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Arizona Trail

AZT Passage 36-39

The Grand Canyon section of the Arizona Trail - 21 miles of rim-to-rim hiking through the heart of the canyon on the South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails

Distance

21 mi one-way

Difficulty

Expert

Days

2-3 days

Best Season

Oct-Apr

Route Overview

Passages 36-39 of the Arizona Trail (AZT) comprise the Grand Canyon section - a 21-mile rim-to-rim traverse through the heart of the canyon on the South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails. This is one of the most challenging and spectacular sections of the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail, which crosses Arizona from Mexico to Utah.

The route starts at the South Rim near Yaki Point, descends 7.1 miles on the South Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River, crosses the river via the Black Suspension Bridge, then ascends 14 miles on the North Kaibab Trail to the North Rim. The total elevation change is over 10,000 feet - 4,780 feet down to the river, then 5,780 feet up to the North Rim.

This is not a casual day hike. It's a multi-day backpacking trip that requires careful planning, physical fitness, and a backcountry permit. But for those who are prepared, the reward is one of the most spectacular and challenging hikes in the National Park system.

Route Description

Passage 36 - South Rim to River (7.1 miles): The route starts at the South Kaibab Trailhead near Yaki Point and descends 7.1 miles to the Colorado River. This section is steep, exposed, and has no water. The trail follows a knife-edge ridge with 360-degree panoramic views. Turnaround points include Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles) and Skeleton Point (3.0 miles) for day hikers.

Passage 37 - River Crossing (0.5 miles): After reaching the river, the route crosses via the Black Suspension Bridge and connects to the River Trail. This is a short but critical section - the bridge is the only crossing point for the Arizona Trail in the Grand Canyon.

Passages 38-39 - River to North Rim (14 miles): After crossing the river, the route ascends 14 miles on the North Kaibab Trail to the North Rim. This section is steep, remote, and has water at Supai Canyon (5.5 miles) and Roaring Springs (9.5 miles). The trail climbs through the inner gorge, then traverses the North Rim plateau to the trailhead.

What It's Really Like

The Grand Canyon section of the Arizona Trail is consistently described by thru-hikers as "the hardest part of the entire trail" and "absolutely worth every step." The sheer scale of the canyon, the steepness of the climbs, and the remote, waterless environment make this a true test of endurance and preparation.

The South Kaibab descent is steep and exposed. You'll drop 4,780 feet in 7.1 miles, with no water and no shade. The views are spectacular, but the heat and exposure can be dangerous. Start early (before 5 AM in summer) and carry all the water you need.

The North Kaibab ascent is even harder. You'll climb 5,780 feet in 14 miles, with water available only at Supai Canyon and Roaring Springs. The inner gorge section is steep and brutal, with a 22% grade in places. The final climb to the North Rim is a long, hot slog through the plateau.

Insider tip from thru-hikers: This section requires a backcountry permit - you can't just day-hike it. Plan to spend 2-3 days, camping at Bright Angel Campground (river) or one of the designated campsites along the North Kaibab Trail. And if you're not prepared for the physical challenge, consider skipping this section and using the shuttle between the rims.

Permits & Regulations

Permit Required: Yes. A Grand Canyon backcountry permit is required for all overnight trips. The Arizona Trail section through the Grand Canyon is not exempt - you must obtain a permit just like any other overnight backpacking trip.

How to Apply: Permits are obtained through the Grand Canyon backcountry permit system. Applications are accepted via the recreation.gov lottery system. Submit early - this is a popular route with limited availability.

  • Lottery applications open February 1 for the following year
  • Specify "Arizona Trail" or "rim-to-rim" in your trip description
  • Permit fees apply

Camping: Camping is only allowed at designated campsites - Bright Angel Campground (river), Cottonwood Campground (North Kaibab, 6.5 miles), or the North Rim campground. Dispersed camping is not allowed.

Route-Finding & Safety

  • Water: The South Kaibab Trail has NO water. You must carry all water needed for the descent (at least 1 gallon per person). Water is available at the river, then at Supai Canyon (5.5 miles) and Roaring Springs (9.5 miles) on the North Kaibab Trail.
  • Heat: Summer temperatures at the bottom of the canyon regularly exceed 110°F. The optimal season is October through April. Even in winter, sunny days at river level can be warm.
  • Physical Challenge: This is one of the most physically demanding hikes in the National Park system. The total elevation change is over 10,000 feet. You must be in excellent physical condition and acclimated to hiking in heat.
  • Emergency: No cell service in most of the route. Satellite communication devices (InReach, SPOT) are strongly recommended. The nearest ranger station is at Phantom Ranch or along the river patrol schedule.

External Resources

Return to: Arizona Backpacking Regions