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The Best Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park

Looking for the best backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Grand Canyon National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Grand Canyon National Park

  • North Rim, Arizona

    Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trail

    11.98 mi / 3320 ft gain
    Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you to stunning Ribbon Falls in Grand Canyon National Park located near North Rim, Arizona. This trail makes for a long hike especially if doing it one day, so be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Indian Garden to Colorado River Trail

    6.11 mi / 2254 ft gain
    Indian Garden to Colorado River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Tonto Trail to Monument Creek

    28.67 mi / 7598 ft gain
    Tonto Trail to Monument Creek is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden and Bright Angel Campgrounds

    5.0
    18.26 mi / 4314 ft gain
    The Bright Angel Trail is considered the park’s premier hiking trail. Well maintained, graded for stock, with regular drinking water and covered rest-houses, it is without question the safest trail in Grand Canyon National Park. There is a ranger station located at the trail’s halfway point (Indi...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Backpack the Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground

    4.0
    8.98 mi / 3060 ft gain
    The trail begins just outside of the Grand Canyon village at the Bright Angel Trailhead. The hike begins to descend immediately in continuous switchbacks. The trail can get very icy so shoe traction devices, while not necessary, are very useful. Along the trail there are rest houses at the 1/3 an...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop

    16.8 mi / 6870 ft gain
    South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim

    5.0
    30.1 mi / 4541 ft gain
    If you want to see the real Grand Canyon, this is it. The 3 day backpacking will take you down into the canyon to where few people visit. Although the South Kaibab trail is steep, has no shade cover and water and the views are gorgeous. It is best to start from the South Kaibab, hike down to the ...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop

    5.0
    21.58 mi / 4314 ft gain
    There are many ways in and out of the Grand Canyon but the most popular loop is to descend from the South Rim, heading down the steeper South Kaibab Trail and returning up via the easier Bright Angel Trail. Your adventure starts early to beat the sun (and get the views). After getting your permi...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Cremation Canyon via South Kaibab Trailhead

    10.43 mi / 3973 ft gain
    The Grand Canyon is over 277 miles long and is full of unique geological formations in all sorts of colors. One of the most striking aspects of the Grand Canyon is its immense scale and the dynamic landscapes it has to offer. There's something about it that makes it extremely difficult to fully c...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Utah Flats via Cremation Canyon

    4 mi / 2527 ft gain
    Note: The spot on the map is the beginning of the hike into Cremation Canyon Campground. For the full report on getting there, check out this adventure. Heading out of the campsite at Cremation Canyon, look for hints of a trail where you will scramble up, following other boot prints and cairns t...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Grand Canyon West Rim Trail

    12.85 mi / 1184 ft gain
    Grand Canyon West Rim Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Backpack Hermit Trail into the Grand Canyon

    4.0
    16 mi / 4000 ft gain
    Not many people envision their romantic Valentine's Day getaway as a grueling 8 mile hike into the Grand Canyon, but I couldn't think of anything better! If you're planning a trip for the busier summer months, be sure to call ahead or fill out a backcountry permit request to make sure you get a c...
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  • Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

    Dripping Springs via Dripping Springs and Hermit Trail

    6 mi / 3294 ft gain
    Dripping Springs via Dripping Springs and Hermit Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.
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  • North Rim, Arizona

    North Kaibab Trail to Redwall Bridge

    6.51 mi / 3274 ft gain
    North Kaibab Trail to Redwall Bridge is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near North Rim, Arizona.
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  • North Rim, Arizona

    Ribbon Falls in Grand Canyon NP

    5.0
    17.57 mi / 4521 ft gain
    Although this hike can feasibly done in a day, it is highly recommended that you spend more than one day in this area and visit the falls as a side trip on a larger trip. The closest campsites to Ribbon Falls are Cottonwood Campground and the Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch.  Ribbon Fal...
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  • North Rim, Arizona

    North Kaibab Trail to Colorado River

    28.35 mi / 9974 ft gain
    North Kaibab Trail to Colorado River is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near North Rim, Arizona.
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