How Hard Is It To Hike Up North Kiabab Trail In The Grand Canyon?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Enjoy this 24.0-mile point-to-point trail near North Rim, Arizona.

Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 33 min to complete

. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

What is the grade of the North Kaibab Trail?

The unique aspect of crossing the Grand Canyon is that you first descend 9 miles, then run across the floor for 7 miles, before hitting the steepest part of the North Kaibab Trail where you’ll climb 7 miles up a

15-20 percent

grade.

What is the hardest trail in the Grand Canyon?

With 11 miles of waterless exposure and trails just inches from deadly drops, Nankoweap Trail requires skill and nerve to hike. Here are some details about completing this beautiful yet challenging trail within Grand Canyon National Park.

How long is North Kaibab Trail?

This trail passes through Indian Garden. North Kaibab Trail: The trail begins on the North Rim at the head of Roaring Springs Canyon and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation from rim to river is 5850 ft (1780 m), along a

14.2 mi (22.9 km)

trail.

Is the North Kaibab Trail open?

Because of the high elevation of the north rim, the North Kaibab Trail is

only fully open (usually) between mid May and October

.

How many miles is it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

As we said above, the journey to the bottom of Grand Canyon is

10 miles

long, and there is a big elevation change. If you are planning to hike down the Bright Angel Trail, it takes precisely 9.9 miles to reach the floor of the Grand Canyon, where the Bright Angel campground is located.

Can you park overnight at North Kaibab Trailhead?


Yes, you can leave your car overnight

.

Is there water on North Kaibab Trail?

Water on Trail

On North Kaibab trail

there is tap water available at rest areas/ water stations along the trail

. Potable water is available at the trailhead, Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, the Pumphouse Residence, Cottonwood Campground and Bright Angel Campground.

Is there parking at the North Kaibab trailhead?

North Rim:

There is a parking lot at the North Kaibab trailhead

. If you have only one vehicle, it is best to park it near the trailhead where you exit the canyon. Be sure not to drive off-road, block another vehicle, or otherwise obstruct traffic when you park.

How hard is Barr Trail?

The Pikes Peak Barr Trail is

one of the most difficult hikes you will find in the Pikes Peak region

. It is an advanced level trail because of the 12+ mile distance to the Pikes Peak Summit and its 7,800 feet altitude gain.

How difficult is the South Kaibab Trail?

This trail is

quite strenuous

, especially with full pack and the heat. Start early in the AM. It has spectacular views and the trail is well maintained. It’s about 7 miles down and took us under 4 hours to get to Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch.

Which trail is better Bright Angel or South Kaibab?


The Bright Angel Trail is longer than the South Kaibab Trail

. But with less elevation gain over a longer distance, it is slightly less strenuous than the South Kaibab Trail. There are also restrooms and access to water along the way, so many people choose to hike up the Bright Angel Trail for these reasons.

How many bridges are on the North Kaibab Trail?

History of the North Kaibab Trail

The North Kaibab trail crosses Bright Angel Creek

7 times

on steel and concrete bridges, an improvement over the 94 creek crossings of Rust’s original trail.

Where is the box on the North Kaibab Trail?

Towards the end of the trail, you’ll pass through The Box—

a narrow, shady corridor that twists along Bright Angel Creek through 1.7 billion-year-old Vishnu Schist

. Trailhead The trail starts about two miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge just off AZ-67. A small parking area is located next to the trailhead.

What is the longest trail in the Grand Canyon?


Rim-to-Rim

The Rim-to-Rim hike in the Grand Canyon is one of the longest hikes there. It’s a 44 mile round-trip, which usually takes approximately 5-7 days to complete.

How far off North Kaibab is Ribbon Falls?

Ribbon Falls is a

8.4 mile

hike from the North Kaibab Trailhead and 5.2 miles from Phantom Ranch. The trail loses 4521 feet from the North Rim as you pass the Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, Manzanita Rest Area and the Cottonwood Campground.

How many miles is South Kaibab Trail?

For most of its

6.5 mile

length the South Kaibab Trail follows the top of a ridge and so has extensive views along the Grand Canyon in both directions, however there is little shade. The trail descends 4,820 feet in total; there is drinking water at the start and at the river but not in between.

Are there restricted areas in the Grand Canyon?

How long does it take to hike South Kaibab Trail?

Trail Description

The hike down South Kaibab Trail typically takes

4-6 hours

. The trail begins with a series of tight north facing switchbacks.

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.

Can you hike rim to rim a day?

All the miles will be more enjoyable.

Hiking more than that is totally doable but not necessarily the most fun or painless.

Hiking Rim to Rim in one day means hiking at least 21 miles

. If the pain hasn’t already kicked in by mile 15, it’s very likely it will at mile 16.

Can you hike the Grand Canyon in one day?


Many options are available for day hikers

. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer rim trail hikes that have spectacular views of the inner canyon, some on paved trails. Or you can choose to day hike into the canyon. Permits are not required for non-commercial day hikes.

Can you hike the Grand Canyon without a guide?


You don’t need to take a tour

. When you enter the park you get a park newspaper with all the ncessary information. There’s also a tourist center, and there are rangers along the rim who’ll provide information and answer questions. Grand Canyon National Park South Rim is a “Do it Yourself” place for visitors.

How long have people lived in and around the Grand Canyon?

Current archaeological evidence suggests that humans inhabited the Grand Canyon area as far back as

4,000 years ago

and at least were passers-through for 6,500 years before that. Radiocarbon dating of artifacts found in limestone caves in the inner canyon indicate ages of 3,000 to 4,000 years.

Why is the North Rim of the Grand Canyon closed?

The North Rim is Closed for the Winter

On Wednesday, December 1, State Route 67, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

closed to all vehicle traffic for the winter

. State Route 67 and all North Rim services are scheduled to re-open for the 2022 season on May 15th, 2022 (subject to change).

Will your cell phone work inside 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.

Can you hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim?

On this epic Grand Canyon hike,

you’ll leave from the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim

, challenging your personal limits as you descend 14.3 miles and 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon before connecting with the Bright Angel Trail and climbing 4,500 feet and 9.6 miles back out again to the South Rim.

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.