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Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

5.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

2.88 miles

Elevation Gain

1158 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Edward Day

A moderately easy day hike that winds you down a beautiful trail in the Grand Canyon. It features incredible views for such a short day hike.

To access the trailhead, you must take a shuttle in. There is not parking next to the trailhead because the parking lot is very small. From the trailhead you cascade down several steep switchbacks and continue on until you reach Ooh Ah point. Ooh Ah point is a great place for a wide or panoramic picture and is a fantastic rest spot. Continuing on from Ooh Ah point, after several steep and winding ridges you reach Cedar Ridge. Hikers wishing to go further can continue on to reach Skeleton Point and eventually the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

This trail can be extremely hot during the summer so it is imperative that you bring water. Hiking here during the spring months is ideal due to the weather still being very cool. This hike is also very deceiving because you can hike down a while and not feel tired and then realize you have to hike back up. The hike back up is very strenuous and steep and requires way more time than the hike down, so be aware.

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Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge Reviews

Very beautiful hike going down past ooh aah point. Easy down moderately difficult going back up.

Hard on knees going down and hard on lungs going back up. Take stops as needed but you get to see some grand views of the canyon.

Awesome hike with scenic views constantly. Going down is easier than going back up... keep that in mind! We went far down, not realizing the hike up would be much more grueling.

This trail took my wife and I about 3 1/2 hours, going to Cedar Ridge and back up. It was definitely harder than we anticipated due to the heat and elevation gain, but very doable. Make sure to bring plenty of water since there's no fillup stations along the trail. And be prepared for some stunning views along the way.

Each turn seems to lead to a new panoramic view of the canyon and makes this one of my favorite on the South Rim.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop

Utah Flats via Cremation Canyon

Cremation Canyon via South Kaibab Trailhead

Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim

Run Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon

South Kaibab Trail to Tip Off