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HikesUnited StatesGrand Canyon Rim-to-Rim

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim

Also known as: R2R, North Kaibab-Bright Angel

The full depth of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch, layered rock walls

Difficulty 5/5 · Very hardMultidayPoint-to-pointDay or 2-day corridor
Distance
~33-38 km
Max elevation
~2,500 m
Elevation gain
~1,700 m
Duration
1 long day
iconicrim to rimheat dangercorridor trailbig descent
Plan this hike
Explore the rugged beauty of the Tetons in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park during autumn.

The route

The line through Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile~2,500 m (North Rim)
0 km38 km

Waypoints

  1. 1
    North Kaibab Trailhead (North Rim)Trailhead
    ~2,500 m0 km

    Seasonal (mid-May-mid-Oct)

  2. 1
    North Kaibab Trailhead (North Rim)Trailhead
    ~2,500 m0 km

    Seasonal (mid-May-mid-Oct)

  3. 2
    Cottonwood CampgroundCamp
    ~1,300 m11 km~4 h

    Canyon descent

  4. 2
    Cottonwood CampgroundCamp
    ~1,300 m11 km~4 h

    Canyon descent

  5. 3
    Phantom Ranch / Bright Angel CGHut
    ~760 m23 km~8 h

    Colorado River; lottery cabins/campground

  6. 3
    Phantom Ranch / Bright Angel CGHut
    ~760 m23 km~8 h

    Colorado River; lottery cabins/campground

  7. 4
    Colorado River bridgesJunction
    ~760 m24 km~8.5 h

    Silver/Black suspension bridges

  8. 4
    Colorado River bridgesJunction
    ~760 m24 km~8.5 h

    Silver/Black suspension bridges

  9. 5
    Indian Garden (Havasupai Gardens)Camp
    ~1,160 m30 km~11 h

    Water; halfway up Bright Angel

  10. 5
    Indian Garden (Havasupai Gardens)Camp
    ~1,160 m30 km~11 h

    Water; halfway up Bright Angel

  11. 6
    South Rim (Bright Angel TH)Trailhead
    ~2,100 m38 km~15 h

    Grand Canyon Village

  12. 6
    South Rim (Bright Angel TH)Trailhead
    ~2,100 m38 km~15 h

    Grand Canyon Village

Season & conditions

Best season

Mid-May to mid-Oct (North Rim road/services open)

Weather risks

Inner-canyon summer heat routinely exceeds 40 C - the NPS warns against summer day R2R; winter snow/ice on the rims

North Rim services open ~mid-May-mid-Oct; the inner canyon is dangerously hot in summer. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Steep rim switchbacks, the Colorado River suspension bridges, desert inner-canyon trail

Technical & exposure

Non-technical maintained corridor trails (North Kaibab + Bright Angel/South Kaibab)

Navigation & waymarking

Well-graded corridor trails; obvious

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Rim-to-rim-to-rim (double), or an overnight at Phantom Ranch to break it up; South Kaibab vs Bright Angel for the south side

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Trailheads at the North Rim (North Kaibab) and South Rim (South Kaibab/Bright Angel); ~4.5 h shuttle drive between rims

Shuttle & transport

Trans-Canyon Shuttle connects the rims by road (~4.5 h); reserve ahead

Huts, camping & refuges

Phantom Ranch (lottery cabins/dorm) and Bright Angel Campground on the canyon floor; Cottonwood CG on the North Kaibab

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Grand Canyon Village / North Rim; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-guided

Permits & safety

No permit for a day rim-to-rim; overnight in the canyon (Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch) requires a backcountry permit/reservation, very competitive. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Heat exhaustion/hyponatremia, dehydration, over-exertion; no vehicle exit mid-canyon; water sources seasonal

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike