North Rim to Roaring Springs

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

North Kaibab Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Arizona. The long day hike from the trailhead to Roaring Springs offers stunning geology, serene nature, and heart-pounding thrills from beginning to end. It is not a trail for the faint of heart, but it is well maintained and is much better shaded than the South Rim trails.

The Park Service recommends checking with rangers before attempting to run as far as Roaring Springs and back in one day. This is because of heat or other weather hazards and changing trail conditions. There are water stations at the toilet near Supai Tunnel and again at the ranger station below Roaring Springs, but sometimes these can be turned off. Snacks are also a must! It's a long day—from six to nine hours—make sure to stayed fueled throughout the run.

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 trailhead, the North Kaibab Trail initially descends steeply down a side canyon via numerous switchbacks. Views are muted at first by the canopy of conifer and aspen trees, but the lush forest is a scene of its own. The panorama really opens up at the Coconino Overlook ledge (mile 0.7).

From there the trail drops even more steeply downward, and soon 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 metal bridge (mile 2.6).

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.

After emerging from the overhanging cliffs, the trail reaches a clear view of Roaring Springs. Here, water gushes forth directly out of the canyon wall, cascading over moss and ferns to feed Bright Angel Creek. Continue walking for improving views of the braided cascade.

At about 4.5 miles from the start of the run, a side trail branches off to get closer to the falls. At the end of this trail is a shady rest area by the creek. This makes the reasonable turnaround point for long day hike from the North Rim.