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
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North Rim, Arizona
Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trail
11.98 mi / 3320 ft gainPhantom 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...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Indian Garden to Colorado River Trail
6.11 mi / 2254 ft gainIndian Garden to Colorado River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Tonto Trail to Monument Creek
28.67 mi / 7598 ft gainTonto Trail to Monument Creek is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden and Bright Angel Campgrounds
5.018.26 mi / 4314 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Backpack the Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground
4.08.98 mi / 3060 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop
16.8 mi / 6870 ft gainSouth 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.Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim
5.030.1 mi / 4541 ft gainIf 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 ...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop
5.021.58 mi / 4314 ft gainThere 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...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Cremation Canyon via South Kaibab Trailhead
10.43 mi / 3973 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Utah Flats via Cremation Canyon
4 mi / 2527 ft gainNote: 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...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Grand Canyon West Rim Trail
12.85 mi / 1184 ft gainGrand Canyon West Rim Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Backpack Hermit Trail into the Grand Canyon
4.016 mi / 4000 ft gainNot 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...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Dripping Springs via Dripping Springs and Hermit Trail
6 mi / 3294 ft gainDripping Springs via Dripping Springs and Hermit Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Grand Canyon, Arizona.Read more -
North Rim, Arizona
North Kaibab Trail to Redwall Bridge
6.51 mi / 3274 ft gainNorth Kaibab Trail to Redwall Bridge is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near North Rim, Arizona.Read more -
North Rim, Arizona
Ribbon Falls in Grand Canyon NP
5.017.57 mi / 4521 ft gainAlthough 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...Read more -
North Rim, Arizona
North Kaibab Trail to Colorado River
28.35 mi / 9974 ft gainNorth Kaibab Trail to Colorado River is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near North Rim, Arizona.Read more