Supai Tunnel
The North Kaibab Trail's rock-cut turnaround point, 1,400 feet below the rim
About
Supai Tunnel is the natural turnaround point for day hikers on the North Kaibab Trail, the only maintained route into the canyon from the North Rim. It sits 2 miles below the trailhead at 6,840 feet, a 1,400-foot descent through switchbacks cut into the Coconino sandstone and Supai Formation. The tunnel itself is a short passage blasted through solid rock, opening onto exposed views of the Redwall Limestone cliffs dropping away below.
What to expect
- 4 miles round trip, roughly 2-4 hours depending on pace
- Steady, switchbacking descent with real elevation loss on the return climb
- Pit toilets at the tunnel; potable water is normally on mid-May through mid-October but is currently shut off, so carry all the water you'll need
Most casual hikers stop here rather than continuing on toward Roaring Springs, since the trail keeps dropping and the climb back out gets harder with every extra mile. There's little shade once you're past the first switchbacks, so an early start matters even on the cooler North Rim side of the canyon.
Best Time to Hike to Supai Tunnel
There's little shade once you're past the first switchbacks, so an early start matters even on the cooler North Rim side of the canyon.
Trail Tips
- Pit toilets at the tunnel; potable water is normally on mid-May through mid-October but is currently shut off, so carry all the water you'll need.
- Most casual hikers stop here rather than continuing on toward Roaring Springs, since the trail keeps dropping and the climb back out gets harder with every extra mile.
- Real elevation loss on the way down means a real climb back out — pace yourself accordingly.
Getting to Supai Tunnel
Descend 2 miles from the North Kaibab Trailhead via steady, switchbacking trail — 4 miles round trip, roughly 2-4 hours depending on pace.
What to Expect at Supai Tunnel
Supai Tunnel is the natural turnaround point for day hikers on the North Kaibab Trail, the only maintained route into the canyon from the North Rim. It sits 2 miles below the trailhead at 6,840 feet, a 1,400-foot descent through switchbacks cut into the Coconino sandstone and Supai Formation. The tunnel itself is a short passage blasted through solid rock, opening onto exposed views of the Redwall Limestone cliffs dropping away below.
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