Hiking Grand Canyon’s North Kaibab Trail

Hiking the North Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon

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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.

North Kaibab Trail Elevation Graph

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.

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Hiking the upper North Kaibab Trail

Descending the North Kaibab Trail

North Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon

Upper North Kaibab Trail

Lower North Kaibab Trail

Lower North Kaibab Trail

Hiking through The Box, North Kaibab Trail

Hiking through The Box

Grand Canyon National Park: The Complete Guide

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of Grand Canyon

Winner of two national travel guide awards.