Backcountry Trail Distances

Corridor Trails Distances

South Kaibab Trail: The trail begins on the South Rim near Yaki Point, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4860 ft (1480 m), along a 6.3 mile (10.1 km) trail. Because of the unavailability of water and steepness of the South Kaibab Trail, rangers recommend hiking down this trail only - and recommend using the Bright Angel Trail for the hike out.

River Trail: The trail has little elevation variation and follows the Colorado River for 1.7 miles (2.7 km) between the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Two foot bridges permit access to the north side of the Colorado River.

Bright Angel Trail: The trail begins on the South Rim just west of Kolb Studio, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4460 ft (1360 m), along a 7.8 mile (12.6 km) trail. This trail passes through Havasupai Gardens (formerly known as 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.

 

DW = drinking water; TF = Toilet Facilities; EP = Emergency Phone; RS = Ranger Station

Distance Via: Distance
from Rim (mi/km)		 Elevation (ft/m) DW TF EP RS Other
Bright Angel Trailhead to: 6860/2093
Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse 1.6/2.6 5729/1748 Y Y Y water available mid-May to mid-Oct only
Three-Mile Resthouse 3.1/5 4748/1449 Y Y Y water available mid-May to mid-Oct only
Havasupai Gardens Campground 4.5/7.3 3800/1160 Y Y Y Y picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
(formerly known as Indian Garden Campground)
River Resthouse 8/12.9 2480/756 Y Y
Bright Angel Campground 9.5/15.3 2480/756 Y Y Y picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
Phantom Ranch 9.9/15.9 2546/776 Y Y Y Y reservation required for food and lodging
South Kaibab Trailhead to: 7260/2213
Cedar Ridge 1.5/2.4 6120/1865 Y
Skeleton Point 3/4.8 5220/1591
Tip Off 4.4/7.1 4000/1219 Y Y junction with Tonto Trail (distance to Havasupai Gardens via Tonto Trail - 4.6 mi/6.6 km)
Bright Angel Campground 7/11.3 2480/756 Y Y Y picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
Phantom Ranch 7.4/11.9 2546/776 Y Y Y Y reservation required for food and lodging
North Kaibab Trailhead to: 8241/2512
Supai Tunnel 1.7/2.5 6800/2073 Y Y water available mid-May to mid-Oct only
Roaring Springs 4.7/7.3 5220/1591 Y 20 minute detour off main trail; NO WATER
Manzanita Rest Area 5.4/8.4 4600/1402 Y Y Y
Cottonwood Campground 6.8/10.9 4080/1244 Y Y Y water available mid-May to mid-Oct only; picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
Ribbon Falls 8.4/13.3 3720/1134 Ribbon Falls Bridge has been removed due to damage. Until the bridge is replaced, visitors should stay on the North Kaibab Trail and travel safely in this area.
Phantom Ranch 13.6/21.8 2546/776 Y Y Y reservation required for food and lodging
Bright Angel Campground 14/22.5 2480/756 Y Y Y Y picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
 

Introduction to Backcountry Hiking Brochure

This brochure is for day and overnight inner canyon hikers. It has information about hiking the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and North Kaibab trails, as well as permit, planning, Leave No Trace, and Hike Smart information. It is distributed at park visitor centers and backcountry information centers. The web version of this publication (available below) is formatted to print on standard 8.5 x 11 letter-sized paper.

 

Tonto Trail Distances

Tonto Trail: This trail crosses the Tonto Platform approximately 3900 ft (1200 m) below the South Rim, intersecting both the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails.

For a table showing distances along the Tonto Trail view the following PDF file: Tonto Trail Distances.

 

Last updated: April 25, 2024

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