South Kaibab Trail: viewpoints and limits
The South Kaibab Trail follows a ridge into the canyon, with wide views from the first minutes. As of October 2026, it is open from the trailhead to Tipoff and closed below Tipoff. That is still more than most day hikers need. Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge and Skeleton Point all lie above Tipoff.
There is no water on the trail and little shade, and there is no parking at the trailhead. You arrive by park shuttle. A drinking water tank stands at the trailhead, but that is not water on the way down. If you would rather see the rim without a hike, look at our Grand Canyon South Rim tours.
Our pick: the South Kaibab Trail at sunset
A short guided hike with gear and a meal.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided Grand Canyon experiences from the rim
Rim walks, tours and viewpoints with live prices and availability. Check each card for what is included and whether park entry applies.
South Kaibab Trail distances: Ooh Aah Point to Skeleton Point
One-way distances from the trailhead. Plan for the same climb on the way back.
| Point | One way | Round trip | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ooh Aah Point | – | – | First panoramic viewpoint, before Cedar Ridge |
| Cedar Ridge | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) | About 3 mi (4.8 km) | Good turnaround for a shorter hike |
| Skeleton Point | 3 mi (4.8 km) | About 6 mi (9.6 km) | Longest advised day hike, not in summer heat |
| Tipoff | 4.4 mi (7.1 km) | About 8.8 mi (14.2 km) | End of the open trail, too far for a day hike |
Ooh Aah Point comes early on the trail, so it is the natural goal for a short walk. Distances vary slightly, so judge by the view and by your time, not by a number. For most visitors, Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge is the right goal. Choose Skeleton Point only if you start early, carry plenty of water and have hiked steep trails before.
Getting to the South Kaibab Trailhead
You cannot park at the trailhead. Take the Orange route of the park shuttle from the Visitor Center. In the fall timetable, which runs from 12 September to 30 November 2026, it starts at 6 a.m. and runs until one hour after sunset. A full loop takes 50 minutes. In the morning it runs every 20 minutes, and from 9 a.m. every 15 minutes.
The Hikers' Express leaves Bright Angel Lodge at 6, 7 and 8 a.m. and takes you to the trailhead. The shuttle is free with park entry. Check the timetable again if you plan to hike after 30 November.
Pets are not allowed on park shuttles. Assistance dogs are. A shuttle can be suspended because of the weather.
South Kaibab Trail safety
No water and no shade change how you plan.
Start early
In summer, the National Park Service advises against hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Skeleton Point is not a summer goal. A sunrise start is also the easiest way to avoid the heat.
Sunrise and sunset spots →Carry water
There is no water on the trail. Fill up at the trailhead and carry what you need for the way down and the climb back.
The climb back
The way out is the same steep ascent. Turn around before you are tired, not when you are.
No river in a day
Do not try to reach the river and return in one day, especially from May to September. The trail is closed below Tipoff anyway.
What to pack
Bring water, food, sun protection and sturdy shoes. There is little shade on the trail, so a hat helps. In winter, add traction devices for your boots.
Permits
A normal day hike does not need a backcountry permit.
Edges and animals
Stay at least 2 m (about 6 ft) from the edge. Do not feed or approach animals.
South Kaibab Trail in winter
Snow and ice can lie on the upper trail in winter. The National Park Service recommends slip-on traction devices and trekking poles. No route is guaranteed to be free of ice, so check the conditions before you set out and turn around if the surface is bad.
For wider winter advice, read about the Grand Canyon in December.
South Kaibab Trail: frequently asked questions
How far is Ooh Aah Point?
It is the first panoramic viewpoint on the trail, before Cedar Ridge, which lies 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the trailhead. It is a short hike with a steep climb back.
How far is Skeleton Point?
It is 3 miles (4.8 km) one way, about 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip. It is the longest advised day hike, and not in summer heat.
Is there water on the South Kaibab Trail?
No. There is no water along the trail. The tank at the trailhead is the place to fill up before you start.
Can I park at the trailhead?
No. Take the Orange route of the park shuttle or the Hikers' Express from Bright Angel Lodge.
Is the South Kaibab Trail open to the river?
No. As of October 2026, it is open from the trailhead to Tipoff and closed below.
Is this an official Grand Canyon website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the National Park Service. Check the current trail status with the National Park Service before you go.