South Kaibab Trail
Legendary trail just south of Yaki Point.
Plan Around South Kaibab Trail
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South Kaibab Trail Details
The legendary South Kaibab Trail into the Grand Canyon begins just south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Starting at an elevation of 7,200 feet, the trail follows a ridgeline three miles down to Skeleton Point, shedding 2,000 feet of elevation in the process. Popular day hikes include the 1.8-mile roundtrip to Ooh-Ahh Point, the three miles out and back to Cedar Ridge, and the more arduous Skeleton Point hike, which will reward you with a view of the Colorado River. If you plan to hike the trail bring plenty of water, especially in the summer; there's practically no shade on the trail, though the tradeoff is terrific views all along the way. Be careful around mules on the trail and don't go further than Cedar Ridge on a summer day hike or Skeleton Point the rest of the year. Overnight hikers can use South Kaibab to connect to Bright Angel Trail and the Tonto Trail It's important to note that you can only access the South Kaibab trail via bus or shuttle. There is a bus between the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Mather Point, the Yavapai Geology Museum, South Kaibab Trailhead, and Yaki Point. There is also an early morning _Hiker's Express_ to the South Kaibab Trailhead from Bright Angel Lodge shuttle bus stop, the Backcountry Information Center, and Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Parking is available at the Backcountry Information Center.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Grand Canyon Village
Nearby Parks Around South Kaibab Trail
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Nearby Points of Interest Around South Kaibab Trail
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0.0 mi away
South Kaibab Trailhead
The water filling station is located at the trailhead.
0.2 mi away
South Kaibab Trail
Legendary trail just south of Yaki Point.
0.2 mi away
South Kaibab Trailhead
The westbound portion of the Orange Route between the Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum is not in operation.
0.2 mi away
South Kaibab Trailhead
Restroom available at the South Kaibab Trailhead.
0.3 mi away
Yaki Point Road Intersection
Picnic area available near Yaki Point Road.