Guide to Rim-to-Rim Trail

Cross one of the largest chasms in the world. From high up on the Grand Canyon’s rim, descend a full mile deep to the Colorado River, then climb back out. Are you ready for the challenge?

Mileage22–24 miles
Duration2–4 days
Best timelate May, September to November
ReservationsRequired, competitive
A backpacker hiking in the Grand Canyon. They are surounded by orange cliffs. A path is carved in the side of the cliff on which the backpacker is traveling.
Getting there
When to go
Variants
Planning
Need to know
Regulations

Getting there

FromTo nearest trailhead
Williams1 hr
Flagstaff1 hr 45 min
Page2 hrs 30 min
Phoenix
Major airport
3 hrs 45 min
Las Vegas
Major airport
4 hrs 30 min
Driving times to Rim-to-Rim Trail from nearby towns.

When to go

JFMAMJJASONDPopularPopularToo hotNorth Rim closedNorth Rim closed
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPopularPopularToo hotNorth Rim closedNorth Rim closed
The best time to hike Rim-to-Rim Trail.

The best time to hike Rim-to-Rim Trail is in late May, and from September to November.

Map

Variants

While both itineraries share the same trail North of the Colorado river, there are two options on the South Rim side.

via Bright Angel Trail

24 mi
  • Slightly shorter and less elevation gain
  • Additional campground at Indian Gardens

Recommended if you’re planning to take over three days and you’re traveling southbound since you can stop at Indian Gradens on the way up South Rim.

via Kaibab Trail

22 mi
  • No water or restrooms on the South Kaibab Trail section
  • More secluded

Recommended if you prefer a more serene experience and you don’t mind the extra difficulty.

Planning

Start date
Coming from

First day: Getting to the trailhead

5:55 AMfrom Flagstaff, drive to the Backcountry Information Center1 hr 45 min
7:40 AMwalk to Bright Angel Lodge20 min
8:00 AMtake the Trans-Canyon Shuttle to North Kaibab Trailhead5 hrs
1:00 PMArrive at North Kaibab Trailhead

Itinerary

Interactive. Click chart to edit campsites.
DateCampMileageElevation gain/loss
Thu, May 15-24.2 mi5,900 ft+ / 7,300 ft-
Thu, May 15
24.2 mi • 5,900 ft+ / 7,300 ft-
Download GPX

Last day: Getting off the trail

8:00 AMfrom Bright Angel Trailhead, walk to Bright Angel Lodge5 min
8:05 AMtake the Blue Line Shuttle to the Backcountry Information Center10 min
8:15 AMdrive to Flagstaff1 hr 45 min
10:00 AMArrive at Flagstaff

Reservations

Starting on

  • Permit. A Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Permit is required for this trip.

    Reservation options

    There are 3 ways to obtain one:

    1. Enter the lottery between December 16, 2024 and January 1, 2025.
    2. Book a leftover permit on February 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM MST.
    3. Obtain a leftover permit in person on May 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM MST.
    Application details

    Here is how to fill out the permit application:

    EntryNorth Kaibab Trailhead
    ExitBright Angel Trailhead
  • Trans-Canyon Shuttle. Book ($120/person).

Need to know

  • Water. Water fountains at all campgrounds supply water along the Rim-to-Rim corridor. However, there is no water on the South Kaibab Trail.
  • Heat. It gets very hot inside the Grand Canyon. Avoid hiking in the summer months.

Regulations

  • Bear canisters: not required.
  • Fires: prohibited. Gas stoves ok.
  • Dogs: not allowed.
  • Poop: Use toilets at campgrounds. Outside of campgrounds, dig a cathole at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Pack out toilet paper.

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via Bright Angel Trail
via Kaibab Trail