If you really want to understand the Grand Canyon, you don't stand at the rim. You step off it…read more South Kaibab Trail is not subtle about what it is. There's no easing into it, no gentle introduction. Within minutes, you're descending through tight switchbacks, the rim already pulling away behind you, and that comfortable "overlook" perspective is gone. You're in it now. What makes this trail different is the exposure. It rides out along a ridge, not tucked away or hidden, so the views are constant. There's no point where it closes in or gives you a break. Every step opens something new. Layers of rock stacked like pages, colors shifting depending on where the sun hits, distances that feel close until you realize they're anything but. Early on, you hit that first real vantage point where everything just drops away in front of you. It's the kind of moment that interrupts whatever you were thinking about. You stop, not because you planned to, but because you don't really have a choice. And then you keep going. The trail pulls you downward at a steady, unapologetic grade. It's not technical, but it demands attention. Your footing matters. Your pacing matters. Knees start to take notice on the way down, and somewhere in the back of your mind, you're already aware that every step you're taking is one you'll have to reverse later. There's almost no shade. That's not an exaggeration. Once the sun is up, it owns this trail. That's why going early isn't just a good idea, it's the difference between a great hike and a brutal one. In the early hours, the light cuts across the canyon at an angle, pulling out depth and contrast you just don't get later. Shadows stretch, colors deepen, and the entire landscape feels more alive. By midday, it flattens out and the heat starts pressing down in a way that changes the tone completely. As you descend, the canyon shifts around you. The rock underfoot changes color and texture, walls rise and fall, and the sense of scale keeps slipping just out of reach. You try to make sense of distance, but it doesn't behave the way you expect. What looks like a short stretch can take far longer than it should. Landmarks move. Perspectives lie. There's a point where the noise fades out. Fewer people, more space, just the sound of your own steps and the occasional wind moving through the canyon. It's quiet in a way that feels earned. Not empty, just stripped down to what matters. And then there's the reality check. Going down is the easy part. It always is. The climb back up is where this trail makes its case. The grade doesn't soften. The exposure doesn't change. It's you, the incline, and however well you managed your energy on the way down. It's not impossible, not even close, but it demands respect. You feel it in your legs, your lungs, your pace slowing whether you like it or not. But that's also where something shifts. You're not just looking at the canyon anymore. You're moving through it, working against it, understanding it in a physical way that no overlook can give you. The scale stops being abstract. It becomes something you measure in effort, in time, in breath. By the time you reach the top again, you've earned a completely different perspective than the one you started with. This trail doesn't offer comfort. It offers clarity. It strips things down to effort, environment, and awareness. And in return, it gives you one of the most direct, honest ways to experience the Grand Canyon. Five stars, no hesitation.

I have done Bright Angle Trial a couple of times in the past to the bottom of the Grand Canyon…read more South Kaibab is the other big trail into the Canyon. Over the summer, we camped at the rim and decided to hike South Kaibab a little ways early in the morning before it got too hot. We ended up hiking all the way to Skeleton Point and back. As it approached afternoon, it started to get a little warm. I ended drinking all the water in my CamelBak just before I got to the top. The temperature was climbing fast and I had to use my cooling towel to stay cool. I got to say that I really gained a lot of respect for this Canyon during this short summer hike that I did. The South Kaibab Trail is a 7 mile hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park that leads to the Colorado River. I like this trail because you get 360-degree views of the canyon after you pass Skeleton Point. The trail is mostly shaded until you reach Ooh Aah Point. Then you are out in the open. Up next is Cedar Ridge at 1.5 miles and then Skeleton Point at 3 miles. After that is the Tipoff and Black Suspension Bridge as you are descending into the Canyon. There is no water on the trail until you get to the bottom of the canyon at Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch. So bring plenty of it along with snacks, sunscreen, etc. The hike is 15 miles (24 km) roundtrip to Phantom Ranch and will take at least 2 days to complete. If you get to the beginning of the trail early enough, you can probably find parking in the parking lot or on the side of the road. But it fills up quick. Another option is to take the free shuttle to the trailhead from the South Rim Visitor's Center. Both water and restrooms are located at the beginning of the trail. The hike is usually a little busy with people to start off with, but many turn around after reaching Ooh Aah Point. It is also fairly steep with lots of switchbacks, so bring poles if you need them for assistance. Be prepared for a climb on the way back to the parking lot during that last mile. Also keep an eye out for Mules as they use this trail regularly. My recent hike was in June and I saw many people with little or no water. I also saw people with footwear that should not be worn on this trail. It blew me away how uneducated and naive people are about doing these hikes into the canyon. I understand lots of tourists come here, but people need to be a little more careful when hiking the Grand Canyon. Many of the deaths that occur every year in this Canyon can be avoided. On the day that I visited and hiked this trail, they reported several heat related incidents that evening and one death. South Kaibab Trail is a great hike. Enjoy, make a plan and be responsible.

Increíble lugar! Tal cual lo esperaba muy limpio y bien cuidado! Espectacularrrrr! Únicamente hice…read moremiradores pero he visto otra gente que hizo helicóptero y una excursión en el agua. Será mi próximo viaje! También vimos que hay buses que llegan hasta ahí

Grandview Point is the start of the Grandview Trial to Horseshoe Mesa campground or further onto…read moreCottonwood Creek backcountry campground at the base of the Grand Canyon. At the overlook, there is plenty of parking and a separate lot for overnight campers. The lot will take you steps away from the overlook. Although breathtaking views, this side has no Colorado River. It's a dry scenic view (we went first week of April). The area is well maintained with bathrooms and water station at the top, but the Grandview Trail itself is not. Read up and prepare if you're planning to hike this trail; it was one of the most difficult and scary-sketchy hikes in my life so far. We hiked all the way down to the base where Cottonwood campground is. The initial trail was sketchy as it is. Going down from the overlook, some parts of the trail were barely a foot wide, and there was an area of crumbly red clay-type dirt that was sloped over a cliff that gave me the sweats and some anxiety when crossing. Once you get past the beginning sketchiness, it's not so bad, but there were various areas of rockslide to keep you on your toes to find the trail again. Keep in mind you're going into the canyon, so the entire way is clamoring down loose rocks. Keep those laces tight! Let's avoid another toenail-less summer! A good part of the switchbacks were paved with stone steps that reminded me of the Yellow Brick Road. I loved them; easy to walk on and less slippage going both down or back up. We started late and out of the we total trek, 4 miles we did in the dark with headlamps and sticks, so it is totally doable! Cottonwood's creek was but a tiny trickle when we got there. The seclusion is well worth the trek though. You do need to get a backcountry permit to camp here and there are no reserved numbers for the sites. It's first come first serve. I was told the entire way from viewpoint to Cottonwood was 5.6 miles one way, but honestly, it felt like 7 miles. Going back up was killer! Incline the entire way, but I promise you'll come out of there with some amazing glutes and calves. Would I do it again? Maybe need a break in between to forget about all the pain and suffering, while I look at all the amazing photos I got along the way. Then yes!

We had a wonderful sunset experience on the Greenway Trail in Tusayan. Even though our hotel was…read morejust down the street, we drove and found easy parking on SR-64 / US-180 near the IMAX and the roundabout. It was a beautiful, peaceful walk with our dog, and we only encountered a few bikers, walkers, and skateboarders along the way. The paved path is also perfect for biking. While it felt a bit lonely at times, it was a truly scenic and relaxing way to spend the evening!

Great place to get some wifi and work/watch a show on your computer/catch up with your friends and…read morefamily online at. Clean restrooms and it's super cozy. Outside seating available for those nice days when you don't want to be cooped up inside while working on your computer. Gym also available I believe for Grand Canyon Village residents only.

This locals only joint is a great place to work out, meet up for sand volleyball, a softball or…read morebaseball game, ping pong or movie nights. Yoga, Zomba, Ballet, children's music, cooking and many other classes are offered as well as recreational trips to places like Sedona, Monument Valley, Prescott, Vegas, Phoenix and Flagstaff! Some of the trips are geared specifically towards Spring Training, photography, hiking or a fair, while others are geared towards errands. The Gym has been expanded so there is more room now. There is a new playground outside, and talk of a disc golf course. (Okay, it may be mostly me talking about the disc golf!) Membership is $10 a month or $60 a year. Wow is that a quarter of the cost of a monthly gym membership in Boston! The New Rec Center manager, Jake, is very open to more adventurous trips and activities, and has already ordered in some cool new equipment for the gym. (Just make sure you introduce yourself to him before demanding new services!) See the Face book page for current events! Again this service is for local residents of Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan ONLY. Mon: 5:30 am - 9:00 pm Tues: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm Wed: 5:30 am - 9:00 pm Thurs: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm Fri: 5:30 am - 9:00 pm Sat - Sun: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

I came to the Grand Canyon on the Comedy on Deck Tour. We explored the West Rim. We came in the…read morebeginning of December and it was great weather. There was also a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. We saw some Native American relics like teepees and a sweat lodge. There was also a cafe up here where we had lunch.

Beautiful views and the Skywalk is so cool! It's a bit…read morepricey but a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. We had the best time.

The Cape Royal Trail is simply breathtaking! The North Rim of the Grand Canyon isn't as large or as…read morepopular as the South Rim. However, the vista points are just as grand and way more enjoyable in my honest opinion. For one thing, you're in one of the most remote rims in the Grand Canyon that is only accessible during certain parts of the year. And for this reason alone, the journey here already feels special. Cape Royal Road is an excellent place to explore while visiting Grand Canyon's remote North Rim. The Cape Royal Trail isn't any kind of strenuous hike by any means. In fact, it's an easy leisurely stroll that measures a quick 1 mile or so in total. The reason for your visit should simply be for the views. And let me tell you; those views will NEVER disappoint. the depths of the canyons are so astounding. These are views that just keep getting grander the further in that you go. Not to bad mouth the South Rim, but these views don't "look at the same" on this rim trail. There's so much variation in the scenery. It's so uncanny. One really neat viewpoint from the trail is Angel's Window. It's a large gaping hole in a section of the canyon that can be easily seen from the trail. It actually looks pretty scary, like that part of the canyon could collapse at any time. And of course, there's a section where YOU can walk right on top of it! Yes, for those of you who like the adrenaline rush; Do it! It's actually not as scary as it looks from far away. There's a gated pathway that will take you to the edge, and you can imagine how amazing the views are from this point. I witnessed it firsthand, and it's pretty extraordinary. And then of course, you can peek deep down into the canyon and spot the Bright Angel and North Kaibib trails as well as parts of the Colorado River. It's just so fascinating. Since the Cape Royal Trail is flat and paved, it's easily accessible to those with small children and people with disabilities. It makes for an excellent family adventure or even just a fun stop along the drive through the North Rim. This was definitely one of my favorite stops during my visit to Grand Canyon North Rim. When on the North Rim, make some time to stop here. The majestic views will make it worth while.

Plan to spend 3-4 hours to drive the length of the road so you can stop at Point Imperial,…read moreRoosevelt Point and Angel's Window at a minimum. So many viewpoints!

Love the mule ride. Went for 3 hour ride and my butt is still sore a week later but so worth it…read more I have been on mules rides before and those animals were a bit more broken in if not better trained than what we had. I had no problem but I have had a little experience with mules and horses. The girl who went down a side trail not so much. I thought it was funny, but I have a sick sense of humor.

We had such a great experience!! Everyone was super friendly and relaxed! Star and Naja took us…read moreon our ride, couldn't have asked for better guides! Such a great eat to spend the afternoon. I would highly recommend!!

My husband and I did a three-day hike down into the Grand Canyon (South Rim) with Stephan from Way…read moreFar Out Adventures in May 2013. We decided to do this trip at the last minute -- about a week before we went. After doing some research, my husband found Way Far Out and made contact with Stephan. He was able to get last-minute back-country permits quickly, plan the trip and the meals, and have everything ready to go right away. He worked with us on meal planning and on our itinerary. He was very accommodating of our needs/wants. The price was very reasonable, as well, particularly considering everything we received in return. The trip itself was an amazing experience and adventure. Way Far Out provided us with all the equipment we needed, including packs, poles (essential to climbing into and out of the Grand Canyon on these trails), tents, food, etc. All of the equipment was first-rate. Stephan took us all the way down to Cottonwood and Hance Canyon, seeing many different sites along the way. Lunch on top of the Horseshoe Mesa was a once in a lifetime experience. The view was breath-taking. The trails we took were not like the Bright Angel trail that is wide and well-maintained. These were steep, rough, rocky, back-country trails that would be nearly impossible to find and follow if you didn't have a guide. Stephan navigated us down, through, and back up these trails without a hitch. He was extremely knowledgeable about the path of the traills, the incredible history of these areas, the plant and animal life, and all things to do with back-country hiking. His experience and knowledge were invaluable. Add to that that Stephan's first occupation was as a chef in some of the higher end resorts and restaurants, and you've got not only an interesting hiking adventure, but some really fantastic food on the trail. That is no small feat, because we had to carry our food (so the quantity had to be manageable) and the only cooking apparatus was a fire. We told Stephan what we liked to eat (very simple stuff) and he made a gourmet meal for us that was always absolutely delicious. Stephan also made sure we had enough and the right kinds of snacks to keep our energy levels where they needed to be for this challenging hike. Most important to me was the fact that Stephan made sure I had my cup-o-joe every morning. We saw some pretty incredible sights in our three days and two nights deep in the Grand Canyon. We could never have done it or enjoyed it more if not for Stephan and Way Far Out Adventures. We would absolutely recommend them both for your hiking adventure in the Grand Canyon or any of the other places they go. From what we were able to figure out, Stephan is equally familiar with the other National Parks, as well. A couple of tips we learned that we'll pass along... 1. Make sure you are in good physical shape (and can carry a 30-40 lb pack), because this is no "walk in the park". It is physically demanding, but totally do-able. 2. Make sure you have the right hiking shoes/boots -- ones that are worn in long before you take your first step on the Canyon trail. Blisters are a real downer when you are walking 8-12 miles a day. Stephan had a blister kit that was a life saver to my husband, but it is a more enjoyable experience if you don't have to deal with that. 3. Take Stephan up on his offer to tell him what you want/need. If you do that, your trip will be totally custom for you and will be an incredible adventure that you'll never forget. 4. Take a camera with plenty of extra batteries. You will see the most awesome sights and you'll want to take a picture of all 10,000 of them. 5. Don't take anything you don't need or don't want to carry for your trip. You'll soon learn the value of packing light when you have to carry it on your back for 3 days. 6. Leave the world behind -- don't take your cell phone (it won't work anyway) or any remnant of your life outside. Embrace this experience and live each moment in the Canyon. Get out there and have a wonderful adventure...it's worth the time, the money, and the effort. Great job, Stephan and Way Far Out Adventures! See you the next time, for sure!

In June my husband & I took the Park Special tour with Shane. It was a great day from beginning to…read moreend. We met Shane in Williams and within 10 minutes of leaving Williams, we pulled over and spied thru the guide's sope a female bald eage and her baby (really cool) and the trip just got better each stop. Our tour included lunch at an outstanding lookout along with many other scenic overlooks that we would have otherwise missed or not been accessable to us. Shane is very knowledge and fun to be with. The only thing missing was a pillow for me to use on my way back to Williams. It was such a full day I needed a nap!