South Rim Trail

Loved it! Do not purchase a pass until you get to the gate if you have someone who is disabled or military. (You will be pleasantly surprised.) Pass allowed us to travel with our loved one and see the rim without the hike. Views are amazing and hospitality at the lodge and visitors centers was excellent.

Super easy trail with amazing lookout points over the canyon. Dog friendly which is a huge plus! Highly recommend continuing on and stopping at the other lookouts along the scenic drive.

I highly recommend the Rim Trail for all accessibility and experience levels. Its the perfect morning trail for a one day visit in the park, complete with history, wildlife, and tons of information so I could understand what I was taking in. The edge sits at an elevation of 7,129 ft and is usually cooler than the canyon by about 30 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius). So, in summer after sunrise it was already getting close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit by the time I started hiking, just for a frame of reference. From Mather, I first saw signs to look down and see the Colorado and the Suspension Bridge. Then, it was a clear enough day at the Yavapai Geology Museum that I could see Mt Trumbull 62 miles away. Next I hit the educational main event, the Trail of Time. So well curated with explanation and markers setting the pace of time, along with samples from the geological layers being referenced. The scientific research shared is presented so well. I could do a whole video on what I learned from this one section of trail. Stop to read and take in the samples. It’s so worth it. And believe me, you’re going to stop anyway for the views. There will be a couple of forks in the trail for accessibility sake, but they always link back up. I finished The Trail of Time and headed on to see more Park and Pre-Park history in the Village, which began to be developed in the 1890’s. All in all, I clocked in at just 3.5 miles, from Mather Point to Bright Angel Trailhead. I recommend it highly, especially to those who need amenities and accessibility along the trail.

Great trail that you can tailor to the length you wish. We walked from Bright Angel Lodge to the main visitors center which was about 2.5 miles. Paved trial. We met a Bighorn sheep on the trail early in the morning!

You can’t fully feel the experience until after you’ve visited, seen and felt this walk. Just do it. We experienced 3 seasons in one day it felt like !

The South Tim Trail is stunning and easy to access. It’s all paved road, easy to walk for all ages. It’s also dog friendly. We are visiting on New Year’s, plenty of people on the trail but not too crowded. Great weather: sunny and warm, great visibility. Would definitely recommend it as a perfect designation for multi-generational family travels.. Free shuttle between lodges, hotels, visitor centers and trail heads. Plenty of places to eat.

My second time at the south rim. Still can't comprehend the beautifullness of the place Desert view is the best spot, quite far tho

Great walks everywhere. Plenty of signs and displays and views abound. Take awhile along the trail to some alone time between the busy visitor centers

Hiking made accessible to almost anyone! That is the purpose of the rim trail. It is a great option for families and those with limited hiking experience. But there are options for more experienced hikers as well. In the past, I have hiked the Rim trail from the Visitor Center and Mather Point all the way to the Bright Angel Trailhead. This is a paved path with spectacular views all along the south rim where most of the action of the Grand Canyon happens. You're never too far from anything, and you have access to the geology museum, trail of time, and then finally all the village has to offer. As a more experienced hiker, on my latest trip to the canyon, I opted to take the shuttle out to Hermit's Rest and do an afternoon hike from the far west end back in toward the village. My initial plan was to hike the full 8ish miles, but I ultimately only made it 4.8 miles to Mohave Point. The trail from Hermit's Rest to Pima Point is a greenway trail designed for hiking and biking. It is paved, and there is very little shade during the daytime hours. I started this hike around 11:15am fully understanding that shade would be limited. The trail is easy with some up and down hills, but it's not the most enjoyable to walk on. At Pima Poin though, the trail changes to a footpath that is much easier on the joints and visually stimulating for the eyes. By the time I reached Mohave point with the sun blazing overhead, I decided I had had enough for the day (I'd also hiked 3 miles on the South Kaibab Trail early that morning), and hopped back on the next shuttle east-bound. Just a note, the east-bound shuttles only pick up at Pima Point, Mohave Point, and Powell Point - so plan accordingly!

Rim Trail is a nice easy scenic trail to take if you want little elevation change and great views of the Grand Canyon. The 13 mile trail starts at South Kaibab Trailhead and goes west to Hermits Rest. It goes along the perimeter of the canyon. Because it passes through Grand Canyon Village, you can park and jump on this trail at any point. There are tons of viewpoints along the way and the free shuttle stops at many of them. Rim Trail is pretty easy and all ages can hike/walk it. It is mostly paved, so you can bring strollers and wheelchairs in most areas. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. There is only water available in the village and at Hermits rest, so make sure you bring your own.

The Rim Trail is one of the most scenic trails on the South Rim and also the easiest trail to traverse. Most of the other trails require you to hike down into the canyon which will limit your view to mainly what's inside. And while the inside of the canyon is beautiful, the Rim Trail allows you to walk along the perimeter of the canyon which will expose you to a broader view. The entire stretch of this trail measures about 13 miles long, and the path is mostly paved. There's minimal incline and lots of scenic viewpoints along the way, making this trail ideal for children, families, people with disabilities, and people who are looking to do a light stroll around the park versus a more challenging hike in and out of the canyon. After hiking into the Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail, I decided to take things a little easy and walk the Rim Trail. I walked about 4-5 miles along the trail, and the views were truly breathtaking. Since this is the easiest trail that you'll find on the South Rim, it tends to be my most crowded. If you're not a fan of crowds, this hike definitely won't be for you. But to be honest, most of the trails are crowded here because it's such a heavily coveted National Park. The amount of wildlife that you'll encounter along this trail is pretty insane. So many lizards, squirrels, and even chipmunks. Take advantage of the viewpoint rest stops while you can as they do tend to get crowded. I really enjoyed the stop along Yavapai Point. There's a geological museum next to the Yavapai viewpoint and that too has some amazing views of the canyon from inside. This isn't a difficult trail at all, but it is recommended that you bring plenty of water since most of the trail is exposed and it can get really hot during the afternoon and into that evenings. It the mornings it can be freezing cold though. It was 30 degrees when I got to the Grand Canyon at 6:45 am in the morning. The deeper that you descend into the canyon, the warmer it'll be. Luckily since the rim is at the highest elevation, it doesn't get as hot as it would inside of that canyon. However, it DOES still get really warm, so be prepared for that. This was an easy yet very scenic stroll around the park. I would love to walk all 13 miles of this trail one day.

So far in the Grand Canyon this has been my favorite trail because the effort to payoff is relatively low given the elevation gain is negligible. Personally, I started off at Hopi point and started walking westward. My favorite stretch was from Hopi to Mojave As there is a great variety in landscape, including a graveview of the Colorado River. The next stretch from Mojave two the abyss wise a little less scenic, as the trail did not offer quite as much exposure to the canton, and the scenery itself was not quite as stunning as the previous stretch. After where it's, we took the bus from the abyss, to Pima point to watch the sunset. Personally, I think Mojave or Hopi point are better spots for sunset watching. What's the points that we visited, I personally found Yaki point to be my favorite for sunset watching. Great areas for viewing off the beaten path. I personally think that this trail is perfect for the less fit, or those of advanced age. The trail itself is well marked, keeps great exposure to the best piece of the canyon, and follows along a pathway where the closest shuttle stop is usually no more than 1 mile away.

Fantastic trail - paved and beautiful! I love the fact that you can take strollers and wheelchairs along this path also

Look, I know that when you go to the Grand Canyon and think about hiking, you probably don't automatically think about The Rim Trail. With incredible hikes down into the canyon like South Kaibab, or Bright Angel, this one doesn't exactly plunge forth and excite visitors. But low key, this is one of the most amazing hikes in all of the world. You heard me. Think of it! You are hiking along the rim of this massive wonder of the world, popping out of the trees to find incredible sweeping vistas. You go from viewpoint to viewpoint with unmatched views, and you're telling me it's not an absolute lifechanger? Yes, you will be hiking next to the road, and it's more of a walk than a hike, with almost no perceptible elevation change. And there are plenty of paved spots, which I think is great, accessibility-wise. You are not having a backcountry adventure here, but inch for inch (views per foot?) you're getting in an incredible bang for your buck. Plus, if you're down to hike a small segment, then just do that. Hike from bus stop to bus stop, and then ride the next section. It's an incredibly pleasant way to see the canyon, and if you have good eyes on your kids, it's a very family friendly way to whet their appetite for the gnarlier hikes when they're older. In most cases, you're just going to park at the visitors center, then bus into the village. I was here in winter and was able to park a bit closer, and then drive up Hermits Rest Road (bus-only except in winter) and park at a few of the stops. We scampered a bit on the trail, but I would love to come back some day and walk a lot more of it. Bring the camera, for sure.

We were lucky to find parking in the village at the start of the trail. It's a very easy 12 mile hike that allows you to go for as long as you like and when you are done just catch the shuttle that continuously runs throughout the day. The trail was not busy and the only time that we saw a crowd of people was when we approached the viewing areas. This is where the shuttle dropped off and picked up visitors. The trail is paved but you can easily go off the path for a more peaceful experience. Along the way there are markers and other information available. The viewing areas have signage that gives a little history about the rock formations and such.

Our two year anniversary trip to Arizona brought us to the magnificent Grand Canyon National Park. We knew it was going to amazing so we decided to do the rim trail before we left since we only had one afternoon to do it before heading home. Bring a camera because I guarantee you will be snapping away at the beauty before you. The rim trail is a nice easy hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon. It is shaded and parts of it are wheelchair accessible. The trail has a few spring water fill up stations. The water tasted amazing. If you get tired there are benches along the way to rest and various places to stop to rest or grab a snack. There are shuttle buses nearby at various points along the rim trail.

The day was February 27, 2016. The weather was fantastic! The Trail was South Rim Canyon Trail from El Tovar to Hermits Point. The distance 7-8 miles out & a shuttle bus back. These hikers were up early and very eager to hit the trail. They were well prepared with food, snacks, survival gear, and plenty of water in the camel bag. One problem, these hikers didn't confirm the Shuttle Bus schedule to & from Hermit Point, which wasn't supposed to start it's seasonal runs for another 2 days!!! Despite their haste and the unknown truth, these Hikers enjoyed the day; the views, meeting others along the trail, the wild life (a squirrel & several raven - don't feed either!) and many signs of other wild life tracks. There wasn't a worry in the world all while making good time along their trek. The views never ceased bringing the same reaction of "ooo'g and ahhh'g." At the half way mark, Mohave Point, lunch was had and these hikers began a casual conversation with a tour bus driver, when the hikers learned the horrible truth. No shuttle service for another 2 days. DOH!!! The tour guide was kind and offered to radio in for a cab. A cab in the Grand Canyon?!?!? (Is someone playing with us?) Well, after we politely declined, common sense kicked in. Doubling back along the same trail didn't seem so bad (totaling 7-8 miles for the day) versus a 2 day wait for a shuttle. So, be a better informed hiker than these 2 hikers and check the schedules or take a cab. Maybe you'll make Hermit Point with a little better planning and enjoy a foot soothing ride back to the El Tovar area on a shuttle bus.

The Rim Trail is a roughly 13 mile trail that follows the Grand Canyon's edge from Hermits Rest to the South Kaibab Trailhead. It overlaps the main walkway in Grand Canyon Village. Using a highway anology, if the Grand Canyon is the Pacific Ocean; both Rim Drive and Desert View Road would be U.S. 101 and the Rim Trail would be the Pacific Coast Highway. Hermits Rest is the western control city, Grand Canyon Village is both the hub and major city, and South Kaibab Trailhead is the eastern control city. The Rim Trail is the Grand Canyon's scenic pedestrian highway providing countless vistas of the canyon, and access to the breathtaking overlooks. It is a walking photo spot that is as good as it gets. Generally the Rim Trail is an easy hike. The surface is pavement, with the exception of a 3-mile segment between Monument Creek Vista and Powell Point. Along the 3 mile unpaved segment, there are a few "focus on the moment" spots. Despite the fact that it is generally flat, there are some grades, especially west of Grand Canyon Village. The Grand Canyon South Transit buses that travel on Rim Drive and Desert View Road parallel to the Rim Trail make retracing your steps unnecessary. There are a few precautions. Bring plenty of water. Food and beverage service is nonexistent from Hermits Rest to Grand Canyon Village, and Grand Canyon Village to the Visitor Center. Another concern is a lack of fencing separating humans from the canyon's edge. The Grand Canyon Guide suggests staying at least six feet from the canyon's edge and holding onto children. Due to the fact that the Rim Trail is the scenic pedestrian highway that follows the canyon's edge, it connects with the majority of the attractions. A handful are Hermits Rest, Bright Angel Traihead, Lookout Studios, Yavapai Geology Museum, Trail of Time, hotels, restaurants, and Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Based on my experience hiking in Grand Canyon National Park, I recommend two days to hike the Rim Trail. One day would be from the Grand Canyon Village west to Hermits Rest, and a second day would be from Grand Canyon Village east to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. **At the time of my visit, The Rim Trail was not in Yelp. That is why there is no check-in.

DO NOT GO TO THE GRAND CANYON IF YOU HAVE BEEN OR ARE GOING TO SEDONA - Arizona the Grand Canyon state?!?! Comm'on man!! Sedona is 43x more prettt and Grand. Also how is Sedona not a national park? Okay don't get me wrong the Grand Canyon was cool and all and yea we only did the rim trail we didn't dive di to all of its granddeous beauty but hey neither did the many many other tourists doing this trail. It's a cute pic don't get me wrong, and hey now I can say I've been to the Grand Canyon but other than that I'd be like nah let's go to Sedona or drive the to worlds edge in flagstaff, there is tear jerking beauty out there and the Grand Canyon just didn't float my canoe you know what I'm saying?? But this gets four stars because it was a great path easy amenedies and at the end of the day you see what your there to see, if your driving through do it! $35 bucks to a great cause and now you can say 'I've been to the Grand Canyon' -- I even got a tee shirt!!

A very nice easy walk along the rim of the Grand Canyon. Plan to navigate around a lot of people and folks on bikes. The nice thing is that there is a free shuttle from the visitors center to various trailheads.

Lots of snow and ice on the trail as it was late December. Still a decent amount of people though. Witnessed a lot of slipping. This is a good "hike" on a clearly paved pathway with plenty of viewpoints and photo ops with the Grand Canyon in the background. You can reach the parking lot from the village/shops and vice verse using this trail. It's literally along the rim of the canyon.

22 tips for enjoying the Rim Trail. 1. The rim trail is an 11 mile paved pedestrian/bike path stretching from Hermit's Rest to Pipe Creek Vista in the east. Most people hike from the historic area of the Grand Canyon village westward towards Hermit rest. 2. The trail runs parallel to south rim of the Grand Canyon, and alongside Hermit Road, the Canyon Loop road, and for a short distance the Desert Road in the west. 3. There are at least two dozen overlooks of the Canyon next to the rim trail. These are accessible both by the rim trail, and by the shuttle buses running on the roads nearby. 4. Three different sets of shuttles run on the three roads parallel to the rim trail. If you get tired of walking, you can catch a shuttle. 5. Get an early start to take pictures of the sunrise over the Canyon. You will also hike while it is cooler during the day, and avoid the worst of the crowds, and also get a seat on the shuttles. 6. The rim trail is relatively flat, and widest in the eastern portion and the area through the central part of the historic Grand Canyon Village area, and narrowest along the Hermit road. 7. You can rent a bicycle at Bright Angel Bicycles near the Grand Canyon visitor center and pedal your way along the entire rim trail. Bicycles are not allowed on the bus shuttles. 8. During the spring and summer, parking will be very limited during the daytime in the historic Grand Canyon village. 9. Visitors are encouraged to park near the visitor's center, and use the shuttles to travel to portions of the rim trail. 10 The Market Deli at the Market Plaza near the South entrance road on your way to the visitor center, where you may stock up on sandwiches, drinks, and other refreshments and supplies. 11. There are restrooms at the visitor's center, Mather point, Yavapai point, the El Tovar hotel lobby, the Bright Angel lobby, Bright Angel Trailhead, and the Hermit's rest, all along the rim trail. 12. Within the historic center, you will pass the Verkamp visitor center, the Hopi House, the El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel lodge, the Buckey O'Neill Cabin, the Lookout Studio, and the Kolb Studio, all along the rim trail. 13. The El Tovar Hotel, and the Bright Angel Lodge have several restaurants where you can eat a meal along your rim hike. Snacks and drinks may be purchased at gift stores in these areas, and also at the Visitor Center and Hermit's rest. 14. Access to Hermit road is limited to free bus shuttles from March 1- November 1 each year. Private vehicles are prohibited from traveling on Hermit road during that time. 15. Most people will hike a portion of the rim trail, and then take the shuttle back. To hike the entire 11 mile trail, would take most of the day, given numerous stops to take pictures at the overlooks. 16. Keep in mind that you will need a hat or visor for sun protection, sunblock on your neck and arms, and water bottles. 17. You are at 6,200 feet altitude, and require heavier and more frequent breathing to intake the same amount of oxygen as sea level. This will weaken your stamina and endurance. 18. As you travel farther west toward the Hermit's rest, you will be able to see the Colorado River as a green ribbon of water along the otherwise brown landscape of the Grand Canyon 19. Toward sunset, go to Hopi Point, to get great photo shots of the shadows among the Grand Canyon sunset colors. 20. The trail is wheelchair accessible, but there are some inclines in the east, and the trail is very narrow in the west. 21. In the historic Grand Canyon village, the rim trail is wide enough to accommodate service vehicles. And it needs to be wide, to handle the crowds during the spring and summer. 22. Prominent trails running off the rim trail include the Bright Angel trail head, and the South Kaibab trail head, which is just beyond the eastern most point of the rim trail. Both of these trails lead to the bottom of the canyon.

We walked east for 4 miles from bright angel and west for 3 miles from bright angel. Cannot recommend this trail enough - even if you have already seen many of the official viewpoints. The reason that this trail is so great is that it has views almost the entire team, AND the views are mostly your own (very few people walk this trail). The best section was west of the Bright Angel Lodge. Highly recommended, even if you have hiked some of the GC's best trails already (i.e. South Kaibob, Bright Angel, etc.)

We did this hike the morning before we left and after hiking the Bright Angel trail, the rim trail was so easy and relaxing. It is more secluded and we did not even see anyone else hiking the trail. You are just hiking along the rim of the canyon and it is pretty level the way way through, no ups and downs for the most part. The views are breathtaking and there are lookout points throughout and even picnic tables overlooking the canyon. There is also a shuttle that stops at the lookout points so you can hop on if you get tired. According to my friend I was hiking with..the beauty that you see hiking this trail makes you feel like the only people on earth. I recommend this trail if you have the time for it.

Pros: Multiple days are recommended to explore the rim of the Grand Canyon. The further away from the main visitor centers, the more secluded the area. Being alone in the grandeur is an indescribable experience that must be experienced first hand. Cons: Bring plenty of water & food.