How Long Does It Take To Hike North Kaibab Trail?

The Grand Canyon offers a variety of challenging day hikes, but one that stands out as the most strenuous is the Nankoweap Trail on the North Rim, as classified by the National Park Service. This trail has earned its reputation for being the toughest among all the named trails within Grand Canyon National Park, and it’s not an exaggeration to say so. If you’re seeking a truly demanding adventure in the Grand Canyon, the Nankoweap Trail is the ultimate test of your hiking skills and endurance.

If you’re planning to hike down the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, you might be wondering about the time it takes to complete the journey. The duration of your hike can vary depending on the specific route you choose. There are two main routes for hiking from rim to rim: the South to North route and the North to South route.

1. South to North Route:

   • Time: Generally, hikers take about 8 to 12 hours to complete the South to North route.
   • Trails: This route involves starting from the South Kaibab Trail and ending at the North Kaibab Trail.
   • Lodging: At the North Rim, there is limited lodging available.

2. North to South Route:

   • Time: On the other hand, the North to South route typically takes around 9 to 14 hours to finish.
   • Trails: This route begins at the North Kaibab Trail and finishes at the Bright Angel Trail.
   • Lodging: If you choose the North to South route, there are many lodging options available at the South Rim.

Additionally, it’s essential to consider the crowd levels. Generally, if you start your hike from the South Rim, you’ll encounter fewer crowds at the end of your journey on the North Rim. Conversely, if you start from the North Rim, you’ll likely encounter more crowds when you reach the popular South Rim area.

So, when planning your Grand Canyon adventure, these factors can help you decide which route best suits your preferences and schedule.

Dewey Surbey, a close friend of mine since middle school, and I have embarked on the challenging adventure of hiking the Nankoweap Trail within Grand Canyon National Park. This trail is renowned as the most demanding named route in the entire Grand Canyon, a distinction officially recognized by the National Park Service. As we navigate this unmaintained trail, every step reminds me of the tremendous difficulty it poses, and I can feel the sheer magnitude of this endeavor in every fiber of my being.

Rim-to-Rim Route Comparison

South to North	North to South
8-12 hours	9-14 hours
South Kaibab to North Kaibab Trails	North Kaibab to Bright Angel Trails
Limited lodging at end	Many lodging options at end
Less Crowds	More Crowds (at end)