South Kaibab Trail to Colorado River
Elevation loss: Approximately 4,500 ft., Day Hike: 9/10 hrs.,
extremely strenuous.
This is the way to experience the Grand Canyon.
I absolutely recommend this trail for people who are in
good shape and want to reach the Colorado river very quickly
from the Grand Canyon south rim and back up in a day.
Just remember that the uphill hike is extremely gruelling and
much more strenous than when you were storming
down the Kaibab Trail from the top. Give yourself around 9/10 hours
for the entire loop which includes an one hour stop by the river
side and rambling into the Phantom Ranch at the bottom for a glass
of ice cold lemonade or tea. But remember this - the approach to Kaibab
trailhead from the main road is closed to general public transport and
only accessible via shuttle from the Village or walking. There is a bit
of parking on the main road (Rt. 64) - you may want to just walk to the
trailhead from there, it takes only 15 minutes. If your boots are not
worn, try your trusty sneakers for this hike. Take plenty of water.
Kaibab Trail offers you grand open vistas that are not available on the
Bright Angel Trail. On the other hand, I recommend coming up the Bright
Angel Trail because the lower part of the trail offers cool spring water
which you may want to sprinkle on your body - the temperature in the
Canyon is devastating! Also, there are drinking water stops at the higher
portion of this trail. Furthermore, there is a beautiful walk on a ledge
just above the Colorado river when you are returning via Bright Angel.
The view of the temples, buttes and river from the Kaibab trail is absolutely
stunning. Don't forget to bring your camera. Nice shots can be made at the
river bottom if you stumble on the kayaking people rowing under the suspension
bridges. The river water is ice cold and extremly swift. There are some
geologic explanations of the rocks along the trail including the Coconino
limestones and Zoroaster granites (close to a billion years
old).
Your suggestions, comments and queries are appreciated:
dipen@tigre.ucr.edu
