United States
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike: visitor guide
Do the Rim-to-Rim as a two-day hike with a night at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground, in May or September–October; one-day crossings are for trained runners only. Skip it in July–August heat and when the North Rim is closed (roughly mid-October to mid-May).
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GuideUnited States
Key facts
- Distancecheck
- About 34 km (21 mi) rim to rim via Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails
- Typical duration
- 2 days with a night at the bottom; 1 day for strong hikers
- Best monthscheck
- May, September, October; North Rim open roughly mid-May to mid-October
- Biggest risk
- Heat and dehydration; inner-canyon temperatures run far above the rims
- Permitscheck
- Overnight below the rim needs a backcountry permit; Phantom Ranch by lottery
- Park entrycheck
- US$35 per vehicle, 7 days, South Rim entrance (2026 estimate)
- Getting therecheck
- Drive to the South Rim; a shuttle links the two rims seasonally
Quick answer
Two days, one night at the bottom, May or September–October. That is the version most fit hikers should plan: descend the South Kaibab or Bright Angel trail on day one, sleep at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground, climb out the North Kaibab on day two (or reverse it).
A single-day crossing — roughly 34 km (21 mi) with about 1,700 m of climbing — is a serious endurance effort. It is doable for trained hikers in cool months with an early start, but it is not a first hike and not a summer hike.
What would change the plan: if you cannot get a permit or Phantom Ranch bed, do a South Rim day hike instead; if you are travelling July–August, hike only before dawn and above the rim, or skip the crossing.
Map
The corridor runs between Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and the North Rim, which sits about 16 km (10 mi) away as the crow flies but roughly 350 km (215 mi) by road. The two trailheads are linked only by trail inside the canyon and by a long drive outside it.
Key points: South Kaibab Trailhead (east of Grand Canyon Village), Bright Angel Trailhead (in the village), Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground at the Colorado River, Cottonwood Campground mid-canyon on the north side, and the North Kaibab Trailhead near the North Rim lodge.
- South Kaibab Trailhead — steep, no water, best for the descent
- Bright Angel Trailhead — water points in season, gentler grade
- Phantom Ranch / Bright Angel Campground — river-level overnight
- Cottonwood Campground — halfway up the north side
- North Kaibab Trailhead — North Rim end
The stages
Distances below are the standard corridor route. Treat times as moving time for a fit hiker with a light pack; add breaks, and add far more in heat.
- Water is available seasonally at selected points on Bright Angel and North Kaibab; South Kaibab has none — carry all you need.
- The river crossings are bridges, not fords; the Colorado is not wadeable.
- Mules share the corridor trails; step to the uphill side and stand still.
| Stage | Distance | Time (fit hiker) |
|---|---|---|
| South Kaibab Trailhead → Phantom Ranch | 11 km (7 mi) | 4–6 h |
| Bright Angel Trailhead → Phantom Ranch | 15 km (9.5 mi) | 5–7 h |
| Phantom Ranch → Cottonwood Campground | 11 km (7 mi) | 3–4 h |
| Cottonwood → North Kaibab Trailhead | 11 km (7 mi) | 4–5 h |
| Full crossing (South Kaibab → North Kaibab) | 34 km (21 mi) | 10–14 h |
| Full crossing (Bright Angel → North Kaibab) | 38 km (24 mi) | 12–16 h |
Distances and times are approximate; check current park trail information before you go.
When to go
May and September–October give the best mix of open North Rim, cooler temperatures and reliable water. The North Rim is generally open mid-May to mid-October and closed by snow the rest of the year, which rules out a full crossing in winter.
June–August is the season to avoid for a crossing. Inner-canyon temperatures climb well above the rims, and the park advises against hiking between about 10am and 4pm in the heat. If summer is your only window, hike the corridor at night or before dawn and keep the distance short.
Spring and autumn storms can bring snow and ice to the upper trails; traction devices help in shoulder season.
Where to stay
At the bottom: Phantom Ranch (dorm beds and cabins, booked by lottery well in advance) and Bright Angel Campground (permit required). Cottonwood Campground, on the north side, is another permit-only option that breaks the climb into two shorter days.
On the South Rim: lodges inside Grand Canyon Village and motels just outside the park gate in Tusayan. On the North Rim: the Grand Canyon Lodge area and a nearby campground, open only in season.
Book rim lodging and Phantom Ranch months ahead for May and September–October; these are the busiest windows.
Preparation
You need a backcountry permit for any night below the rim, and a separate reservation for Phantom Ranch. Apply early: permits and beds for spring and autumn go quickly, and the Phantom Ranch lottery runs well ahead of the date.
Carry more water than feels reasonable, salty snacks, a headlamp, sun protection and layers — the rims can be 15–20 °C cooler than the river. Train on stairs or hills with a loaded pack; the climb out is the part that catches people.
Logistics: most hikers park on the South Rim and arrange a shuttle or a second car for the North Rim, or walk it as an out-and-back. Check the park's current shuttle and trail-status pages before travelling, and never rely on a single water source.
- Backcountry permit — required for overnight below the rim
- Phantom Ranch reservation — separate lottery
- Water treatment or filter — for river and creek sources
- Headlamp and spare batteries — for pre-dawn starts
- Traction devices — shoulder-season ice on upper trails
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike?
May and September–October. The North Rim is open roughly mid-May to mid-October, temperatures are manageable and water points are running. Avoid July–August heat, and expect snow and ice on the upper trails in shoulder season.
How do I get to Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike?
Fly to Las Vegas or Phoenix, then drive to the South Rim (about 4–5 hours from Las Vegas). The North Rim is a much longer drive, roughly 350 km (215 mi) from the South Rim by road, with a seasonal shuttle link between the two rims — check current schedules.
How much does it cost to visit Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike?
Park entry is about US$35 per vehicle for 7 days (2026 estimate). Add a backcountry permit fee, Phantom Ranch lodging or campground fees, and rim lodging. Shuttles and fuel are extra; total costs vary widely by how you sleep and travel.
Do I need a permit for the Rim-to-Rim?
Yes for any night below the rim — a backcountry permit is required, and Phantom Ranch beds are booked by a separate lottery. Day crossings do not need a permit, but they are for trained hikers only.
Can I hike Rim-to-Rim in one day?
It is possible for strong, well-trained hikers in cool months with an early start, but it is roughly 34 km (21 mi) with about 1,700 m of climbing. Most visitors should split it over two days with a night at the bottom.
Deep dive
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