Trail Highlights: North Kaibab Trail: This trail is stunning and well-maintained with water stations and restrooms. We were lucky to get some drizzle early on, which helped cool things down, though we were concerned about mud if it turned into rain. Cottonwood Campground: Reached around 9:30 A.M., and due to the time, we skipped the detour to Ribbon Falls, which would have added 1–2 hours. The detour involves a creek crossing about a mile beyond Cottonwood on the way to Phantom Ranch. From Cottonwood to Phantom Ranch, the elevation isn’t too steep, but it still took us over 3 hours. The Box: This stretch wasn’t as hot as expected. We had shade and a pleasant breeze along the creek. Distance: NPS states 14 miles to Phantom Ranch, but our Garmin tracked nearly 16 miles. Overnight at Phantom Ranch: We had a group cabin reserved—highly recommend it! Phantom Ranch is well equipped with meals, drinks, and even beer. At 3 A.M., they offered complimentary coffee and tea, which was a nice touch before our early start the next day. Day 2: Phantom Ranch to South Rim via South Kaibab Trail - Start Time: 3:30 A.M. (July 4) Trail Highlights: South Kaibab Trail: A beautiful and steep ascent with amazing views. We were surprised at how strong we felt on Day 2—perhaps due to our training and mental preparation for this hike. Rest Stops: Restrooms at Skeleton Point and Cedar Ridge, but no water on the trail. We started with 4 liters of liquids from Phantom Ranch and didn’t run out. Also, had plenty of sweet and salt snacks. Weather cooperated—there was a pleasant breeze even at 11 A.M., which made the climb easier than expected. Scenic Points: Ooh Aah Point: Stunning views and a great place for photos. The climb steepens after Ooh Aah Point, especially in "The Chimney"—a series of switchbacks gaining 700–800 ft of elevation up to the South Rim. Distance: NPS lists 7 miles, but our Garmin showed closer to 8 miles. Tips: Pack electrolytes, salt-stick tablets, and salty/sweet snacks. The South Kaibab trail is more trafficked—many people hike down to Ooh Aah or Cedar Ridge.
A perfect off the beaten path way to experience the Grand Canyon without the crowds. Need to be safe at the end overlooking. No guard rails.
Great hike! There is something special about being in the Grand Canyon and not simply viewing from the rim. Tough hike with the heat, but so worth it.
This trail is brutal regardless of experience. Please make sure to heed all warnings mentioned on signs and by park rangers. The sights however were absolutely stunning as expected from the Grand Canyon. The trail is well maintained and there is plenty of space so there wasn't much worry about falling as long as you weren't being reckless. Overall, a stunning trail that you need to be prepared for.
This is a great (and popular) up and back trail option in the Grand Canyon. Descent is easy, but little to no shade. It becomes hotter the farther down you go - bring water! there were too many people we saw without any water. It was extremely windy at the Ooh Aah point so hold on to your hat. plan for the ascent to take double the time it did for the descent. A great trail but come prepared!