South Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail

Route Description for South Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail

The hike along South Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail is one of the best ways you can experience the Grand Canyon. With gorgeous views the entire way, interesting and thrilling sections of trail, tunnels to hike through, and more, it’s a must-do trip. This route combines some of the most popular trails in the park, so expect heavier traffic. This route is a point-to-point hike, but you can take the shuttle from one trailhead to the other if needed. We’ll describe it starting from Bright Angel.

There may be mules on this trail packing out trash from Phantom Ranch. Should you come up to mules, listen to the handler’s directions on how to pass them. If you come up from behind, just announce yourself and listen for instructions on how to pass once it’s safe to do so.

From Bright Angel Trailhead, the route descends steep switchbacks along Garden Creek. Pass through Indian Garden Campground and then keep right onto Tonto Trail. Following the contour of the base of the mesa, you’ll hike to a 4-way junction. Take a sharp right onto South Kaibab Trail and hike up a steep set of switchbacks to Skeleton Point. Continue past O’Neill Butte and Cedar Ridge to the endpoint just past Yaki Point.