Standing amid the Grand Canyon’s towering pinnacles and deep, river-carved gorges, there is no way you can feel anything but tiny. This natural marvel is the epitome of vastness and embodies the splendour and scale of the great American West. Overflowing with a host of hiking opportunities, from leisurely yet jaw-dropping strolls to steep-sided canyon descents, what better way to explore this ochre-stained wonderland than on foot. Explore the North and South Rims, as well as the deep gorges that the national park is renowned for, past towering pines and through rock-carved archways. See all this and more on some of our favourite Grand Canyon hikes…
Bright Angel Trail
Like a pathway into paradise, this nine-mile round trail is one of the most popular Grand Canyon hikes, descending from the South Rim and winding down deep into the canyon's heart. Each step reveals new panoramas as well as a symphony of colours dancing across the ancient rock walls. Follow in the footsteps of the local indigenous people, miners and early explorers along this moderate hike, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the sheer-sided gorges and towering pointy pinnacles that the Grand Canyon is famed for. Keep your eyes peeled for ancient rock pictographs as you reach the turnaround point, as this verdant, creek-fed oasis was once a haven for the American Indian Havasupai tribe.
South Kaibab Trail
Prepare for a voyage into the unknown as you traverse the six-mile South Kaibab trail. Its zig-zagging paths that climb ‘the chimney’s’ precipitous slopes may be a challenge, but the reward is beyond measure when you spot the views from the top. Cast your gaze over the canyon's vast expanse, keeping your eyes peeled for geological wonders including Ooh-Aah Point, Cedar Ridge and Skeleton Point. It is worth noting that there is no water and very little shade along this winding Grand Canyon hike, so donning your boots, grabbing your water bottle and heading out first thing is a good idea.
Hermit Trail
Named after Louis D. Boucher, otherwise known as the ‘hermit’, who lived in Hermit Creek for 20-odd years, this winding trail is steep-sided and simply stunning. Take the shuttle bus to the trailhead, before embarking on this Grand Canyon hike that is steeped in history; where whispers of the tales of ancient wanderers swirl around in the wind, and hidden treasures are dotted along its wilderness. Along the five-mile round trail, stop and take snaps of the majestic Cathedral stairs, the Kaibab Formation and the Coconino Sandstone, and keep your eyes peeled for stretches of the original rock slabs that once lined the entire trail (spot the fragments that survived erosion in the Coconino Sandstone).
Widforss Trail
This five-mile trail was also named after a Grand Canyon great – Gunnar Widforss – a prolific painter in the early 20th century, whose paintings of aspen groves, ponderosa pines and craggy rock formations helped to create some of the area’s first trail maps. Peek through the pines at the expansive lunar landscape beyond, as you romp between towering forests and wind-chiselled valleys. Continue along the North Rim until you reach Widforss Point, where you will be rewarded with some of the best views out over the one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders.
Grandview Trail
Although not the most challenging hike in Grand Canyon National Park, Grandview Trail is tough. Built in 1893 as a mining route, this rocky and sweat-inducing trail is sandwiched between breath-taking drop offs and sunken valleys, but as its name suggests, also boasts magnificent views of sky-scraping stacks and twists and turns that ripple out into eternity. Clamber up the steep steps that characterise this trail, treading in time-worn divots once carved by Native Americans and copper miners, as you follow a guide who knows Grand Canyon hikes like nobody else. Traverse the 12-mile trail to Horseshoe Mesa, a great river-carved rocky amphitheatre that is sprinkled with pioneer mining history and bucket-list busting views.
Written by Immy Kelly
Header Image © Jérôme Galland