Hike The Crown Jewel
Take your pick of hiking options at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, you won’t run out of options! With a dozen hiking trails to choose from with adventure awaiting, guests can explore trails, overlooks and some of the most iconic views of the Grand Canyon.
Safety
Adventure awaits, but safety does not. Heat throughout the Grand Canyon between the months of May to September can become unsafe. Here are some tips to enjoy your hiking adventure:
- Do not attempt to hike the Rim to the River and back in one day. This is especially important to follow in the summer months from May to September.
- Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, clothing, hats and sunglasses as temperatures can reach over 100°F during the summer months.
- If you hear the roar, go indoors! Summer thunderstorms bring lightning, seek shelter and check the weather conditions before hiking.
- Water bottle filling stations are located at the North Kaibab Trailhead, the North Rim Visitor Center and the North Rim Backcountry Office
- Bring necessary medical items and a first aid kit
- Pack light snacks as well as plenty of water
- Avoid hiking between 10am and 4pm, wait for the shade!
- There are no easy hiking trails in or out of the Grand Canyon
- Mules have the right of way on hiking trails
Day Hikes
| Hike | Distance | Features | Notes |
| Bright Angel Point Trail | 0.5 mi or 0.8 km round trip | Set out on foot along a self-guided nature trail to reach Bright Angel Point, just a short walk from Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim. This easy, self-guided nature trail leads you to a spectacular view of the Canyon. Here you can see and hear the Roaring Springs more than 3,000 feet below the Rim. The hike is only a half mile long and takes 30 minutes to complete. | Paved Trail |
| Transept Trail | 3.0 mi or 4.8 km round trip | This trail follows the Rim from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground | |
| Bridle Trail | 1.2 miles or 2 km one way | Connects the Grand Canyon Lodge with the North Kaibab Trailhead | |
| North Kaibab Trail | Varies |
The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained trail in the canyon from the North Rim. This trail gives hikers an appreciation for the beauty and immense size of the canyon. It is one of the least visited trails at the North Rim, but is one of the most difficult, so please plan accordingly before heading out to the trailhead.
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Do not attempt to hike from the Rim to the River and back in one day. |
| Ken Patrick Trail | 10 miles or 16km one way | The Ken Patrick Trail takes you on a winding trip through the forest and along the Rim from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab Trail parking area. This is an exceedingly long hike that is 20 miles round trip and will take hikers about 12 hours to complete. | |
| Uncle Jim Trail | 5.0 miles or 8 km round trip | The Uncle Jim Trail winds through the alpine forest to a point overlooking the canyon and the North Kaibab Trail switchbacks. It begins at the North Kaibab Trail parking lot. It is a decent hike that is five miles long and should take around three hours to complete. | |
| Widforss Trail | 10 miles or 16km round trip | Blending Forest and canyon scenery, the Widforss Trail starts at the Widforss Trail parking area. This is a longer hike that is 10 miles long, round trip, and will take about 4 to 5 hours total to complete. | |
| Cape Royal Trail | 0.6 miles or 1km round trip |
Enjoy the views of the canyon, Angel’s Window and the Colorado River. |
Paved Trail |
| Cliff Springs Trail | 1.0 mile or 1.6 km round trip | Follow the path down a forested ravine to a chest-high boulder under a large overhang. The springs are on the cliff side of the boulder | Please do not drink spring water |
| Cape Final trail | 4.0 miles or 6.4km roundtrip | Views of the Canyon | |
| Roosevelt Point Trail | 0.2 miles or 0.3km round trip | Follow the secluded woodland loop and enjoy views of the Grand Canyon | |
| Point Imperial Trail | 4.0 miles or 6.4km roundtrip | Passes through the areas affected by the 2000 Outlet Fire and ends at the north boundary of the park. |