Overview
This passage begins at the South Kaibab Trailhead on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The trail descends through switchbacks, runs north below Yaki Point, along Cedar Ridge, and then reaches the Cedar Ridge rest area. The trail continues down along Cedar Ridge, passes on the east side of O'Neill Butte, and then switchbacks down the east side of a large butte and curves back around to the north. It comes to the Tonto Trail junction and continues across the Tonto Plateau to the edge at a place called The Tipoff. The trail now drops into the inner gorge and switchbacks down to a tunnel and then a suspension bridge across the Colorado River. On the other side, the trail heads downstream, passing the boat beach. It leaves the river, turns north at Bright Angel Creek, and passes Bright Angel Campground. After passing through Phantom Ranch, the trail becomes the North Kaibab Trail, and it continues following Bright Angel Creek. It passes the junction with the Clear Creek Trail, enters the narrows of Bright Angel Creek, and passes Phantom Canyon. The trail crosses the creek several times on footbridges and then reaches the junction with the trail to Ribbon Falls. From the falls, the trail continues up along the creek and reaches Cottonwood Camp.
Further upstream, the trail crosses the creek for the last time and comes to a rest house. It passes the turnoff to Roaring Springs and then begins climbing up along Roaring Springs Canyon. There is a bridge over this creek and then a tunnel. A final set of switchbacks are passed through, and then the trail reaches the North Kaibab Trailhead.
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
To South Kaibab Trailhead From Flagstaff head west on I-40 for 30.4 mi to SR-64. Turn right/north and follow SR-64 55 miles to the park. You will receive a map & information at the GC park entrance.
You can only reach the trailhead by free-shuttle or taxi. Parking is available at several lots. There is a lot a mile from the trailhead on the east drive. If you are there early you can use this lot (it fills up fast) and hike the two miles there and back.
Express hikers' shuttles directly from Bright Angel Lodge and the Backcountry Information Center to the South Kaibab trailhead depart daily at:
March 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 9:00 a.m.
April 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., and 8:00 a.m.
May 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., and 7:00 a.m.
NPS Note: The South Kaibab Trail is located near Yaki Point. Due to the popularity of this area and extremely limited space, parking is not permitted at the trailhead. Hikers must use the park's free shuttle bus system to reach the trailhead. Every morning, several hiker express buses leave from the Bright Angel Lodge and then from the Backcountry Information Center (times vary depending on the month). Otherwise, hikers will need to take the village bus (Blue Line) to Canyon View Information Plaza and transfer to the Green Line. South Kaibab trailhead is the first stop on the Green Line.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 235 mi - about 3 hours 42 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 340 mi - about 5 hours 12 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 88.1 mi - about 1 hour 33 mins
page created by joebartels on Jan 09 2010 12:41 am
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