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Best time to visit Grand Canyon

Rim to Rim Hike in Grand Canyon 2024

This hike is a classic bucket list adventure, North to South Rim or vice versa

Best time: mid-May–October

Looking north on the North Kaibab Trail in an open area south of Cottonwood Campground
Backpackers just below Cottonwood Campground on the North Kaibab Trail descending deeper into the Grand Canyon
Hiker dormitories at the Phantom Ranch
Camping in the Grand Canyon
Bright Angel Campground

The Rim-to-Rim Hike is for the experienced adventurers. The hike takes you along the North Kaibab Trail down to Bright Angel Trail, adding up to 24 miles of incredible views and memories. It is a rather strenuous adventure, so it's better to join the hike only if you are well-prepared. If you are fit enough and have all the necessary gear, it might become the best adventure in your lifetime.

Why North to South? The North Rim has a higher elevation, so the southward hike is more reasonable. Also, North Rim offers a limited choice of accommodations and restaurants, so you need to book in advance, thus, it's easier to plan it as a starting point. South Rim offers more hotels and restaurants to reward yourself with food and drinks after the hike.

North Kaibab Trail takes you through the mesmerizing landscapes full of two billion years of the Earth’s history carved in ancient rocks. After hours of a knee-pounding walk, you reach the sandy banks of the Colorado River in the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. Here, dozens of massive rock formations tower above on all sides.

The first rest comes at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, some 2,550 feet above sea level, 5,800 feet lower than the North Rim and 4,600 feet lower than the South Rim. Here, you can enjoy some rest and an overnight stay at Bright Angel Campground, or at one of the unique lodges in America—Phantom Ranch, where hikers can pre-book a warm meal and a cold drink and rest in a cozy bed afterwards. This is just the beginning of the adventure. Dorm reservation opens a year in advance, so book early.

From there, the ascending part begins along the Bright Angel Trail. It is famed as the park’s premier trail, but it’s no easy stroll. The southward hike from Phantom Ranch starts with crossing the Colorado River (too cold and speedy to swim in). Seasonal water sources and ample shade make this part rather convenient to conquer. There are a few resthouses and campgrounds along the way, but make sure to book them in advance.

Experienced hikers can choose to camp out at Cottonwood, Bright Angel, and Indian Garden campsites. To do so, you must obtain a backcountry permit about four months in advance. If you are not lucky to get a permit, you can try a last-minute option at the North Rim Backcountry Office or South Rim Backcountry Office.

All in all, the hike usually takes two days. Some people manage to do it in a day, while others spend a few nights at the bottom, so they have more time to absorb Rim-to-Rim memories. Hikers say there are sufficient bathrooms and water stops on the way. Before starting the hike, stop by the Backcountry Information Center for a trail update.

The prime time for hiking rim to rim is mid-May to October when all the camping and information facilities are running in full swing (North Rim businesses usually close down for the winter season). Also, Highway 67 in North Rim area is closed in winters. Late May and September could be the best months as they are not as hot as the summer months, and the chance of monsoon thunderstorms is lower.

Practical info

When is the best time to hike the Rim-to-Rim trail in Grand Canyon?

The trail is best hiked from mid-May to October when facilities are operational. Months of late May and September are particularly suitable due to less heat and lower thunderstorm risk. Winter season closes North Rim businesses, and Highway 67 is inaccessible.

Where can I obtain accommodations before and after hiking the trail?

Accommodations are limited on the North Rim, so it's best to book in advance. The South Rim offers more hotels and restaurants – ideal for beginning and ending the hike. The Phantom Ranch Lodge is a unique experience, with reservations opening a year ahead. The Backcountry Information Center also provides accommodation guidance.

What permits do I need to camp at Cottonwood, Bright Angel, and Indian Garden campsites?

Backcountry permits are required four months ahead to camp at these campsites. Applications may be made six months before the expected start month. Permits are available from the park's permit office at varying fees based on group size and number of nights. The Backcountry Information Center can also provide permit details.

When is the North Rim Backcountry Office or South Tip Backcountry Office open, and can I obtain last-minute permits?

The North Rim and South Rim offices operate daily except holidays, with changing hours according to season. To browse existing cancellations, a lottery system takes place each morning at the office. Last-minute permits may be granted this way.

What do I need to be aware of before hiking the Rim-to-Rim trail in Grand Canyon, and where can I get a trail update?

The Rim-to-Rim trail requires advanced expertise with few supplies or services on the way, making thorough preparation mandatory. Be sure to check for trail updates, using the Backcountry Information Center or the National Park Service website, before beginning the hike. Regular bathroom and water stops are available during the hike.

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