South Kaibab Trail,
Grand Canyon National Park

Located 9.0 miles from Tusayan, Arizona (AZ)
5 Stars
15,607 Steps 1  (7.0 mi)
Trails › National Parks › Grand Canyon › South Kaibab Trail

The South Kaibab Trail is a steep trail with many tight and narrow switchbacks. The trail offers no water and little shade. However, water is available during May-October at the trailhead. There are pit toilets at Cedar Ridge and the Tip-off. The trail can be popular with tourists between the trailhead and Ooh-Aah Point, but once you're past this overlook, the crowds thin considerably.

South Kaibab TrailSouth Kaibab TrailSouth Kaibab Trail

Elevation

The South Kaibab Trail has a maximum elevation of 7,185 ft., a minimum elevation of 2,445 ft. and an elevation range of 4,740 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
7.0 mi2,445 ft7,185 ft4,740 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
2.7 hrs0.00 ft4,716 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
4.5 hrs393.04,716 ft0 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

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 South 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

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
  1. Northwest Topo Map: Shiva Temple, AZ
  2. North Topo Map: Bright Angel Point, AZ
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Walhalla Plateau, AZ
  4. West Topo Map: Grand Canyon, AZ
  5. Topo Map: Phantom Ranch, AZ
  6. East Topo Map: Cape Royal, AZ
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Tusayan West, AZ
  8. South Topo Map: Tusayan East, AZ
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Grandview Point, AZ

Difficulty

The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the South 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 South Kaibab Trail?

The length of the trail is 7.0 miles (11.2 km) or 15,607 steps.

How long does it take to hike the South Kaibab Trail?

A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 2.7 hours in one direction and in 4.5 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)

Grandview TrailSouth Kaibab TrailWidforss Trail

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.

It's the maps, not the apps that matter.

Subscription Free Trail Maps