Before you head out for a day of hiking, the National Park Service recommends that you consider the following:
1 - Plan Ahead. As a day hiker no permits are required. You are entirely on your own. Your descent into the canyon, however brief, marks your entry into a world in which preparation, self-reliance, and common sense are crucial.
2 - Go Prepared. Water and snacks should be taken on any hike lasting longer than 30 minutes. It is the casual unprepared day hiker, more often than the backpacker, who experiences extreme fatigue and dehydration on the trail.
There climate at the canyon is extremely dry year-round and, in the summer, temperatures in the canyon soar to 118 degrees (48 C) in the shade! So, it is critical to replace electrolytes by eating and drinking frequently while hiking.
3 - Hike by Your Watch. Allow 1/3 time going down and 2/3 for coming up. Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
Summer Hiking Charts
You should avoid hiking between 10am and 4pm. Begin longer day hikes before 7am or after 4pm. Note: There are no loop trails for day hikers; you will be hiking on the same trail in both directions.
The Park Service considers the following day hikes to be reasonable during the summer:
Rim Trails
Bright Angel Trail
South Kaibab Trail
Grandview Trail
Hermit Trail
REMEMBER: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
1 - Plan Ahead. As a day hiker no permits are required. You are entirely on your own. Your descent into the canyon, however brief, marks your entry into a world in which preparation, self-reliance, and common sense are crucial.
2 - Go Prepared. Water and snacks should be taken on any hike lasting longer than 30 minutes. It is the casual unprepared day hiker, more often than the backpacker, who experiences extreme fatigue and dehydration on the trail.
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There climate at the canyon is extremely dry year-round and, in the summer, temperatures in the canyon soar to 118 degrees (48 C) in the shade! So, it is critical to replace electrolytes by eating and drinking frequently while hiking.
3 - Hike by Your Watch. Allow 1/3 time going down and 2/3 for coming up. Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
Summer Hiking Charts
You should avoid hiking between 10am and 4pm. Begin longer day hikes before 7am or after 4pm. Note: There are no loop trails for day hikers; you will be hiking on the same trail in both directions.
The Park Service considers the following day hikes to be reasonable during the summer:
Rim Trails
| Description | Destination | Round Trip | Round Trip Time | Elevation Change | Trail Notes |
Bright Angel Trail
| Description | Destination | Round Trip | Round Trip Time | Elevation Change | Trail Notes |
| DAY HIKE LIMIT: 3-MILE RESTHOUSE | |||||
South Kaibab Trail
| Description | Destination | Round Trip | Round Trip Time | Elevation Change | Trail Notes |
Grandview Trail
| Description | Destination | Round Trip | Round Trip Time | Elevation Change | Trail Notes |
| DAY HIKE LIMIT: COCONINO SADDLE | |||||
Hermit Trail
| Description | Destination | Round Trip | Round Trip Time | Elevation Change | Trail Notes |
| DAY HIKE LIMIT: SANTA MARIA SPRINGS | |||||
REMEMBER: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
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