Guest Author - Jill Florio
The South Kaibab Trail of the Grand Canyon is steep and demanding, but offers unsurpassed views and the shortest route from the rim to the river.
This is one of the two "Corridor" trails on the south rim; it's in great shape, and always full of hikers. After the renowned Bright Angel, this is the most popular Grand Canyon trail. A demanding hike of 6 miles will get you to the River Trail, or total of 7 miles to Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the canyon.
This path winds mercilessly down narrow, hand-cut ledges through the Kaibab and Coconino Limestones, the Supai Sandstones, and, finally, the endless steps of the Redwall Limestone cliffs. Every step is spectacular, and unsurpassed views unfold around each bend. This scenery is better than views from the easier Bright Angel Trail (which is tucked in a side canyon).
The gradient levels out, briefly, on the Tonto Plateau, where hikers can continue on, down the the river, or take the Tonto Trail east or west. Continuing to the river will take you over the aptly-named Tipoff, a majestic overlook perched precariously above the Inner Gorge. From here the trail winds across slopes of red shale to the Black Bridge spanning the mighty Colorado. Phantom Ranch - a small village at the bottom of the Grand Canyon - lies only a short walk downriver, where you can buy a cold beer or hot meal.
The South Kaibab offers several composting toilets enroute, but no water, so be sure you have enough liters to carry you safely down and up. You can count on refilling at Phantom Ranch or from the Colorado River (always treat river water before drinking). There is an emergency phone at the Tipoff, if needed, at the 4.5 mile point below the rim.
Since this trail follows a ridge line, there is no shade - be prepared with sunscreen, hat and glasses, and try to hike earlier or later in the day to avoid the worst heat. Always bring a flashlight, just in case you get caught on the trail after sunset. A windbreaker will be important as well, and will take up very little space in your daypack.
Lastly, bring adequate high-calorie snacks - the serious descent and ascent will require intake of plenty of sugar and salt and fats. Trailmix, Clif Bars, Luna Bars and hunks of fresh cheese should fit the bill. Gatoraid is a great electrolyte supplement for your water.
Good day hike destinations include Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point, the top of the Redwall Stairs, and the Tipoff. Only experienced hikers in strong condition should attempt reaching the Tipoff and back in a day - a nine-mile roundtrip.
The three-mile round-trip to Cedar Ridge is the canyon's most popular day hike destination, and you will find hikers of all ages and conditions making the short, steep trek out this scenic panorama. Further on, you will see less crowds, but still a stready passage of downhill and uphill hikers, as well as mule trains.
Stand still on the uphill side of the trail as mule trains pass. Also, please remember to yield - as in step aside - for uphill hikers, who have the right of way in the grand canyon.
For strong Grand Canyon hikers, loops can be made by taking the Tonto Trail west to Indian Gardens, and up the Bright Angel, or looping across the River Trail and thus up the Bright Angel. Canyon literature strongly recommends you DO NOT attempt these hikes unless you really know what you are doing. 250 people require canyon evacuation every year, and people die when they underestimate the unique demands of the rugged Grand Canyon.
To get there
Arriving at the Grand Canyon South Rim, find a suitable parking area and lock you car. You will need to catch a shuttle for the trip out to Yaki Point - a spur road no longer open to passenger cars. The gas-powered shuttles are free and run by every half hour. Exit the shuttle at the South Kaibab Trailhead. There are portapotties at the top, and a payphone, but no water.
Related Articles
Grand Canyon Article Archive
FYI - This is the book I use to prepare for all my hikes in the Canyon:
