South Kaibab Trail
Look closely at the opposite ridge
and you can see the South Kaibab
Trail dropping down from the canyon
rim. The South Kaibab Trail is
challenging, but rewarding.
The South Kaibab Trail is steep; in
6.3 miles (10.1km) it drops nearly
5,000 feet (1524m) from rim to river.
The trail provides few breaks; it is
steep the entire way and has no
water. But it is also one of the few
Grand Canyon trails that follows
ridge lines, as opposed to side
canyons, and thus offers many
spectacular, unobstructed views.
To sample Grand Canyon hiking and
experience the South Kaibab Trail,
you might try a day hike to Cedar
Ridge. Allow four hours for the 3-mile
(4.8km) round-trip hike. Between the
rim and Cedar Ridge the
trail drops
1,460 feet (445m), passing through
four major rock layers that represent
50 million years of geologic time.
The South Kaibab trailhead is located
at Yaki Point, 2 miles (3.2km) from
here on East Rim Drive.
Caution: Any Grand Canyon
hiking requires preparation,
Adequate food and water, and
proper footwear, are essential.
Check with the backcountry
office for more information.
Don't miss the rest of our virtual tour of Grand Canyon National Park in 10803 images.