The stunning Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is home to the Colorado River and colorful rockfaces that reveal the area’s geological history. The Grand Canyon is full of scenic trails to suit hikers of all abilities.
Keen hikers, such as John Quarenghi, believe that visitors cannot truly experience the Grand Canyon until they have seen it on foot.
For tips on how to best experience the Grand Canyon on foot, please see the embedded PDF.
Trail of Time
For beginners and families that want to experience the majesty of the Grand Canyon up close, the Trail of Time is a great choice. This trail is a relatively new addition and covers a 1.3-mile section of the Rim Trail.
Visitors to this route will be able to see the different types and colors of rock, whilst learning about the Grand Canyon as they go.
Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground
This hiking route is one of the most iconic in the Grand Canyon National Park. It takes hikers past rock towers showing two billion years of geological history, before ending in an oasis alongside a perennial stream.
The Bright Angel hiking route is a popular choice for overnight trips. Many seasoned hikers recommend staying overnight on the Rim and starting early, as the ascent at the end is the hardest part of the hike.
Horseshoe Mesa Circuit
The Horseshoe Mesa Circuit is a two-night trail offering panoramic views across the Grand Canyon. In addition to the stunning views, hikers can also enjoy access to reliable water supplies and plenty of camping locations.
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
The trail from South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge is not only one of the quickest ways to get to the interior of the Canyon, but it also offers stunning panoramic views across both the North and South Rim. In less than a mile, hikers will experience much of the Canyon’s varied and beautiful geological history.
In addition to the views, hikers on this trail will also benefit from a well-maintained and signed route that is quieter than some of the alternatives.