Day Hiking the Rim Trail
The Rim Trail stretches from the South Kaibab Trailhead west to Hermits Rest,
a distance of approximately 13 miles (21 km). Most of the trail is paved.
Hike Smart
For more information about Leave
No Trace strategies, hiking tips,
closures, roads, trails, and permits,
visit go.nps.gov/grca-backcountry.
Before You Go
• Check the weather and adjust plans;
avoid summer heat. Remember the
weather can change suddenly.
• Leave your itinerary with someone
who will notice if you are overdue
and report it to 911.
• Hydrate, but don’t force fluids. Eat a
good meal, and get a good night’s sleep.
If you do not feel well, do not hike.
8 Essentials for Your Day Pack
1. Water: bring a sufficient amount
and extra in case of emergency.
2. Salty snacks and high-calorie meal(s)
3. First aid kit, prescriptions, blister
care, duct tape, and pocket knife
4. Map or trail guide
5. Flashlight or headlamp
with spare batteries
6. Sunscreen, wide-brimmed
hat, and sunglasses
7. Broken-in walking shoes with
good soles and hiking poles
8. Layers of clothing
This well-defined, mostly paved trail ranges
from flat to inclines and offers shade. Great for
visitors who desire an easy hike with minimal
elevation change, excellent walking, and views
down into Grand Canyon. In winter, surfaces
may be slippery or icy—use shoe traction
devices. Beware of lightning during summer
thunderstorms. Leashed pets are permitted on
the trail, but not on park shuttle buses.
Wheelchair accessible from Lookout Studio to
South Kaibab Trailhead. West of Bright Angel
Lodge, the Rim Trail narrows and climbs the
Bright Angel Fault to viewpoints along Hermit
Road. Between Powell Point and Monument
Creek Vista the trail is a three-foot-wide
(0.9 m) dirt trail.
Trail Condition
Trail Accessibility
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Grand Canyon National Park Service
U.S. Depar tment of the Int erior
Grand Canyon Nat ional Park
