A sweeping aerial view of South Kaibab Trail switchbacks winding past The Chimney rock formation at Grand Canyon.
Day Hike

South Kaibab Trail

A ridge walk into the canyon with views from the first switchback

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Grand Canyon interior, AZ

About

The South Kaibab is the Grand Canyon's ridge-line trail, and it announces itself fast: no long approach through trees, just switchbacks known as "the chimney" dropping you onto an exposed spine with 360-degree canyon views almost immediately. Most day hikers turn around well short of the river. Ooh Aah Point is 1.8 miles round trip with about 790 feet of elevation change, a reasonable one-to-two-hour outing. Cedar Ridge extends that to 3 miles round trip and roughly 1,120 feet of gain/loss, with restrooms and enough flat ground to sit and take in the view. Skeleton Point, at 6 miles round trip and about 2,040 feet of elevation change, is the point the park service says to check conditions with a ranger before attempting.

Know before you go

  • There is no water anywhere on this trail; the trailhead filling station is currently offline, so carry it all in, at least 4 liters in hot weather
  • Shade is minimal to nonexistent for most of the route
  • No private vehicles at the trailhead — park at the Visitor Center and ride the Kaibab (Orange) shuttle
  • Mule trains use this trail regularly; hikers yield the uphill side

Best Time to Hike South Kaibab Trail

Shade is minimal to nonexistent for most of the route, so an early start matters more here than on shadier trails, especially in warmer months.

Trail Tips

  • There is no water anywhere on this trail; the trailhead filling station is currently offline, so carry it all in, at least 4 liters in hot weather.
  • No private vehicles at the trailhead — park at the Visitor Center and ride the Kaibab (Orange) shuttle.
  • Mule trains use this trail regularly; hikers yield the uphill side.

Turnaround Points on South Kaibab

  • Ooh Aah Point: 1.8 miles round trip, about 790 feet of elevation change, a one-to-two-hour outing.
  • Cedar Ridge: 3 miles round trip, roughly 1,120 feet of gain/loss, with restrooms and flat ground to rest.
  • Skeleton Point: 6 miles round trip, about 2,040 feet of elevation change — check conditions with a ranger before attempting.

What to Expect on South Kaibab Trail

The South Kaibab is the Grand Canyon's ridge-line trail, and it announces itself fast: no long approach through trees, just switchbacks known as "the chimney" dropping you onto an exposed spine with 360-degree canyon views almost immediately. Most day hikers turn around well short of the river.

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