How Long Does It Take To Hike To The Bottom Of The Grand Canyon And Back?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Distance-wise, it’s about 9.5 miles (15.5 km) each way but with an elevation change of over 4,300 ft (1300+ m) and it’s really that elevation change that makes it a tough hike. The hike down generally

takes 3-5 hours

while the hike up, after a good overnight rest, will typically take 5-9 hours.

How long does it take to hike up and down the Grand Canyon?

It will take most hikers

between 4 and 5 hours

to get to the campground on either trail. Oddly enough, very few people ask how long the return hike will take. The return hike may take twice as long, though 7 to 8 hours seems to be average.

Can you hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back in a day?

A:

The National Park Service DOES NOT RECOMMEND hiking from the rim to the river and back in one day

. … A: Risks are greater for those who hike alone. There is no one to assist you if you become lost, ill, or injured. Mountain lions do inhabit the Grand Canyon.

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

The time varies based on one’s overall conditioning, route taken, food and water breaks, weather, etc. but on average a Rim to Rim hike of the Grand Canyon takes

about 12-15 hours

to complete. * While we don’t recommend it, if you do take on a one day Rim to Rim hike know the risks.

Is it worth hiking to bottom of Grand Canyon?

Surprisingly,

less than 1% of visitors actually walk down to the bottom

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

How much does it cost to hike in the Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon National Park Seven Day Per Vehicle Seven Day Per Person Current $30

$15
June 1, 2018 $35 $20 Jan 1, 2019 n/a n/a

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


Phantom Ranch

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.

Can you walk to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

The trip is

strenuous

and requires a good level of physical fitness and adequate preparation. Depending on which trail you choose, the distance is roughly 15.5km (9.5 mi) from the rim to the river, with an elevation change of over 1,300m (4,300 ft).

How do you come down to the Grand Canyon?

There are three ways to reach the canyon floor. You can do it by foot, following

the many inner-canyon trails

including the popular Kaibab or Bright Angel trails from the South Rim (note that Kaibab has a North Rim trailhead as well).

Is there a train that goes to the bottom 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. The historic Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona and travel 65 miles to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

How many people fall into the Grand Canyon?

On average, about 15 to 20 people die every year in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park in incidents ranging from medical emergencies to falls and suicides, Baird told The Post.

Nine fatalities

have been tallied thus far in 2021, Baird said.

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 much does it cost to stay at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

Room Type / Service 2021 Rates
Cabin, two people


$172

Additional person in cabin


$20

Dorm, per person


$62

Group Cabin, Flat Rate


$332

Can you hike down the Grand Canyon in one day?


DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day

, especially during the months of May to September. Many options are available for day hikers. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer rim trail

Can I sleep in the 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.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.