Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike—The Ultimate Guide
Ready to cross one of the most scenic canyons on Earth? We've got you covered.
Grand Canyon National Park is one of America’s most stunning natural sights, and ranks among its top outdoor destinations. A testament to the power of erosion and time, the massive canyon tracks the course of the Colorado River through barren landscapes. This makes hiking the Grand Canyon an experience unto itself. Because it is so well known you are unlikely to find yourself alone on Grand Canyon trails. That should not stop you from visiting the park, and certainly should not dissuade you from exploring our favorite hikes. Even so, keep in mind that wherever you go, you must eventually come back. A descent to the canyon floor can be dangerous, even deadly, without adequate preparation.
Ready to cross one of the most scenic canyons on Earth? We've got you covered.
Cliff falls are the second most common ways people die in one of America’s most dangerous national parks.
From dayhikes to weekends to weeklong hikes, our Grand Canyon experts will have you ready to hit this natural wonder in no time.
While most national parks cut services, it will be (mostly) business as usual at the Big Ditch.
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These 9 miles of Grand Canyon essence are among the best 100 miles of trail in the whole national park system.
See the best the Big Ditch has to offer with these stunning photos from Matt & Agnes Hage.
Follow the footsteps of John Wesley Powell to iconic views above the Grand Canyon on this backcountry trek.
This 10.7-mile out-and-back dives more than 3,000 feet to a photogenic perch offering five-star views of the Colorado River and the second deepest canyon in the United States.
Multi-layered red rocks line mile-deep canyons and cactus flowers explode with pastels on this 16-mile out-and-back to a Colorado River tributary.
This stout three-day backpacking trip emphasizes the "grand" in Grand Canyon as it follows hardscrabble trails to remote campsites, old mining claims, and the scene of an airplane crash.
This 21.5-mile clockwise loop in Grand Canyon National Park strings together faint trails and an Eden of waterfalls and swimming holes.
Tackle one of the toughest and least crowded routes in the Grand Canyon on this 24.4-mile loop.
Descend from Grandview Point for a lesser-hiked, four-day, point-to-point between rim and river.
On this 13.7-mile out-and-back trek to the bottom of the Grand Canyon tour rugged canyons, cross the Colorado River, and take in stunning river-to-rim views.
Get full-canyon views from Skeleton Point on this 7-mile drop into the Big Ditch.
Drop off the north rim on the North Kaibab Trail on 8.1-mile hike down to Bright Angel Canyon.
Multi-layered red rocks line mile-deep canyons and cactus flowers explode with pastels on this 9.7-mile out-and-back to Esplanade overlook.
Nearly 150 years after John Wesley Powell's pioneering trip through the Grand Canyon, the park still conceals remarkable places no humans have ever seen. Contributing editor John Harlin joins a crew of explorers on a journey of discovery.
Descend to the Ditch's primitive core on a three-day loop.
Don't try this at home: Our editor-in-chief tackles a gonzo 21-hour rim-to- rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon with friend Shelli Johnson.
Veteran Grand Canyon photographer and explorer Elias Butler did double duty on his visit to Royal Arch by capturing the beauty on video and in photographs.
Drop into America's belly on a little-known hike that dips in and out of four different canyons, each blessed with gurgling spring water.
Need a crash course in backpacking? Join our newbie and his brooding teenager as they fend off mountain lions, overzealous retail clerks, and other beginner hazards.