North Kaibab Trail,
Grand Canyon National Park
The North Kaibab Trail is a strenuous and very steep trail for the first 4.7 miles, with many switchbacks. Once you have hiked to Roaring Springs the remainder of the trail becomes far less of a challenge. A further nine mile hike will take you to the Colorado River, although it is a long stretch of trail, it is not considered difficult.
Potable water is available at several locations on the North Kaibab Trail: Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, the Pumphouse Residence and Cottonwood Campground. These four locations offer seasonal facilities whereas the Bright Angel Campground is the only location with water year-round. The temperatures within the canyon at the Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch can reach well into the 100's during the late spring and summer months. Stay hydrated, eat regularly and rest in the shade whenever you can.
Elevation
The North Kaibab Trail has a maximum elevation of 8,268 ft., a minimum elevation of 2,516 ft. and an elevation range of 5,752 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 14.5 mi | 2,516 ft | 8,268 ft | 5,752 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 7.8 hrs | 0.0 | 0 ft | 5,748 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 9.6 hrs | 479.0 | 5,748 ft | 0 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF North Kaibab Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Kanabownits Spring, AZ
- North Topo Map: Little Park Lake, AZ
- Northeast Topo Map: Point Imperial, AZ
- West Topo Map: Shiva Temple, AZ
- Topo Map: Bright Angel Point, AZ
- East Topo Map: Walhalla Plateau, AZ
- Southwest Topo Map: Grand Canyon, AZ
- South Topo Map: Phantom Ranch, AZ
- Southeast Topo Map: Cape Royal, AZ
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the North Kaibab Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
What is the length of the North Kaibab Trail?
The length of the trail is 14.5 miles (23.3 km) or 33,621 steps.
How long does it take to hike the North Kaibab Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 7.8 hours in one direction and in 9.6 hours in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.