The Grand Canyon: Hiking the South Kaibab Trail

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Grand Canyon National Park

Since moving to Arizona. it has been my dream to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I put in for a backcountry permit and somehow my request was “lost.” So this year on our spring break, my wife and I drove up to the Canyon to apply for the few last minute walk-in permits. We camped for two nights and were lucky enough to snag two nights at Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Our plan was to hike down the South Kaibab Trail and two days later hike out on the Bright Angel Trail.

Below you will find a photo barage from the trail. I have also included my own trail notes on time and breaks for those that are looking  for a bit of info before they head down the trail.

Temps – When we broke camp in the morning on top of the South Rim it was 27º. The day was overcast, but by the time we made it to the bottom it was 76º

Pack Weight: My packweight was 43lbs and my wife was carrying around 32. We were staying for two nights in the bottom and so brought a tent, food, and water to make it down the trail

• 8:45 – Started our descent
• 9:10 – Ooh Aah Pt.
• 9:25 – Cedar Ridge (took 15 minute break)
• 10:10 – Rock Pile below Cedar Ridge  (10 minute break)
• 10:35 – Skeleton Pt
• 10:50 – 3.5 mile sign on steps   (10 minute break)
• 11:40 – Tipoff (20 minute break/lunch)
• 12:50 – Break within sight of bridge (10 minute break)
• 1:20 – Arrive in campsite

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Break Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Hiking time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Total distance is approximately 6.5 miles

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South Kaibab Trailhead

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Ooh Aah Point

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On Cedar Ridge

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Down Cedar Ridge

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Between Cedar Ridge and Skeleton PT

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Looking down from Skeleton Pt.

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Halfway down the South Kaibab Trail

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Halfway down the steps

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Taking notes and eating trail mix

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Looking down from Tipoff at a very muddy Colorado

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Looking down at Bright Angel Creek

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Dusty Boots on the South Kaibab

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Tunnel before crossing the Colorado River

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Crossing the Colorado River

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Bright Angel Creek

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