Whether you want to do an easy hike on the Canyon Rim Trail along or a more difficult hike into the Canyon there are options for you. Both are amazingly beautiful and something you should not miss. The Rim Trail stretches from the South Kaibab Trailhead west to Hermit’s Rest, approximately 13 miles. Most of the trail is paved with a trail condition of flat to slight inclines and some sections are accessible. You can access the trail from any viewpoint along the way in Grand Canyon Village or along Hermit Road.
The two main corridor trails leading to the inner canyon are the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail. Both are maintained and go from the canyon rim to the bottom.
Grand Canyon Rim Trail
The Rim Trail along the edge of the Canyon is a great walking trail with plenty of shady spots, some benches along the way and it is easy to catch the free Park Shuttle if you get tired or need to get back to your starting point.
Bright Angel Trail
The Bright Angel Trail is 9.3 miles deep and the trail includes switchbacks, shade and water most of the year. About half way down is Havasupai Gardens , a great resting place with toilets, water and a ranger station. For a shorter, but just as awesome hike on the Bright Angel Trail plan on going down to mile and a half house. There is a bench to take a rest and water (except in colder months). Average would be 45 minutes down the mile and a half and 90 minutes back up.
South Kaibab Trail
The South Kaibab Trail is 6.8 miles deep with switchbacks, no water available and little shade but again awesome views. And surprisingly enough even though this trail is shorter the steepness makes the time about the same as going to the bottom on the Bright Angel. Again, you don’t have to go all the way to the bottom to experience the beauty, just hike as far as you are comfortable with. Free Park Shuttles take hikers to the trailhead.
Plan For Your Hike
On both the Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail it will take you twice as long to hike out as to hike in. Most first time hikers go at a rate of about one mile per hour. In all cases you want to be prepared for weather and take enough water and food with you. National Park Service does not recommend anyone hiking from the rim to the bottom and back up in one day. Nor do they recommend hiking alone.
For more information www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm
Greenway Trail
The Tusayan Greenway Trail is an excellent, multi-use path that connects the town of Tusayan directly to the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. It is a popular choice for visitors who want to bike or walk into the park to avoid vehicle entrance lines.
The trail is officially rated as Easy. It is a family-friendly route that is primarily paved, though some sections consist of firmly packed gravel. If you are heading from Tusayan into the park, you will face a steady, gentle uphill grade. Because Tusayan is at a high elevation (roughly 6,600 feet), this ascent can be more tiring than expected for those not acclimated to the altitude. The ride back from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to Tusayan is almost entirely downhill, offering an easy coast back to town.
The distance from Tusayan to the Grand Canyon Rim (specifically near Mather Point and the Visitor Center) is approximately 6.6 miles (10.6 km) one-way. A one-way trip typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour by bike, or 1.5 to 2 hours for a brisk walk.
You can access the Greenway Trail from the north end of Tusayan near the roundabout on the west side of Highway 64. The trailhead is also a short distance from the Red Feather Lodge.
During the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), the Purple Route (Tusayan Shuttle) runs between the town and the National Park. These buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to walk or bike the trail one way and take the shuttle back if you’re tired.
Important Note: You must have a valid Grand Canyon National Park entrance pass even when entering the National Park via the Greenway trail. You can purchase the pass at the Red Feather Lodge front desk. The pass will also allow you to ride the National Park shuttles for free.
