Distance
12 mi
Elevation
4,380 ft
Duration
8-12 hours
Difficulty
Hard
Best Season
March – May, September – November
About This Trail
The most popular below-the-rim trail, descending from the South Rim to the Colorado River with rest stops and water along the way.
What You Need
Permit Required
Check recreation.gov for availability and lottery dates
Parking & Access
Arrive early for parking, especially on weekends. Trailhead at (36.057, -112.144)
Ratings
Scenery
10/10
Difficulty
8/10
Crowds
7/10
Community Tips
1
Do NOT attempt rim-to-river and back in one day
2
Carry at least 1 gallon of water per person
3
Start before sunrise in summer
4
Permit needed for overnight camping below the rim