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There’s something profoundly humbling about hiking through the storied depths of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab Trail, a demanding 6.8-mile trek descending a dizzying 4,780 feet, is more than just a path; it’s a journey through geological time itself.
Beginning from the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, this trail guides you through layers of desert scrub brush and ancient rock formations, finally leading you to the Colorado River’s doorstep.
Your First Steps into Grand Canyon National Park
Spanning a breathtaking 1,904 square miles, the Grand Canyon National Park—a World Heritage Site—houses fifteen distinct hiking trails. Each one opens up a gateway to the canyon floor, and the South Kaibab Trail is a standout among them. It’s the trail of choice for overnight hikers embarking on a rim-to-rim or loop hike, preferring a different route for their return journey.
But don’t let its two-mile shorter length than the Bright Angel Trail fool you; the South Kaibab Trail’s unrelenting steep incline and sparse water facilities can turn your hike into a challenging venture, especially when heading back up the canyon.
For a more manageable trek to the canyon’s base, start as early as possible, soaking in the coolness of the morning before the sun basks the canyon walls, reducing the already scarce shade. This is especially critical during the sweltering summer months
Exploring the South Kaibab Trail
Your journey begins at Yaki Point, the South Kaibab trailhead, tucked away off Desert View Drive. Tracing the dirt switchbacks under Yaki Point Overlook’s shade, you’ll find yourself opening up to a sweeping panorama just 0.9 miles down at the appropriately named Ooh Ah Point.
If you’re a highly driven backpacker, push another half-mile to Cedar Ridge, an expansive flat area sitting 1000 feet below the ridge line. Arriving before dawn allows you to witness the sunrise painting the eastern cliffs in a spectacle of colors.
The trail then winds along the ridge line, guiding you towards O’Neill Butte. From there, you’ll tread down a gently declining slope until you reach Skeleton Point, where the sight of the mighty Colorado River awaits you for the first time.
The terrain then morphs into a series of sharp switchbacks spiraling down toward the Tonto Plateau. It eventually flattens out as it traces the rim of the inner canyon gorge.
As you approach the trail’s end, you’ll journey past the “Great Unconformity”—a conspicuous gap in the geological record. The terrain transitions into the dark inner gorge distinguished by Vishnu Schist, and metal signs along the trail announce the change in rock layers as you descend.
Once you’ve crossed the black Kaibab suspension bridge over the Colorado River, you’ll know the trail’s end is near. The trail continues for another 0.5 miles along the river before converging with the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. A brief walk north of this junction leads you to the Bright Angel Campground.
Preparing for Your Hike Down South Kaibab Trail
While the South Kaibab Trail rewards hikers with majestic panoramas and enchanting scenery, it’s essential to note the scarcity of water and shade along the route. Equip yourself adequately and carry a good water supply to ensure a safe and enjoyable descent.
For an even more well-informed hike, the Grand Canyon Backcountry Trip Planner proves to be an invaluable asset. Provided annually and free of charge by the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service, this guide is a treasure trove of information for any prospective backcountry hiker.
Join me on this incredible journey and witness firsthand why the Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail is a cherished destination for hikers worldwide. Prepare yourself for a trek that’s not just physically engaging but also a rich experience through the geological annals of time.
