Hiking the North Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon

*Hiking Grand Canyon’s North Kaibab Trail adapted from Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide

Hiking Grand Canyon’s North Kaibab Trail

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 28 miles, round-trip
Hiking Time: 2–3 Days
Elevation Change: 5,850 feet

The steep, strenuous North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained trail on the North Rim that descends into the Canyon. Though physically demanding, it offers a tremendous Inner Canyon experience, passing through a stunning range of ecological zones.

Backpackers typically spend three to four days hiking the trail, spending the night at Cottonwood Campground (halfway down the trail) and Bright Angel Campground (located near the Colorado River). Day hikers can head to Coconino Overlook (1.5 miles, round-trip) or Supai Tunnel (4 miles, round-trip).

Two beautiful waterfalls, Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls, are accessible via short side trails much farther down the 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. There’s also a free early morning shuttle that departs from Grand Canyon Lodge.

North Kaibab Trail Elevation Graph