Most Grand Canyon trails tuck into side canyons. South Kaibab rides the top of a ridge. A few switchbacks below the rim, the canyon opens up on both sides at once, so wide and deep it makes people stop and say “ooh” and “aah.” That’s literally how Ooh Aah Point got its name.
The South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park has some of the best views of any trail in the park, and you don’t need to go far to see them. This guide explains it simply: where to turn around, how hard the climb back is, the shuttle (you can’t drive there), sunrise tips, fall conditions, current closures and safety.
Quick answer
- Ooh Aah Point: 1.8 miles round trip, about 790 feet down and back up, 1–2 hours.
- Cedar Ridge: 3 miles round trip, about 1,120 feet, 2–4 hours.
- Skeleton Point: 6 miles round trip, about 2,040 feet, 4–6 hours. Talk to a ranger first.
- Below Skeleton Point: not recommended as a day hike.
- Getting there: park shuttle only (Kaibab Rim / Orange Route). No private cars.
- Water: at the trailhead only. None on the trail.
- Current closures (late October 2026): trail open to Black Bridge, but Black and Silver Bridges, Phantom Ranch and the North Kaibab Trail are closed after flooding.
Pick Your Turnaround Point
South Kaibab isn’t one hike. It’s a trail to the Colorado River, and day hikers choose where to turn around. Remember: everything you go down, you climb back up, and the climb takes about twice as long.
| Turnaround | Round trip | Elevation change | Time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ooh Aah Point | 1.8 mi | 790 ft | 1–2 hrs | First-timers, sunrise |
| Cedar Ridge | 3 mi | 1,120 ft | 2–4 hrs | Fit day hikers |
| Skeleton Point | 6 mi | 2,040 ft | 4–6 hrs | Experienced hikers (ask a ranger) |
| The Tipoff | 9 mi | 3,280 ft | 6–9 hrs | Not advised as a day hike |
Distances and times are from the National Park Service. The park strongly discourages trying to hike to the river and back in one day.
South Kaibab at a Glance
| Location | South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona |
| Trailhead | Near Yaki Point, east of Grand Canyon Village |
| Trailhead elevation | About 7,260 feet |
| Access | Free park shuttle; no private vehicles |
| Surface | Maintained dirt and rock with log steps |
| Shade | Almost none |
| Water | Trailhead only |
| Toilets | Trailhead; composting toilet at Cedar Ridge |
| Permits | None for day hikes; backcountry permit for overnight |
| Pets | Not allowed below the rim |
How to Get to the Trailhead
You can’t drive to the South Kaibab Trailhead in a private car. Instead:
- Kaibab Rim Route (Orange) shuttle: park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and ride the free Orange Route shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead stop.
- Hikers’ Express: a seasonal early-morning shuttle that runs from Bright Angel Lodge and the Backcountry Information Center to the trailhead. Times change by season, so check the park’s shuttle page.
- Walk: you can walk the Rim Trail, but it’s a few miles from the village.
Sunrise tip: the first shuttle may run after sunrise in some seasons. Check sunrise and shuttle times together the day before.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
1. The trailhead
Fill your bottles at the trailhead water station (next to the restrooms), use the restroom, and check the signs for current closures and weather.
2. The upper switchbacks
The trail drops straight off the rim in tight switchbacks cut into the cliff. They face north, so they hold snow and ice in winter and early spring. The park recommends over-the-shoe traction when icy.
3. Ooh Aah Point (0.9 mile)
The trail swings out onto a point and the canyon explodes into view: layers of red, orange and cream rock dropping away, ridges and buttes in every direction. If you’re short on time or energy, this is a perfect turnaround.
4. Down the ridge
From Ooh Aah, the trail continues down the ridgeline with open views on both sides. You’ll pass log steps and short switchbacks.
5. Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles)
A wide, flat area on the ridge with juniper trees, big views and a composting toilet. This is the park’s recommended turnaround for most first-time canyon hikers. Look for O’Neill Butte ahead.
6. Skeleton Point (3 miles)
The trail drops past O’Neill Butte to Skeleton Point, where you may glimpse the Colorado River far below. Only go this far if you’re fit, it’s cool, you’ve talked to a ranger, and you have lots of water.
7. The climb back
Turn around before you feel tired. Pace yourself, rest in the little shade there is, and eat salty snacks. The climb back is the real hike.
Ooh Aah Point vs. Cedar Ridge
- Short on time, new to hiking, or here for sunrise? Ooh Aah Point.
- Fit, cool day, 3–4 hours to spare? Cedar Ridge.
Both have outstanding views. Cedar Ridge adds more ridge walking and a restroom.
Sunrise on South Kaibab
Sunrise is the most popular time on this trail. The low light paints the canyon walls gold and fills the side canyons with blue shadow. To catch it at Ooh Aah Point:
- Check the sunrise time and shuttle times. If the first shuttle is too late, you’ll need another permitted way to reach the trailhead.
- Bring a headlamp and warm layers. The rim is cold before dawn, especially in fall and winter.
- Bonus: hiking out in the morning means a cooler climb.
Hiking South Kaibab in October and November
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October | One of the best months: cool rim mornings, warmer below. Layers needed. |
| November | Cold mornings, possible snow or ice on the upper switchbacks, short days. Clear air and great light. |
Inside the canyon it’s much warmer than on the rim. Dress in layers you can take off, and plan your turnaround so you finish in daylight.
Current Closures (Check Before You Go)
After a deadly flash flood in late August 2026, parts of the inner canyon closed. As of the park’s late-October update:
- Open: South Kaibab Trail from the trailhead all the way down to Black Bridge. The section below The Tipoff reopened on October 26.
- Closed: Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River, all of Phantom Ranch (including Bright Angel Campground), and the entire North Kaibab Trail.
- No reopening date has been given for those closures.
So rim-to-river-to-Phantom Ranch trips and crossings aren’t possible right now. Check the park’s critical updates page before any hike.
How Hard Is South Kaibab?
It’s steep and exposed. Even the short hike to Ooh Aah Point means climbing about 790 feet back to a rim at over 7,000 feet. Compared with Bright Angel, South Kaibab is steeper, has no shade and has no water stops, but it has the best views.
- Fit beginners can do Ooh Aah Point with care.
- Cedar Ridge is a solid workout.
- Skeleton Point is a serious day: talk to a ranger.
Water, Heat and Mules
- Water: carry all you’ll need from the trailhead. Even on short hikes, bring at least 1–2 liters per person; more for longer hikes.
- Heat: it can be 20°F or more warmer in the canyon than on the rim. Turn back if you feel dizzy or sick.
- Storms: the exposed ridge is no place to be in lightning.
- Mules: when a mule train comes, step to the uphill side away from the edge, stay still and quiet, and follow the wrangler’s directions.
- Rescue warning: the park notes that flood-damaged infrastructure could slow rescues. Play it safe.
What to Bring
- Water (and a water filter for longer trips).
- Salty snacks and real food.
- Shoes with grip.
- Layers: warm jacket for the rim, light clothes for the canyon.
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Headlamp.
- Traction devices in winter and early spring.
- Trekking poles to save your knees.
South Kaibab vs. Bright Angel
| South Kaibab | Bright Angel | |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Near Yaki Point (shuttle only) | Grand Canyon Village (walkable) |
| Views | Wide open ridge panoramas | Canyon walls and side canyons |
| Shade | Almost none | Some |
| Water on trail | None | Seasonal at resthouses (currently off for winter) |
| Short hike | Ooh Aah Point, 1.8 mi | Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, 3 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ooh Aah Point?
0.9 mile from the trailhead, 1.8 miles round trip.
How far is Cedar Ridge?
1.5 miles one way, 3 miles round trip.
Is South Kaibab hard?
Yes. It’s steep and exposed, and you always climb back up.
Can I drive to the trailhead?
No. Take the free Orange Route shuttle or the Hikers’ Express.
Is there water?
Only at the trailhead. None on the trail.
Is it open in November 2026?
Yes, down to Black Bridge. The river bridges, Phantom Ranch and North Kaibab are closed.
Is it good for sunrise?
Yes, Ooh Aah Point is one of the best sunrise spots in the park.
Can I hike to the river and back in a day?
The park strongly advises against it.
Are there toilets?
At the trailhead and a composting toilet at Cedar Ridge.
Is South Kaibab worth it?
Absolutely. Even the short hike to Ooh Aah Point is unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
South Kaibab gives you the Grand Canyon’s biggest views for the least distance. Pick a realistic turnaround, start early, carry plenty of water and save energy for the climb out. That’s the part that really counts.
More Arizona hikes: Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, Devils Bridge, Peralta Trail and the best winter hiking trails in the USA.
Official info: NPS: South Kaibab Trail and Grand Canyon critical updates and closures.