Hiking Trail at Cedar Ridge
Exploring the South Kaibab Trail at Grand Canyon National Park
Nestled on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the South Kaibab Trail offers a unique and challenging hiking experience. Located approximately 2.3 miles east of the Visitor Center, the trailhead can be found at GPS coordinates 36.05335° N, 112.08344° W [1][4].
Parking and Access
The South Kaibab Trailhead does not permit overnight parking or camping. To reach the trailhead, visitors must rely on a shuttle service from Grand Canyon Village, as parking availability at the trailhead is limited and fills quickly during peak seasons [1][2]. This arrangement helps in reducing congestion and preserving the park environment around this popular trail access point.
Hiking Essentials
Given the trail's challenging nature, hikers are advised to wear hiking or fitness clothing and footwear. The trail does not offer much shade, and water is scarce, so hikers should bring between 1-2 litres of water and a handful of snacks [1].
Amenities Along the Trail
Toilets are not available at Cedar Ridge along the South Kaibab Trail. Mules are present on the trail, supplying Phantom Ranch and hauling out trash, but they do not offer tourist rides [1]. It's important to note that mules are fewer on the South Kaibab Trail compared to the Bright Angel Trail.
Getting to the Trailhead
Parking a short walk away from the trailhead is an option for those who prefer not to take the shuttle bus. These areas are legal for parking, but hikers should expect to walk about 15-20 minutes on an easy path or roadside to reach the South Kaibab Trailhead [1].
Alternatively, the Orange Shuttle Bus can be taken from several parking lots around Grand Canyon Village, including the Visitor's Center, to reach the South Kaibab Trail [3]. For early morning hikes, the Hiker's Express Shuttle Bus is available and can be used by anyone [2].
The South Kaibab Trail Experience
The South Kaibab Trail is built with a standard gradient (overall) of 10% and has a standard width of 4 feet wide [1]. This corridor trail, heavily used and actively maintained, is the second most popular trail after the Bright Angel Trail.
The trail goes through the Kaibab Limestone layer of rock found at the top of the trail [1]. The South Kaibab Trail is part of the Arizona Trail (AZT), which stretches about 800 miles from Mexico to Utah, and is considered one of the best thru-hikes in the USA [5].
Seasonal Considerations
In summer, the temperature rises about 5.5F for every 1,000 feet that you descend, and there is not much shade on the hike. Hiking during midday in the summer is not recommended [1]. In winter, the South Kaibab Trail can be covered with snow, and hikers may need micro-spikes and trekking poles [1].
Historical Significance
Intriguingly, the South Kaibab Trail was the first trail from the rim to the river built by the Parks Service, constructed in 1925 at a cost of about $1 million in today's money [6].
Transportation Services
A taxi service called Xanterra Taxi Service (24 hours) 928-638-2631 can be used to reach the South Kaibab Trailhead [1]. Mules leave at variable times, usually around mid-morning, and a train leaves from Phantom Ranch around the same time [1].
[1] - Official Grand Canyon National Park Website [2] - Grand Canyon Shuttle Information [3] - Grand Canyon Village Parking and Shuttle Information [4] - Map of Grand Canyon National Park Trails [5] - Arizona Trail Association [6] - National Park Service Historical Information
- Hiking on the South Kaibab Trail at Grand Canyon National Park provides a unique and challenging experience, as it is the second most popular trail after the Bright Angel Trail.
- The South Kaibab Trailhead does not allow overnight parking or camping, and visitors must utilize a shuttle service from Grand Canyon Village due to limited parking availability during peak seasons.
- Given the trail's challenging nature, hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, carry 1-2 litres of water, and bring snacks for energy.
- Amenities along the South Kaibab Trail include mule traffic supplying Phantom Ranch and hauling out trash, but to toilets are not available at Cedar Ridge.
- For those who prefer not to take the shuttle bus, parking a short walk away from the trailhead is an option, but hikers should expect to walk about 15-20 minutes to reach the South Kaibab Trailhead.
- The South Kaibab Trail is built with a standard gradient and width and is part of the Arizona Trail, one of the best thru-hikes in the USA, stretching about 800 miles from Mexico to Utah.
- Intriguingly, the South Kaibab Trail was the first trail from the rim to the river built by the Parks Service and was constructed in 1925 at a cost of about $1 million in today's money.
