Backcountry Trail Distances

Corridor Trails Distances

South Kaibab Trail: The trail begins on the South Rim near Yaki Point, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4860 ft (1480 m), along a 6.3 mile (10.1 km) trail. Because of the unavailability of water and steepness of the South Kaibab Trail, rangers recommend hiking down this trail only - and recommend using the Bright Angel Trail for the hike out.

River Trail: The trail has little elevation variation and follows the Colorado River for 1.7 miles (2.7 km) between the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Two foot bridges permit access to the north side of the Colorado River.

Bright Angel Trail: The trail begins on the South Rim just west of Kolb Studio, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4460 ft (1360 m), along a 7.8 mile (12.6 km) trail. This trail passes through Indian Garden.

North Kaibab Trail: The trail begins on the North Rim at the head of Roaring Springs Canyon and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation from rim to river is 5850 ft (1780 m), along a 14.2 mi (22.9 km) trail.

 

DW = drinking water; TF = Toilet Facilities; EP = Emergency Phone; RS = Ranger Station

Distance Via:	Distance from Rim (mi/km)	Elevation (ft/m)	DW	TF	EP	RS	Other
Bright Angel Trailhead to:		6860/2093
Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse	1.6/2.6	5729/1748	Y	Y	Y		water available mid-May to mid-Oct only
Three-Mile Resthouse	3.1/5	4748/1449	Y	Y	Y		water available mid-May to mid-Oct only
Indian Garden Campground	4.8/7.7	3800/1160	Y	Y	Y	Y	picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
River Resthouse	8/12.9	2480/756		Y	Y
Bright Angel Campground	9.5/15.3	2480/756	Y	Y	Y		picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
Phantom Ranch	9.9/15.9	2546/776	Y	Y	Y	Y	reservation required for food and lodging; pay phones
South Kaibab Trailhead to:		7260/2213
Cedar Ridge	1.5/2.4	6120/1865		Y
Skeleton Point	3/4.8	5220/1591
Tip Off	4.4/7.1	4000/1219		Y	Y		junction with Tonto Trail (distance to Indian Garden via Tonto Trail - 4.6 mi/6.6 km)
Bright Angel Campground	7/11.3	2480/756	Y	Y	Y		picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
Phantom Ranch	7.4/11.9	2546/776	Y	Y	Y	Y	reservation required for food and lodging; pay phones
North Kaibab Trailhead to:		8241/2512
Supai Tunnel	1.7/2.5	6800/2073	Y	Y			water available mid-May to mid-Oct only
Roaring Springs	4.7/7.3	5220/1591	Y	Y	Y		water available mid-May to mid-Oct only
Pumphouse Ranger Station	5.4/8.4	4600/1402	Y	Y		Y	seasonal ranger station
Cottonwood Campground	6.8/10.9	4080/1244	Y	Y	Y		water available mid-May to mid-Oct only; picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles
Ribbon Falls	8.4/13.3	3720/1134					waterfalls; day use only; stay on designated trails
Phantom Ranch	13.6/21.8	2546/776	Y	Y	Y		reservation required for food and lodging; pay phones
Bright Angel Campground	14/22.5	2480/756	Y	Y	Y	Y	picnic tables, food storage cans, pack poles

 

Corridor Trails Brochure

Only the South Kaibab, Bright Angel, and North Kaibab Trails (known as the Corridor Trails) are maintained and patrolled on a regular basis. These three trails meet at the bottom near the only bridges that span the Colorado River. Together, they create a popular cross-canyon "corridor". The Corridor Trails offer expansive views, reliable water sources, great camping, and the opportunity for hiking in and out on different trails. Backcountry rangers highly recommend this area, especially for your first Grand Canyon adventure.

Two PDF versions of the brochure are available:

• Poster size (2 pages, 16.54 inches x 23.23 inches), 4mb
• Letter size (7 pages, 8.5 inches x 11 inches), 1mb

 

Tonto Trail Distances

Tonto Trail: This trail crosses the Tonto Platform approximately 3900 ft (1200 m) below the South Rim, intersecting both the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails.

For a table showing distances along the Tonto Trail view the following PDF file: Tonto Trail Distances.