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Grand Canyon National ParkThe vast expanse of the Tonto Plateau
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Grand Canyon National Park
Backcountry Trail Distances

Corridor Trails Distances

South Kaibab Trail: The trail begins on the South Rim near Yaki Point, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4860 ft (1480 m), along a 6.3 mile (10.1 km) trail. Because of the unavailability of water and steepness of this trail, rangers recommend hiking down this trail only - and recommend using the Bright Angel trail for the hike out on the next day

River Trail: The trail has little elevation variation and follows the Colorado River for 1.7 miles (2.7 km) between the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Two foot bridges permit access to the north side of the Colorado River.

Bright Angel Trail: The trail begins on the South Rim just west of Kolb Studio, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4460 ft (1360 m), along a 7.8 mile (12.6 km) trail.

North Kaibab Trail: The trail begins on the North Rim at the head of Roaring Springs Canyon and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation from rim to river is 5850 ft (1780 m), along a 14.2 mi (22.9 km) trail.

DW - drinking water
TF - Toilet Facilities
EP - Emergency Phone
RS - Ranger Station
CG - Campgrounds

Distance Via: Distance from Rim (mi/km) Elevation (ft/m) DW TF EP RS CG Other
Bright Angel Trailhead to:   6860/2091            
1.5 mile Resthouse 1.5/2.4 5720/1743
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
water available May-Sept only
3 mile Resthouse 3.0/4.8 4920/1450
Y
 
-
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
water available May-Sept only
Indian Garden 4.6/7.4 3800/1158
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
picnic tables
Plateau Point 6.1/9.9 3740/1140
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
 
River Trail Junction 7.7/12.5 2446/746
-
 
-
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
 
Bright Angel Campground 9.3/14.9 2480/756
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
picnic tables
Phantom Ranch 9.6/15.4 2546/776
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
reservation required for food and lodging; pay phone
South Kaibab Trailhead to:   7260/2213            
Cedar Ridge 1.5/2.4 6320/1926
-
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
 
Tonto Trail Junction 4.4/7.1 4000/1219
-
 
Y
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
distance to Indian Garden via Tonto Trail - 4.6 mi/6.6 km
River Trail Junction 6.0/9.7 2640/805
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
 
Bright Angel Campround 6.8/10.9 2480/756
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
picnic tables
Phantom Ranch 7.2/11.6 2546/776
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
reservation required for food and lodging; pay phone
North Kaibab Trailhead to:   8250/2515            
Supai Tunnel 2.0/3.2 6800/2073
-
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
occasional seasonal water
Roaring Springs 4.7/7.6 5200/1585
Y
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
water available May-Sept. only
Cottonwood Campground 6.8/10.9 4080/1244
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
water available May-Sept. only. picnic tables
Ribbon Falls 8.3/13.4 3720/1134
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
waterfalls, day use only
Phantom Ranch 13.7/22.0 2546/776
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
-
 
-
 
reservation required for food and lodging; pay phone
Bright Angel Campground 14.1/22.7 2480/756
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
Y
 
picnic tables
River Trail Junction 14.2/22.9 2400/732
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
 
 

Tonto Trail Distances

Tonto Trail: This trail crosses the Tonto Platform approximately 3900 ft (1200 m) below the South Rim, intersecting both the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails.

For a table showing distances along the Tonto Trail view the following PDF file: Tonto Trail Distances.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT AT THE GRAND CANYON  

Did You Know?
Pres. Teddy Roosevelt said of the Grand Canyon, "Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children, and for all who come after you, as one of the great sights which every American should see."

Last Updated: September 27, 2007 at 15:19 EST