Backpacking The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim

Written By Kendall Garrett

Everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon, but very few have actually hiked all the way down into the depths of the canyon and even fewer have hiked from the North Rim to the South Rim. You can do this all in a day hike, but this guide is how to spend multiple nights down inside the canyon by backpacking this route. You will find all the information for camping permits, trails aspects, a sample itinerary, and a packing list to ensure you have everything you need for your trip into the canyon!

Disclaimer: This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers.

Travel

Airports

  • Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (3.5 hour drive)

  • Las Vegas International Airport (4.5 hour drive)

  • Phoenix International Airport (5.5 hour drive)

Transportation

  • Best way to get to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is by renting a car and making the drive from whatever airport you choose

Permits and Passes


Trail Aspects

  • All Trails Link

  • Length: 23.3 miles

  • Elevation gain: 5278 ft

  • Things to note about trail

    • If hiking this in the summer months The Grand Canyon is known for its record high heat, causing heat strokes in many unprepared visitors. Each day you need to start your hike no later than 5am to avoid hiking in these extreme temperatures

    • There are water stations and bathrooms along the trail so no need to filter water!

    • Campsites are all first come first serve, as long as you have your backpacking permit

    • All campsites have bear hangers to hang your packs

Colorado River at the base of the canyon

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Travel day

  • Fly into whatever airport you choose and depending on what time your flight lands either stay in the airport city or make the drive to the North Rim Campground and stay the night

Day 2

  • Start hike at North Kaibab Trailhead

    • Has a water station and public bathrooms at trailhead

  • Hike 6.5 miles to Cottonwood Campground

    • Has a water station and bathrooms at campground

Day 3

  • Hike 6.5 miles to Bright Angel Campground (0.5 miles from the infamous Phantom Ranch Lodge)

    • Make the walk to Phantom Ranch Lodge and enjoy a cold drink and meal!

    • Go check out the Colorado River and take a dip into the ice cold water!

    • Has water station and bathrooms at campground

Day 4

  • Hike 4 miles to Havasupai Garden Campground

    • Has a water station and bathrooms at campground

Day 5

  • Wake up extra early (we started hiking at 3:30am) to hike out of the Canyon

    • The heat will start to hit you early this day as you have a ton of elevation gain and you are hiking out of the canyon

  • Hike 5.5 miles out of the canyon to Bright Angel Trailhead

  • Take shuttle back to North Kaibab trailhead

  • Camp at North Rim Campground

Day 4

  • Drive back to airport and fly home

Packing list

Kendall Garrett
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