Rim Trail
Thirteen miles of rim, walkable one shuttle stop at a time
About
The Rim Trail runs about 13 miles along the South Rim, from South Kaibab Trailhead east of Grand Canyon Village all the way west to Hermits Rest, sitting around 7,000 feet in elevation the whole way. Most people don't walk the whole thing — and don't need to. It's built for dipping in and out: hop on for a mile between shuttle stops, stretch your legs after the drive in, or slip away from a crowded overlook for some quiet rim views of the canyon and, in spots, the Colorado River far below.
Know Before You Go
- Mather Point to Yavapai Geology Museum is a paved, mostly flat 0.7 miles — the easiest stretch, with views toward Phantom Ranch and the river.
- Mather Point to Grand Canyon Village is 2.5 paved miles, mostly downhill heading west, with water and restrooms at the museum, visitor center, and village.
- Village to Hermits Rest is a longer 7-mile mix of dirt and pavement with steep grades and steps, and much less water along the way.
- The trail is wheelchair accessible from Lookout Studio to South Kaibab Trailhead; it narrows and climbs past Bright Angel Lodge.
- Fourteen shuttle stops line the route, spaced roughly 0.3 to 1.8 miles apart, so you can hike one direction and ride back.
Best Time to Walk the Rim Trail
The trail is usable year-round; the Village-to-Hermits-Rest stretch has much less water along the way, so plan that section with more caution in warmer months.
Trail Tips
- The trail is wheelchair accessible from Lookout Studio to South Kaibab Trailhead; it narrows and climbs past Bright Angel Lodge.
- Fourteen shuttle stops line the route, spaced roughly 0.3 to 1.8 miles apart, so you can hike one direction and ride back.
- Water and restrooms are available at the museum, visitor center, and village along the easier eastern stretches.
Getting to the Rim Trail
- Mather Point to Yavapai Geology Museum is a paved, mostly flat 0.7 miles — the easiest stretch.
- Mather Point to Grand Canyon Village is 2.5 paved miles, mostly downhill heading west.
- Village to Hermits Rest is a longer 7-mile mix of dirt and pavement with steep grades and steps.
What to Expect on the Rim Trail
The Rim Trail runs about 13 miles along the South Rim, from South Kaibab Trailhead east of Grand Canyon Village all the way west to Hermits Rest, sitting around 7,000 feet in elevation the whole way. Most people don't walk the whole thing — and don't need to. It's built for dipping in and out: hop on for a mile between shuttle stops, stretch your legs after the drive in, or slip away from a crowded overlook for some quiet rim views.
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