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South Kaibab Trailhead – Skeleton Point loop from Grand Canyon

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Running trails & routes

South Kaibab Trailhead – Skeleton Point loop from Grand Canyon

Hard

4.9

(9352)

9,353

runners

South Kaibab Trailhead – Skeleton Point loop from Grand Canyon

05:39

33.4km

1,570m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Grand Canyon National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

6.00 km

South Kaibab Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

The South Kaibab Trailhead is leading to one of the two corridor trails through the Grand Canyon: the South Kaibab Trail. There is no parking at the trailhead. To get here, you have to take the shuttle (orange line) that starts at the visitors center. There are restrooms at the trailhead and a water spigot. If you plan to hike down the canyon, take plenty of water with you and avoid the heat. There is no shade or water source on the trail. Be aware that the way down is the easy part. Always remember that you have to climb all the way out.

The South Kaibab Trail is also part of the 800 mile Arizona National Scenic Trail that stretches from the Mexican border to Utah stateline.

Tip by

7.42 km

Viewpoint on South Kaibab Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great viewpoint along the South Kaibab Trail. The views from the trail over the Grand Canyon are unparalleled, so the trail is popular.

Tip by

8.33 km

Cedar Ridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Cedar ridge is a nice view point and also a convenient turning point, if you are just on a day hike. There is even a pit toilet, but no water. If you are lucky, you can see some real cowboys coming up from Phantom Ranch on their mules.

Tip by

10.7 km

Skeleton Point

Highlight • Viewpoint

Strenuous out-and-back tour into the Grand Canyon. You follow the South Kaibab Trail for 3.5 miles to reach the famous Skeleton Point with a gorgeous view into the canyon. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and avoid hiking in the heat. There is no shade and no water source on the trail. Be aware that the way down the canyon is easy, but you will also have to work your way out gaining the 2.400 feet you lost.

There is no parking at South Kaibab Trailhead. You will have to take the shuttle (orange line) to get to and off the trail.

Tip by

16.5 km

Bright Angel Site

Archaeological Site

19.3 km

Pipe Creek Beach on the Colorado River

Highlight • Beach

The last chance to get in contact with the Colorado River before ascending into Bright Angel Trail.

Tip by

21.6 km

"Spiral Valley"

Highlight • Viewpoint

Even if you can't reach the river, just pass the Indian Garden Campground until you can view the switchbacks going down to the river, the Trail from the garden to that point is gorgeous!

Tip by

31.7 km

Tunnel on the Bright Angel Trail

Highlight • Structure

This is a cool tunnel cut through the rock of one of the canyon's ridges that you get to walk through while hiking the Bright Angel Trail. Once you pass through the tunnel, be ready to start taking the switchbacks down into the canyon.

Tip by

31.9 km

Bright Angel Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

One of the two corridor trails in Grand Canyon with stunning views into the canyon itself. You just have to go some miles... but not too far, since you have to walk up all the way back. If you are an experienced and ambitious hiker, you can do a multiday hike into the canyon from Bright Angel Trailhead. Moreover this is the end of a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim backpacking adventure. Note that you will need to have a backcountry permit! Permits for the so-called corridor trails are very popular, so make sure you apply four month prior to your trip. You can find more information visiting: nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

Bus shuttle will get you to and from the trailhead into Grand Canyon Village with connections to Tusayan and the backcountry office, where you can park you car for a backcountry adventure.

Tip by

33.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

26.1 km

4.79 km

1.51 km

599 m

311 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

25.2 km

2.46 km

1.89 km

1.71 km

1.56 km

633 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (2,190 m)

Lowest point (740 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 8 May

26°C

7°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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South Kaibab Trailhead – Skeleton Point loop from Grand Canyon

South Kaibab Trailhead

Viewpoint on South Kaibab Trail

Cedar Ridge

Skeleton Point

Pipe Creek Beach on the Colorado River

"Spiral Valley"

Tunnel on the Bright Angel Trail

Bright Angel Trailhead

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