South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails

The South Kaibab Trail is the alternate superhighway into the Grand Canyon, the primary one being the Bright Angel Trail. Both of these trails are well maintained and offer some spectacular views of the Canyon. The Bright Angel Trail offers the most shade, where the South Kaibab has almost none. It's much more open because it follows a ridge line out into the Canyon rather than descending through a fault line and drainage as the Bright Angel does.

The South Kaibab / Bright Angel Trails make a loop, so its a great full hike. The best plan for this hike is to start down the South Kaibab Trail and come up out on the Bright Angel Trail. This will offer the best views of the trip, also if you choose this route you need to get reservations at the Bright Angel or Phantom Ranch campgrounds, because there is no camping allowed along the trail.

Other Trails Nearby

Mileages are as follows (one-way):

• Cedar Ridge - 1.5 miles
• The Tipoff (Tonto Trail junction) - 4.4 miles
• Indian Garden (via Tonto Trail) - 8.8 miles
• Indian Garden (via River and Bright Angel Trails) - 12 miles
• Colorado River (River Trail) - 6.2 miles
• Bright Angel Campground - 6.4 miles
• Phantom Ranch - 6.9 miles