Points of Interest

Cedar Ridge

A strenuous but rewarding turnaround point below the South Rim

(151)

Grand Canyon Village, AZ

About

Cedar Ridge is the first real milestone on the South Kaibab Trail, about 1.5 miles below the South Rim, and it's the turnaround point most day hikers should actually respect. The trail drops fast from the trailhead, and this wide, exposed bench is where the views open up in every direction — a very different perspective on the canyon than anything you get standing on the rim.

What to expect

This isn't a stroll. Reviewers consistently describe the hike down as scenic but the climb back out as genuinely strenuous, with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain on the return. There's no shade to speak of once the sun clears the cliffs, temperatures below the rim regularly run hotter than at the top, and there is no water source anywhere on the trail — you carry in everything you'll drink. A pit toilet is available at Cedar Ridge itself, and it's a common rest stop for hikers continuing past Ooh Aah Point toward the Tonto Trail or beyond.

Distance: about 1.5 miles one-way from the South Kaibab Trailhead
Access: no parking at the trailhead — take the free park shuttle (orange route)
Restrictions: no dogs on the trail
Rating: 4.9 stars from 147 Google reviews

Go early. Multiple reviewers who hiked with kids or in the heat of the day flagged Cedar Ridge as harder than expected on the way up — start at sunrise, bring more than you think you'll drink, and treat this as a real hike, not a rim-adjacent overlook.

Reviews (151)

See all on Google

4.9

151 reviews

Google Reviews

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Ethan Welch

3 months ago

Took our family of five (kids ages 14, 12, 11) down to Cedar Ridge and back. Definitely strenuous. A little scary at points. But worth it. Took us 2 hours and 6 minutes total round trip.

Mark Stevens

6 months ago

One of the two below the rim hikes I had planned on doing during this visit to Grand Canyon National Park. Definitely worth it, but very strenuous, especially on the hike up and back! Definitely bring water and go earlier in the morning for the cooler temperatures. Take the bus ride from the visitor center on the orange route to not have to deal with parking on site.

Audrey Nickerson

5 months ago

It was a challenging hike back up from Cedar Ridge with our kiddos but totally worth it for the views! Just took some extra mini breaks on the way back up.

Josh Pease

a year ago

Part of the south kabob hike. It’s about 1.5 miles down the canyon to make it here. If you made it to Aah Ohh point, definitely go the little extra down the canyon to come here. You get closer to the landmark view and the trail has some super open parts at this area to see the canyon from different perspectives and such. There are some really cool old trees and many viewpoints and areas to hangout here too! Got to see some park works with miles riding up the trail as well. If there near you or trying to pass make sure to give them enough space and respect them.

Pamela Harjo

a year ago

GO EARLY! It’s an oven below the rim and once the sun passes over the cliffs (mid morning/early afternoon) you won’t be able to escape the blazing heat. It can easily feel above 100 below the rim. Stay hydrated (preferably a few days or maybe even a week prior to the hike) but include electrolytes - this is important! This is not your average hike. Do your research on common mistakes and don’t forget downhill feels a lot different than coming back uphill, which you most certainly have to do. No dogs allowed. Take a backpack with plenty of hydration and a snack. Sitting in the shade at Cedar Ridge Point enjoying an apple and mixed nuts while taking in the view was one of the best experiences. We felt accomplished and prepared ourselves for the hike back, gaining over 1000 feet in elevation. There are no water sources on the trail itself, so you’ll need to bring your own. Parking is limited and not allowed at the trailhead, use the shuttle (it’s free). It’s 1.5 miles each way. It’s not easy, but it’s doable. I do not recommend it for people with ankle, knee, or back issues. I would also be hesitant to recommend this trail for anybody with high blood pressure or heart issues, especially in the heat of the day. I give 5 stars for the scenic views. But keep in mind this is not a paved trail, it’s marked, but rocky and can be uneven.