South Kaibab Trail
Day Hike Tour
From $625/group
3-7 hours
Easy-Moderate
Jan-Dec
3-6 Miles
Up to 2K Feet
On this tour we descend steep switchbacks into the depths of the Grand Canyon, hiking along an exposed ridge and surrounded by stunning 360-degree views. There are 3 excellent picnic spots, the farthest of which offers breathtaking views of the mighty Colorado River and Phantom Ranch 3,000 feet below us.
Highlights
Rates
1-2 People: $625
3-4 People: $845
5-7 People: $1025
Rates are in USD and are per group.
Gratuity not included (recommended 10-20% of rate)​
What's Included
Local Transportation
Professional Guide
Snacks & Lunch
Trekking Poles
Entrance Fees*
Fascinating Interp
* Entrance fees are not included if meeting us inside the Park.
What's Not Included
Clothing & Footwear
Backpack
3 Liters of Water
Headlamp or Flashlight
Sun Protection
Guide Gratuity*
* Recommended guide gratuity is 10-20% of the tour cost, depending on your level of satisfaction
Dates and Booking
Logistics
Where Do We Meet?
​​Your guide will pick you up at your accommodations in Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan or at the South Rim. Your guide will reach out approximately 48 hours before the hike to answer any questions you have and confirm the pick-up time and location.
Start/End Times
This tour begins with pick-up at your hotel between 5 and 8 am, depending on the time of year. We will drop you back off at your accommodation no later than 5 PM.
Dietary Restrictions
We can accommodate all dietary restrictions. Please notify your guide of any restrictions when they contact you 48 hours prior to your tour.
Gallery
Reviews of the South Kaibab Tour
"The entire experience with Grand Canyon Hiking Co. was amazing. Our guide, Jamie, was top notch and made it as wonderful as it could be! The views are mind-blowing on this hike and even the same strata of the canyon seemed to change as we ascended or descended. Highly recommend!"
Kathy W., Appleton, WI
Is This Hike Right For You?
Asking whether this is the right hike for you is important! Please read below for some straight talk about what to expect and whether this hike is the best option for you and your group.
Breathtaking Views
This trail has arguably the best views in the Canyon and offers the most "bang for your buck" if you're going to to do one hike.
Bathroom
There is a bathroom located at Cedar Ridge, 1.5 miles down. We will hike past it on the way down and on the way back up. The bathroom is a national park pit toilet.
Moderate Heights Exposure
We hike on trails that are close to sheer drop-offs. They are well-maintained trails and wide enough for mules, but there is moderate heights exposure.
Sun & Shade
This hike does not have much shade. We are in the sun most of the time. To protect yourself we recommend having a sun hoody, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Popular Trail
This is one of the most popular trails in Grand Canyon. The beginning of the trail is often quite busy, but the deeper we go the quieter it becomes.
No Water Sources
There is no water on this hike. You will be carrying a minimum of 3 liters of water (more in the summer). There is nowhere to refill your water and staying hydrated is critical.
More About the South Kaibab Trail
The South Kaibab Trail was built in 1925 by Grand Canyon National Park as an alternative to Ralph Cameron's "Cameron Trail" (now the "Bright Angel Trail") which was a toll-accessible trail, and the main established route into the Canyon. The National Park Service, which was newly formed at the time, was struggling to maintain jurisdiction over its young national parks.
History of the South Kaibab Trail
1890-98
Ralph Cameron reconstructed a traditional Havasupai route by widening it and improving it down to "Indian Gardens" (now "Havasupai Gardens). He began charging a toll to travel this trail into the canyon. The famous Kolb brothers began their photography service and studio on this trail, photographing tourists as they began down the trail, and selling them the photos on their way back up. By 1898 the trail extended all the way to the Colorado River at the junction with Pipe Creek.
1919
President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill that founded Grand Canyon National Park. It was the 14th national park established in the United States. (Yellowstone was the first in 1872.) At the time of its founding there was significant resistance from local business owners to give up control of the land within the Canyon to the people of the United States. One of the first initiatives of the new national park was to wrest control of the Bright Angel Trail (by this time owned by Coconino County.) After plenty of efforts ended in frustrating defeat, the park service pivoted and began looking for a new route into the Canyon.
1925
The South Kaibab Trail (originally called the "Yaki Trail") was constructed from Yaki Point to the Colorado River and the newly constructed Phantom Ranch (1922). The trail was blasted out of the sheer cliffs and ridgelines of the canyon with dynamite, making for a dramatic route with spectacular views. The Black Bridge, which connects the South Kaibab Trail to the north side of the river and Phantom Ranch, was completed in 1928.