How Long Does It Take To Hike Down The Grand Canyon?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Typically, it takes most hikers

between four and five hours

to get to the river no matter which trail they choose. On average, it takes hikers seven to eight hours to get back out.

Can you hike down and up the Grand Canyon in one day?

Hiking the Grand Canyon “Rim-to-Rim”


It is possible to do it as one mega day hike if you are extremely fit and fast

. If you hike the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail (or vice versa) you are also hiking rim-to-rim, since you start on the rim, hike to the Colorado River, and then hike back up to the rim.

How long does it take to hike to the floor of the Grand Canyon?

Q: How long will it take to get to the bottom from the South Rim? A: The South Kaibab Trail is 6.8 miles to Bright Angel Campground and the Bright Angel Trail is 9.3 miles. It will take most hikers

between 4 and 5 hours

to get to the campground on either trail.

How long does it take to get down into the Grand Canyon?

in general, a trip to the river from the South Rim will take

about 5 hours

down, and about 15 hours back up. However, a descent from the North Rim will take close closer to 8 hours to the river, and may take 20+ hours back to the rim depending on fitness.

Can you stay overnight at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

Staying Overnight

Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is a popular destination for both hikers and mule riders.

Overnight hiker dormitories and cabins can be reserved and meals are available for purchase

. Advance reservations for meals and lodging at Phantom Ranch are required.

Is there a road to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?


There are no roads to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

. You can get helicopter flights from Las Vegas which land at the bottom, but in the less scenic West Rim area not in the national park.

What is the best month to hike the Grand Canyon?


Spring, fall and winter

are the best times for hiking in the Canyon, and winter is a favorite for guides because you can escape the crowds and have it mostly to yourself.

What is the easiest hike in the Grand Canyon?

  • Rim Trail. This is the Big Kahuna of easy walking. …
  • Trail of Time. …
  • Shoshone Point. …
  • South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. …
  • Cape Royal Trail. …
  • Uncle Jim Trail. …
  • Widforss Trail. …
  • North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook.

How difficult is the Bright Angel Trail?

Get to know this 15.3-mile out-and-back trail near Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Generally considered a challenging route

, it takes an average of 8 h 9 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Can you walk down the Grand Canyon?

Hiking in Grand Canyon is often referred to as “hiking a mountain in reverse”. That is, your descent comes first, while your ascent is how you must finish. This can fool hikers easily, as

walking down is an easy, breezy, view-saturated adventure that can quickly get out of hand.

Can you drive your own car through the Grand Canyon?


Private vehicles can drive east along the canyon rim for 23 miles (37 km) to the Desert View Services Area, and the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park

.

How many people have fallen into the Grand Canyon?


About 180 people

have died by falling in the Grand Canyon. G&M divided these into the following: Falls from the ledge.

How fit do you need to be to hike the Grand Canyon?

On your Grand Canyon hike, you’ll constantly be climbing stairs and walking over rocks, so you’ll need to condition your joints and muscles to handle them.

The trails you choose should have an elevation gain of at least 1,000 feet

.

How long does it take to hike in and out of the Grand Canyon?

How Long Does it Take to Hike the Grand Canyon. Typically, it takes most hikers

between four and five hours

to get to the river no matter which trail they choose. On average, it takes hikers seven to eight hours to get back out.

Are there waterfalls in the Grand Canyon?


The five Havasupai Falls include: Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls

. All are located on the Havasupai Indian reservation in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon. The waterfalls of the Grand Canyon are like no other in the world, and visiting them is the opportunity of a lifetime.

How much does it cost to stay at Phantom Ranch?

Room Type / Service Rate
Dorm, per person


$62
Group Cabin, Flat Rate $332 Breakfast, per person $26.37 Sack Lunch, per person $21.88

Does anyone live at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?



We are the only Native American tribe that lives below the rim in the Grand Canyon

. The Havasupai have been here since time immemorial. Traditionally, we had two areas where we lived.

Can I sleep in my car at Grand Canyon?


Not allowed

. Sleeping in your car constitutes “camping” and the only camping allowed at the South Rim is in the developed campgrounds, i.e. Mather and Desert View. There are also National Forest campgrounds outside of the park. Dispersed camping is also permitted in the Kaibab National Forest.

Do mules ever fall in the Grand Canyon?

At approximately 9:00 this morning the Grand Canyon Regional Dispatch Center received a radio call from a mule wrangler reporting that

a mule had lost it’s footing, fell, and then rolled over the passenger that it had been carrying

. The accident occurred approximately 2 1⁄2 miles below the rim on the Bright Angel Trail.

Is there a train that goes down into the Grand Canyon?


The historic Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona and travel 65 miles to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

. The historic Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona and travel 65 miles to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

When should you not go to the Grand Canyon?


July and August

are the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon due to larger crowds and hotter, wetter weather. You can get cheaper deals on lodging and activities between November and February.

How long does it take to do the Bright Angel Trail?

How long does it take to hike the Bright Angel Trail? Officially, the average time is

5-6 hours

. It usually takes longer going up – often as much as double the time it takes to go down. We hiked up and took our time, taking lots of photos along the way.

Where do you stay when you go to the Grand Canyon?

The only place to stay overnight in the park is

Hualapai Ranch

, run by the Hualapai, as well as Hualapai Lodge, which is located in Peach Springs, about 90 minutes from the West Rim, along the historic Route 66. A third option is the Grand Canyon Western Ranch Resort (3750 E.

Will your phone work in the Grand Canyon?


Your cellphone will work on your Grand Canyon river trip

… as a camera. And as a video camera. As a music player. It will work as a dandy little coaster for your cocktail, if you remember to bring a waterproof case for it.

Is it worth hiking the Grand Canyon?

Hiking the Grand Canyon is really hard. It’s a sweaty, steep hike that is incredibly exhausting. But

it’s worth it

. There is more to the canyon than just the views overlooking the rim, yet so few people actually venture down to see what else is there.

Is the South Rim or North Rim better?

Overall,

if you want the total Grand Canyon package, it’s best to visit both rims

. But if you have to choose between the two, I recommend that first-time visitors focus on the South Rim for the numerous overlooks and variety of experiences.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.