What time should I start my rim to rim hike?

You'll want to start EARLY for the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike! It's important to be out of “The Box” (the hottest part of the canyon) before the hottest part of the day – especially if it's an extra hot day. We started our hike from the South Kaibab trailhead around 1:30am.



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Backpacking trips are best done fall-spring. Day hikes in Grand Canyon are best done in spring and fall, and in summer you should start early. Winter can bring some snow and ice, so you may way to pack a pair of spikes if you are hiking during the cold season. See you on the trail!

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The South Entrance to the park can get this busy during spring break, summer and weekends during the fall. If you arrive between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, be prepared for a wait between 45 minutes to 2 hours. Try to arrive before 9:30 am or after 4 pm.

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Most people hike the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim starting on the North Rim, taking the North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground. From here, you have a choice to make. The Bright Angel Trail is the more popular and wiser choice, with less elevation gain, more shade, and several water stations on the trail.

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Here are some of the best ways to avoid the long wait at the Grand Canyon south entrance station:
  1. Arrive Early. ...
  2. Stay Inside the Park. ...
  3. Take the Grand Canyon Shuttle from Tusayan. ...
  4. Enter the Grand Canyon South Rim from the East. ...
  5. Visit Grand Canyon by Train. ...
  6. See the Grand Canyon from the Air.


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Not surprisingly, the weekends are the busiest times at the Grand Canyon, so it's best to go during the week. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the least crowded days of the week.

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