Hiking Along The Rim

Trails wind along the brink of the Grand Canyon on the South Rim through pinyon-juniper forests. These pathways lead to panoramic viewpoints of the inner canyon and distant views of the river. They offer less strenuous hiking, cooler temperatures, and more shade than the inner canyon trail system. Permits are not needed for hiking along the rim.

A short trail along the south rim is Tusayan Ruin Walk at only 0.2 miles. This short trail winds through the remains of a prehistoric Pueblo structure near East Rim Drive. The trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible with assistance. A self-guiding trail brochure is available at the trailhead. The adjacent Tusayan Museum features exhibits about the people who occupied the ruin site some 800 years ago, and the museum’s bookstore offers relevant publications.

Canyon overlooks and picnic sites along East Rim Drive offer parking for imprompt walks along the canyon rim or through the forest. Hikers, be advised that no formal trails exist and footing can be dangerous. Use caution along the rim and choose your path carefully to protect vegetation and other natural features.

The Rim Trail is 9 miles in length from Hermits Rest to Mather Point. Hike all or part. Elevation at Hermits Rest is 6640 feet and 7120 feet at Mather Point. Water sources along the rim are at Hermits Rest, Grand Canyon Village, and Yavapai Point.

Trail conditions

Paved trail for 3.5 miles between Maricopa and Yavapai points; dirt footpath the remainder of the way. Generally level, the steepest section lies west of Grand Canyon Village where the trail ascends an uplifted section of the Bright Angel Fault.

The Rim Trail can be reached from the major viewpoints and pulloffs along West Rim Drive and Village Loop Road. During spring and summer, the shuttle bus stops at viewpoints from Hermits Rest to Mather Point.

The pathway heading east from Hermits Rest winds through pinyon pine, juniper, and thickets of Gambel Oak. Passing Pima Point, it hugs the edge of the 3000 foot precipice known as The Abyss and loops out to Mohave and Hopi points. Hopi Point offers views for 45 miles up and down the canyon.

Just before reaching Maricopa Point the trail passes the Powell Memorial. Major John Wesley Powell led the first expedition to descend the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869. Navajo Indians once lit signal fires on Powell Point, relayed by other fires at Desert View and in the Painted Desert beyond.

The paved trail follows the west side of Bright Angel Canyon and descends to the head of Bright Angel Trail and Grand Canyon Village. The trail enters the Village Historic District, passing buildings such as the Kolb Studio, Bright Angel Lodge, the El Tovar Hotel, and the Hopi House. Grand Canyon Village grew up around the railway that reache the South Rim in 1901.

Continuing east, the trail reaches Yavapai Observastion Station and Mather Point. Mather Point is named for Stephen T. Mather, first director of the National Park Service. An unimproved path heads east another 2.5 miles to connect with the South Kaibab trailhead at Yaki Point.

There are interpretive brochures that are available in boxes at several locations along the trail.

While living in the Grand Canyon Village I would make the South Rim Trail a daily route. I would hike different parts at different times. The favorite though is west of Grand Canyon Village up to Hopi Point, to watch the sunset. I would do this just about every evening. For more strenuous hikes into the canyon, you would need to be more prepared than what you would along the rim. But the rim trail, although not that strenuous, is a great way to see different aspects of the Grand Canyon.

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