Grand Canyon: Day Hikes
We offer Grand Canyon Day Hikes for those who want to experience some of the best hiking Grand Canyon has to offer, but may not have enough time to explore.
Bright Angel Trail
Grand Canyon Day Hikes along the Bright Angel Trail vary from 3 to 12 miles with the final point at the picturesque Plateau Point. There are rest houses with water placed at mile and a half intervals along the trek.
Indian Garden
This is one of the most popular Grand Canyon day hiking tours. The hike to Indian Garden in Grand Canyon takes you 4.5 miles and 3,000 vertical feet into the Canyon. You can rest and eat lunch along Garden Creek under the cottonwood trees.
South Kaibab Trail
Hike to the stunning vantage points of Cedar Ridge and Skeleton Point on the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon; 3 to 6 miles round trip, respectively. You can see the river from Skeleton Point and views span 20 miles in each direction from Cedar Ridge. The only downside: no water stations on the South Kaibab Trail. The trailhead starts at 7,200 feet, and we end with a 1,140-foot drop to Cedar Ridge. We can also trek down to Skeleton Point, which is another 860-foot drop (2,000-foot drop total).
Santa Maria Springs
Take the historic Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Springs, which is still paved in portions with stones laid by the Santa Fe Railroad nearly 100 years ago. The rest house at Santa Maria Springs is a 2.5-mile hike into the Grand Canyon with a drop of 1,640 feet.
Dripping Springs
This is another great Grand Canyon day hike down the Hermit Trail. After descending into Hermit Basin, the route circles around the back of Hermit Canyon along some hair-raising cliffs to Dripping Springs. The springs are located in a shady alcove along the canyon walls, 3.25 miles from the trailhead.
Horseshoe Mesa
This Grand Canyon day hike takes the steep and strenuous Grandview Trail, 3 miles with a descent of 2,600 vertical feet to a mesa chock full of artifacts from the historic Last Chance Copper Mine. We can also explore the only save in the Canyon that is open to visitors. This trip is great for Grand Canyon hikers who are looking for a less crowded and challenging trail.
South Bass to the Esplanade
Hike into the distant past along the South Bass Trail in Grand Canyon. We will drive two hours along a four-wheel-drive road to access the trailhead. Since it's difficult to get to the trail, there are only a handful of people in the area at any given time. The Esplanade is a long, high plateau that's blanketed with pinion pines and junipers. The hike to the Esplanade is 1.7 miles with a 1,246-foot drop in elevation.
*All day hikes include use of daypack and trekking poles, snacks, water, sports drink and lunch on the trail.
**Transportation from Phoenix or Flagstaff may be available upon request for an additional fee.
Trip Cost/Person
| Meet at Canyon | $180/person (2 people) | $150/person (3-7 people) |
