South Kaibab Trail.

The 6.8 mile descent to Bright Angel Campground on the South Kaibab Trail follows a well maintained trail, with multiple switchbacks for the first 2 miles. This leads you to a natural ridge line that unravels all the way down to the Colorado River.  

There is no access to shade or water on this section of the trail.

South Rim elevation:

• South Kaibab Trailhead – 7,260 feet

• Bright Angel Trailhead - 6,860 feet

• Bright Angel Campground – 2,480 feet

North Kaibab Trail.

The most difficult part of the trail due to extreme changes in elevation, the North Rim is often overlooked with only one in ten visitors venturing outside of the South Rim.  

At 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim and covering twice the distance, what it lacks in expansive 360 degree views it makes up for in a variety of ways. From the ecology and waterfalls to the bridges and wildlife.

The North Kaibab Trail will kick your butt as you descend steeply into the valley via a series of endless switchbacks! This top portion of the trail (down to Roaring Springs) is the most challenging part of the hike as you descend almost half of the drop in the first five miles.

North Rim elevation:
North Rim Trailhead – 8,241 feet
Roaring Springs – 4,800 feet
Colorado River – 2,425 feet

South Rim, South Kaibab Trail & Bright Angel Trail Campgrounds.

Desert View Campground

• Located at the East Entrance to the park

• 49 campsites available

• No backcountry permit required

• Book via Recreation.gov

Mather Campground

• Located at Grand Canyon Village

• 327 sites available

• No backcountry permit required

• Book via Recreation.gov

• Use the free shuttle available around Grand Canyon Village - stops at the campground and South Rim trailheads

Havasupai Gardens Campground

• Located on the Bright Angel Trail, less than 5 miles from the South Rim

• 15 campsites available

• Backcountry permit required

• Apply for a permit via NPS

• Previously known as Indian Garden Campground - renamed in November 2022

North Rim & North Kaibab Trail Campgrounds.

North Rim Campground

• Located less than one mile from the Visitor Center

• 87 sites available

• No permit required

• Book via Recreation.gov

• Open from May 15 – Oct 15 2023

• Wide range of facilities, including hot showers and well stocked shop

Cottonwood Campground

• Located on the North Kaibab Trail, halfway between the North Rim and the Colorado River

• 15 sites available

• Backcountry permit required

• Apply for a permit via NPS

Bottom of the canyon.

Bright Angel Campground

• Located at the bottom of the canyon

• 32 campsites available

• Backcountry permit required

• Apply for a permit via NPS

• Facilities include a Ranger Station, drinking water and flush toilets

Phantom Ranch

• Located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch is the only lodging available below the canyon rim

• Choose from a small number of dormitories and cabins

• To-go breakfast, lunch and dinner food options available

** Please note that room capacity and facilities at Phantom Ranch is limited in 2023 due to the waterline replacement project taking place. Check Phantom Ranch’s website for more details **

• No backcountry permit required for overnight stays in dormitories or cabins

• Advance reservations required, book via Grand Canyon National Park Lodges

• Dates currently available to book - January to April 2023 (as of January 01 2023)