The South Kaibab Trail was built by the park in the 1920s as an alternative to the Bright Angel. Instead of following a side canyon, it runs straight down a ridge, so the views open up immediately and stay wide almost the whole way. It descends about 4,800 feet in 7 miles to the Black Bridge over the Colorado River.
The trade-off is that it is steep, has almost no shade and no drinking water anywhere. For day hikers, the most popular turnaround points are Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge, both of which give you a huge sense of space for a modest distance.
What to see and do: South Kaibab Trail
Ooh Aah Point
About 1.8 miles round trip with around 600 feet of elevation change; allow 1–2 hours. Even this short descent gives spectacular views east and west.
Cedar Ridge
About 3 miles round trip and 1,100 feet of elevation change; allow 2–4 hours. A flat ridge with views on all sides and the most popular day-hike goal on the trail.
Skeleton Point
Six miles round trip with about 2,000 feet of elevation change, where you can first see the Colorado River. The park advises this is the furthest day hikers should go — and not in summer heat.
Go with a guide
If you want company and local knowledge, there is a guided sunset hike to Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge.
How to get to South Kaibab Trail
- Private cars cannot drive to the trailhead. Take the free orange-route (Kaibab/Rim) shuttle from the visitor center. In the hiking season there is also an early-morning hikers’ express shuttle from the village; check current times.
Insider tips
- Carry all the water you need — there is none on the trail — plus salty snacks.
- The trail is very exposed; in summer start at first light and be back by mid-morning.
- In winter the upper switchbacks can be icy and snowy: traction devices are strongly recommended.
- Many experienced hikers descend the South Kaibab and climb out on the Bright Angel over two or more days with a backcountry permit.
Best tours & tickets for South Kaibab Trail
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to South Kaibab Trail:
Guided hike from US$225 Grand Canyon: South Kaibab Sunset Hike with Guide
A guided late-afternoon hike down the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge — the classic short day hike below the rim — timed so you watch the canyon walls change colour at sunset. Remember that the climb back up is the hard part; the guide sets the pace. A newer listing with few reviews so far.
- Hike below the rim on the South Kaibab Trail
- Views from Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge
- Walls changing colour as the sun sets
Scenic helicopter flight from US$359 Grand Canyon National Park: South Rim Scenic Helicopter Tour
A longer flight from Tusayan that crosses the Kaibab National Forest and then flies through the Dragon Corridor, where the canyon is at its widest and deepest. On a clear day the route takes in distant views of the Painted Desert and Marble Canyon. One of the highest-rated flights at the South Rim.
- Longer route over the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest part of the canyon
- Views towards the Painted Desert and Desert View Watchtower
- Frequent departures through the day
Guided sunset tour from US$182 Grand Canyon National Park: Guided Sunset Hummer Tour
Sunset is the best show at the Grand Canyon, and this tour takes care of the logistics: a guide drives you between lookouts as the light changes, so you are not hunting for a parking space at the busiest hour of the day. Bring a warm layer — the rim cools quickly once the sun has gone.
- Stops at popular South Rim lookouts
- Timed for the colour changes at sunset
- Open-air vehicle with a local guide
Guided jeep tour from US$143 Tusayan: Grand Canyon National Park Jeep Tour
A compact two-hour jeep tour into the national park with a stop and short walk at Grandview Point, one of the finest South Rim viewpoints, east of Grand Canyon Village. A good fit for a short visit or a first orientation.
- Short guided tour in a pink jeep
- Stop and short walk at Grandview Point
- Commentary on the canyon’s history and geology
