Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Hikes

Embarking on a rim-to-rim backpacking trip in Grand Canyon National Park is an incredible, albeit strenuous way to enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Whether you plan your trip beginning from the North or South Rim, you must allot yourself at least three days of hiking and get your backcountry permits squared away early in the game—the rim to rim adventure will be an unbelievable experience, but you must plan ahead!

RIM TO RIM…TO RIM?

The 25-mile trek into the depths of the Grand Canyon and back out again is no easy feat. From the knee-jarring, often shade-free descent, to the sweltering hike over the inner canyon floor, not to mention the 4,000 or 6,000 feet of vertical rise you must climb to exit the canyon, the rim to rim experience has gotten the better of more than one unlucky hiker. Of course, once you have completed your journey, and emerged victorious out of the stifling Arizona backcountry, you find yourself 220 miles and a five and a half hour car's drive from your vehicle. Still, rim to rim hikes are an emotionally rewarding and truly spectacular way to experience the Grand Canyon—consider a longer trip from rim to rim to rim if you do not want to arrange carpools or use public transportation.

NORTH vs. SOUTH

Many avid hikers choose to enter the Grand Canyon from the North Rim via the popular North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. By ascending the slightly less strenuous South Rim, you avoid about 2,000 extra feet of vertical rise on the uphill. Of course, if you prefer hiking up hill rather than down, entering the canyon from the South Rim, is a wonderful hike as well, and leaves you the option of descending the Bright Angel or the South Kaibab Trail. Note: do not attempt to ascend the South Kaibab Trail—there is no water and can be very dangerous to your health.