Desert View

This is another steep, marginally maintained, rough trail that descends from the South Rim to Horseshoe Mesa and Cottonwood Creek; it does not go to the Colorado River. The trailhead is at Grandview Point and leads down to Horseshoe Mesa where several mining relics including ore crushers and cabins are still present. The trail then continues on to Cottonwood Creek, which will be dry at most times of year. There is no water along this trail, so you must carry sufficient water with you. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Coconino Saddle, at 2.2 mi with 1165 ft of elevation change; Horseshoe Mesa, at 6.0 mi with 2500 ft of elevation change; and Cottonwood Creek, at 10.0 mi with 3800 ft of elevation change.

Slightly steeper than the Bright Angel trail, this trail starts from Yaki Point and follows a ridgeline into the canyon. Because the trail follows a ridge the views are spectacular and wide-open, but the amazing scenery comes at a cost: there is almost no shade to protect hikers from the sun, and the lack of natural water sources means that there is less plant and animal life. Hikers should be aware that there is no water available along this trail and prepare for brutal conditions – summer hikes can be particularly dangerous. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Cedar Ridge, at 3.0 mi with 1140 ft of elevation change; Skeleton Point, at 6.0 mi with 2040 ft of elevation change; the Tipoff, at 8.8 mi with 3260 ft of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground, at 14.0 mi with 4780 ft of elevation change.

A paved, generally flat trail along the South Rim. Viewpoints along this path have views just as good as Mather Point but with way less people. Some points along the trail go near parking lots and shuttle bus stops, so there are lots of options to do just a section of the route, which is a good choice for visitors who want something easier than the more serious trails listed below. A section of the Rim Trail includes the 2.83 mi Trail of Time, which takes you through the past 2 billion years of geologic history by way of interpretive signs and rock samples.

Good views, the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail, historic buildings, and massive crowds.

This trail descends steeply from the North Kaibab Trailhead on the North Rim to Roaring Springs, the headwaters of Bright Angel Creek, where it flattens out for the long trek to the Colorado River. The upper stretch of the trail (from the trailhead to Cottonwood Campground) receives some shade, but the lower stretch to Bright Angel Campground becomes dangerously hot during the summer, and hiking between 10AM and 4PM should be avoided. During the summer, potable water is available at Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, and Cottonwood Campground; between Roaring Springs and the Colorado River, water from Bright Angel Creek can be purified for drinking purposes. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Supai Tunnel, at 3.4 mi with 1440 ft of elevation change; Roaring Springs at 9.4 mi with 3020 ft of elevation change; Cottonwood Campground 13.6 mi with 4160 ft of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground 28.0 mi with 5760 ft of elevation change.

The park's most popular trail is the Bright Angel trail which starts near the Bright Angel Lodge. This trail traverses a seemingly unending series of switchbacks down the canyon wall before leveling out somewhat around the oasis of Indian Gardens. During the summer months water is available at: the Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse 1.5 mi, the Three-Mile Resthouse 3.0 mi and Indian Gardens 4.5 mi. However, check to ensure that the water is functioning before departing, as water main breaks are common. Most hikers will traverse only a portion of this trail, and the park recommends that day hikers never attempt to go further than Indian Gardens. Winter hikers should note that the top 2 mi of this trail are likely to be icy. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, at 3.0 mi with 1131 ft of elevation change; Three-mile Resthouse, at 6.0 mi with 2112 ft of elevation change; Indian Garden, at 9.8 mi with 3060 ft of elevation change; River Resthouse, at 16.2 mi with 4380 ft of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground, at 19.2 mi with 4380 ft of elevation change.