South Kaibab Trail
✓ Verified against the agency · NPSThe steep, exposed, ridge-line descent from the South Rim to the Colorado River. No water and almost no shade the whole way — the smart way down for a rim-to-rim, and no place to be after 10 a.m. in summer.
Distance
7.6 km
Max elevation
7,200 ft (rim)
Duration
5–7 hr down
Safety classification
DifficultyStrenuous
GuideNo guide needed
GearNo technical gear
OfficialYes
MaintainedYes
Season
Open year-round. Do NOT descend below Skeleton Point (3 mi) May–Sept — inner-canyon shade temps exceed 43°C and there is no water or shade on this trail.
Hazards
- ▲extreme heat
- ▲no water on trail
- ▲almost no shade
- ▲steep exposed ridge descent
An inverted mountain: down is optional, up is mandatory. Never attempt rim-to-river-and-back in one day in summer.