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44.5 km
~3 days
1885 m
Multi-Day
The North Kaibab Trail offers an immersive journey into the heart of the Grand Canyon, starting near the North Rim in Arizona. This out-and-back trail spans approximately 44 kilometers (27 miles) and challenges hikers with an elevation gain of around 1800 meters (5900 feet). As you embark on this medium-difficulty hike, you'll traverse a variety of environments, from high alpine forests to the arid canyon floor.
Beginning at the North Kaibab Trailhead, which is accessible by car from Highway 67, the trail descends through a series of switchbacks. Public transport options are limited, so most visitors opt to drive or use shuttle services available from nearby towns during the tourist season. The trailhead is located near the Grand Canyon North Rim Visitor Center, a significant landmark for orientation.
As you descend, you'll encounter the Supai Tunnel at about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) in, offering a brief respite and a chance to refill water during the summer months. Continuing on, Roaring Springs is roughly 7.2 kilometers (4.5 miles) from the trailhead, a vital water source for the North Rim and a picturesque spot worth a pause.
The trail's midpoint is the Cottonwood Campground, approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the start, where hikers can rest or camp with a permit. From here, the path to Phantom Ranch becomes more arid and open, with the vegetation transitioning to cacti and scrub brush.
Phantom Ranch, sitting at the bottom of the canyon, is a historic oasis approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) from the trailhead. This area offers lodging, camping, and emergency services. It's also a crossroads with other trails, such as the Bright Angel Trail, which leads to the South Rim.
The North Kaibab Trail is rich in both natural wonders and historical significance. The Grand Canyon itself is a geological marvel, with rock layers that tell a story spanning millions of years. The trail offers views of various rock formations, including the Vishnu Schist, some of the oldest exposed rock in the canyon.
Wildlife is abundant, with the possibility of encountering mule deer, California condors, and a variety of squirrels and reptiles. Hikers should be aware of the potential for extreme temperatures, especially in the summer months, and should plan accordingly with plenty of water and sun protection.
For navigation, HiiKER is an excellent tool to use for planning your hike, as it provides detailed maps and trail information to ensure you stay on the right path.
To return, hikers must retrace their steps back to the North Rim, which means a strenuous ascent that should not be underestimated. It's essential to start early, take frequent breaks, and be prepared for a full day of hiking, or consider an overnight stay to break up the journey.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or looking to experience the Grand Canyon's majesty, the North Kaibab Trail is a remarkable adventure that showcases the natural beauty and grandeur of this iconic landscape.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the North Kaibab Trail take to hike round trip?
The full North Kaibab Trail out-and-back is about 44.45 km, or roughly 27.6 miles, with 1,885 m of elevation gain on the return climb. Many hikers split it over 2 to 3 days, using Cottonwood Campground or Bright Angel Campground, because the route drops from the North Rim to the inner canyon and the ascent back out is strenuous.
Where do you park for the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim?
The North Kaibab Trailhead is 41 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67 and about 1.5 miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge. Parking at the trailhead is limited, and the park notes that oversized vehicles use parking near the former lodge area and reach the trailhead via the Bridle Path.
Is there water on the North Kaibab Trail at Supai Tunnel or Cottonwood Campground?
Water availability on the North Kaibab Trail can change, so it should never be assumed. The park’s current 2026 status says potable water along the trail is only available at Manzanita Rest Area, while the North Rim currently has no water; older standard trail guidance lists seasonal water points at the trailhead, Supai Tunnel, Manzanita, Cottonwood Campground, and Bright Angel Campground when systems are operating.
Can you camp on the North Kaibab Trail, and where are the campgrounds?
Camping on the North Kaibab Trail is limited to designated campgrounds rather than at-large sites. Cottonwood Campground sits about 6.8 miles, or 10.7 km, from the trailhead near the route’s midpoint, and Bright Angel Campground is about 14 miles, or 22.5 km, from the trailhead near the Colorado River.
What landmarks do you pass on the North Kaibab Trail before the canyon floor?
Major landmarks on the North Kaibab Trail include Supai Tunnel at about 1.7 miles, or 2.5 km, from the trailhead, Roaring Springs at about 4.7 miles, or 7.3 km, and Manzanita Rest Area at about 5.4 miles, or 8.4 km. Cottonwood Campground comes at about 6.8 miles, or 10.7 km, before the trail continues toward Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch.
When is the North Kaibab Trail usually open, and does Highway 67 close in winter?
Vehicle access to the North Kaibab Trail depends on Highway 67 and North Rim seasonal operations. Standard park guidance says Highway 67 typically remains open until November 30 or until winter weather forces closure, then stays closed until May 15; for 2026, the park reopened the North Rim and the entire North Kaibab Trail to foot traffic on May 15, with possible temporary delays from ongoing trail work.
Are dogs allowed on the North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park?
Pets are not allowed below the rim on Grand Canyon trails, so dogs cannot hike the North Kaibab Trail into the canyon. On the North Rim, pets are allowed on the Bridle Path between the lodge area and the trailhead, but not on the inner-canyon trail itself.
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