This is a great option for a day hike in the Grand Canyon. South Kaibab Trail is a well-maintained (but steep!) stretch of dirt with very little shade and a trailhead that’s accessible only by shuttle bus. No private vehicles are allowed in this portion of the park. It’s a scenic adventure through and through, but South Kaibab’s main destinations include Ooh-Aah Point (at the highest elevation of 6,660 feet), Cedar Ridge (good for novice hikers and late starters), and Skeleton Point (an unobstructed view of the Colorado River with steep switchbacks).
South Kaibab Trail of Grand Canyon
Jason Ross/age fotostock
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Ascending the South Kaibab Trail
The warm canyon floor of Arizona’s Grand Canyon offered some protection from a fast moving February snow storm. Deep inside the canyon we watched the rim transform into a winter wonderland. The hike out offered the most beautiful views, and quite an adventurous hike.
Hike the South Kaibab Trail
It’s hard to know exactly what to do at the Grand Canyon. It is massive and there are so many possibilities. If you are in the South Rim of the canyon, the South Kaibab trail is great because it leads down toward the basin of the canyon but you can tailor it to your group. There is an easy 1.8 mile roundtrip hike that takes you to Ooh Ahh Point for a spectacular view. The next stopping point is Cedar Ridge, a 3 mile roundtrip hike that leads you to a flat area with even better, wider views of the canyon. We did the 6 mile roundtrip hike to Skeleton Point. Here you can catch a glimpse of the Colorado river. This is also where most of the life altering, meaningful thoughts about life came to me. If you’re a real champ you can hike all the way down to the bottom of the basin but it’s advised that you don’t do this in one day. There is no shade or water on the trail so bring enough water for your selected hike. Hot tip: make sure you don’t bring so much water you are dragged down by it. There is only one chance to use the “toilet” (at the Cedar Ridge) so chugging all your water to lighten your load is not a good option. I tried it.
