Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Hike

The route begins at North Kaibab, 8,241' on the North Rim, and ends at South Kaibab, 7,260' on the South Rim, crossing the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. From North Kaibab, follow North Kaibab Trail as it switchbacks down through Roaring Springs Canyon, reaching Supai Tunnel at 1.7 miles. Continue through the tunnel to a bridge over Bright Angel Creek near Roaring Springs at 4.7 miles, a 5,780-vertical-foot descent from the rim to this point. Continue past Manzanita Rest Area at 5.4 miles and Cottonwood Campground at 7 miles. At 8.4 miles, a signed spur turns right toward Ribbon Falls; stay straight on the main trail as Bright Angel Canyon narrows at The Box. At 14 miles, reach Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch at the Colorado River. Turn onto the Black Bridge to cross the river; South Kaibab Trail begins on the south side. Climb east along an exposed ridgeline, passing The Tipoff at 4 miles below the rim and Cedar Ridge at 1.5 miles below the rim. Continue up the final switchbacks past O'Neill Butte, gaining 4,860 vertical feet to South Kaibab. The South Kaibab climb has no shade and no water; carry enough for the full ascent. Arrange a shuttle between the two trailheads before starting — North Kaibab and South Kaibab are roughly 4.5 hours apart by road, and there is no way to transit between them inside the canyon other than on foot.