North Kaibab Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Like all trails descending into the Grand Canyon, this trail is not ideal for running. It is quite long, relatively exposed, and can be extremely hot during the summer months. If you chose to run the trail, make sure to watch for blind switchbacks. Mule trains frequent this trail for rides and hauling. When you encounter a mule train, please step to the side of the trail and wait for them to pass.

Starting at the North Rim, the North Kaibab Trail initially descends steeply down the head of a side canyon via numerous switchbacks. After the lush verdancy and impressive views below the trailhead, the trail reaches the distinctive Supai Tunnel (mile 1.7), where runners will find potable water (mid-May to mid-October) and pit toilets. Switchbacks continue down to the massive cliffs of Redwall Limestone and a constructed bridge (mile 2.6). Either the Supai Tunnel or the Redwall Bridge are recommended turnaround points for a day hike.

Beyond the bridge, the trail makes an unlikely traverse where long stretches have been blasted out of the cliff in a half tunnel. The Redwall section is truly awe-inspiring with fantastic exposure and views. Once the bulk of the trail's descent meets the relatively flat bottom of Bright Angel Canyon, Roaring Springs (mile 4.7) is a worthwhile side trip. Here, water gushes forth directly out of the cliffs, cascading over moss and ferns to feed Bright Angel Creek.

Those fortunate to overnight at Cottonwood Campground (mile 6.8) will have the time to explore a beautiful oasis located 1.6 miles down-creek from the campground: Ribbon Falls is a true gem of the North Kaibab Trail. The waterfall is located in a grotto on the west side of Bright Angel Creek, so reaching it is a short but extremely rewarding side trip. Runners caught in the heat of the day should consider taking a siesta here from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Between Cottonwood Campground and Bright Angel Campground the trail enters the Inner Gorge, a narrow canyon where the trail is boxed in on either side by 1.7 billion-year-old Vishnu Schist. Though the trail here is not challenging from the perspective of elevation profile, be aware that this is a particularly dangerous stretch of trail during summer because of the heat.

Because the entire 7.2-mile stretch through the Inner Gorge is at low elevation, it becomes extremely hot from early morning to late afternoon. The walls of black rock become like an oven, and it can feel like walking through a parking lot in Phoenix or Las Vegas in summertime. Always plan on reaching Bright Angel Campground before ten in the morning.

At the rim, runners will glimpse the vast maw of Bright Angel Canyon through fir trees and aspen, ferns and wildflowers. As you descend, the ecology progresses into a blend of riparian and desert vegetation.