5 Must-Take Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park

Sunshine and stunning views greet you on every trail

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, look no further than Grand Canyon National Park.

The awe about the Grand Canyon can’t be overstated. The mile-deep gorge carved by the Colorado River is one of the most iconic landscapes in America and is often considered by many as one of the seven wonders of the world.

Established in 1919 as America's 15th National Park, Grand Canyon National Park receives nearly six million visitors each year, the most of any park in the entire U.S. On top of its many other prestigious awards, such as being named a World Heritage Site, the park boasts over 1.9 million square miles of land

This stunning park is home to some of the most incredible hiking trails in the country. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, there is something for everyone in Grand Canyon National Park. Keep reading to learn about five must-take hikes during your time at the park.

Bright Angel Trail

If you’d like to have some flexibility when it comes to the degree of hiking difficulty, be sure to check out Bright Angel Trail.

Bright Angel trail provides you with an easy way to choose your desired level of hiking difficulty. While it is listed as a hard trail, you decide how far you want to hike while still getting some gorgeous views no matter where you stop. Just remember that going down hill is optional, but coming back up isn't!

Total Distance: 15.2 Miles

Elevation Gain: 4478 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Grand Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Little to no shade on this trail; bring sunscreen and lots of water
• Most of this trail is recommended only those with high levels of physical fitness

South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

The kids are going to love this one, especially if they want to get some amazing views of the canyon walls.

Our only easy hike on the list, South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point provides all skill levels the opportunity to explore a small portion of the Grand Canyon. 

This trail is a great option for those who want to avoid large crowds, as this particular trailhead is often overlooked. But don't underestimate how hot it can get, even when walking this short and easy trail.

Total Distance: 1.18 Miles

Elevation Gain: 357 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Grand Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Little to no shade on this trail; bring sunscreen and lots of water

South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

Perfect for those who want to extend their hike from Ooh Aah Point, this trail allows you to do so without having to spend an entire day on the trails.

Cedar Ridge provides hikers with incredible views of the sunset, and is a perfect place to watch the stars come out at night. It's also the only trail in the entire park that is a true ridgeline descent, making it the fastest way to the bottom of the canyon. As you make your way down, you will experience less and less hiking traffic and have a few quiet moments to enjoy the views.

Total Distance: 2.79 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1102 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Grand Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Little to no shade on this trail; bring sunscreen and lots of water
• This trail is steep, ensure your footwear has good grip

Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village

The big daddy of them all, Rim-to-Rim is not for the faint of heart. This trail should only be attempted by those who have significant hiking experience, are in excellent physical shape, and can tolerate a long day on the trails.

If you are up for the challenge, Rim-to-Rim will provide some of the most incredible views of the Grand Canyon that you can find. 

As the name implies, you’ll walk the entire canyon and experience the vastness of the landscape, plus all the different types of terrain that make up this national park.  

This 24 mile trail is a once in a lifetime adventure for most people.

Total Distance: 24.1 Miles

Elevation Gain: 5150 Feet

Difficulty: Extreme - Hiking

Route Type: Point to Point

Other Info:

• Grand Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Little to no shade on this trail; bring sunscreen and lots of water
• This trail is only recommended for those with significant hiking experience. Be prepared with full camping gear
• Pace yourself and ensure you go with a group

Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail

While the first couple of miles of this trail might seem rough, getting out to the plateau on Plateau Point trail is more than worth the effort.

With an amazing view of the Colorado River, this trail provides an ideal spot to picnic or simply take a break and enjoy the scenery. 

The trail itself is pretty easy to follow but can be rocky in places, so make sure you wear proper shoes.

Total Distance: 13.2 Miles

Elevation Gain: 3402 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Grand Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Little to no shade on this trail; bring sunscreen and lots of water

Final Thoughts

The Grand Canyon is one of the most incredible places on Earth, and there is no shortage of amazing hikes to take while you're there.

Whether you're looking for an easy same-day hike or an extreme multi-day adventure, there's something for everyone. Make sure to bring plenty of water and a can-do attitude on every trail, and you're sure to have an amazing time.