Started this hike at 4 am from the campground. This was August and we tried to move as quickly as possible before the sun came up. Total distance was 15 miles to Phantom Ranch. At Cottonwood Campground we found a rattlesnake. Past that we found the sun then the heat. By the time we entered Bright Angel Canyon we were exhausted and overheated. When we reach Phantom Ranch our calfs were in horrid shape from the long downhill trek. Took days to be able to walk without assistance. The experience is something we will never forget and we are so happy we did it.
Great trail with spectacular views. I only went to a mile past the tunnel. The trail isn't smooth which makes it a more difficult trail to hike. They were fixing it when I was there filling in holes. Fantastic views. If you're here on N Rim and are physically able, DO IT!
This is a perfect trail that can be made into a perfect day hike. Although it is the main trail for mule riders and rim-to-rim hikers - if you start mid morning, the mule riders will be finishing up. A great turn around is either at the Cottonwood bridge or the Supai tunnel. The tunnel area offers a water station for refilling water bottles. A perfect way to get more intimate with the canyon walls while not having to do an all day, or overnight trip.
We did the rim to rim hike starting July 22 down the North Kaibab, spent 2 nights at Phantom Ranch, then hiked the Bright Angel to the south rim on July 24th. There were 6 of us hiking with my wife & I being the retired ones. We planned very well for this adventure but with the summer heat and sun it was probably as difficult as it could be. Having said that, I enjoyed the hike immensely. There are many good websites instructing you how to prepare for this hike. Use them! We started the hike down from the North Kaibab at 5 in the morning slightly before sunrise. I was surprised how few hikers we saw on the North Kaibab. All recommendations are to get through the "Box" before the heat of the day. Unless you are rushing the hike it is difficult to do that. Our group wanted to enjoy the canyon and our pace was such we went through the box in the heat of the day. We utilized shady spots to rest and snack. These were mostly rock overhangs. Also soaked our shirts in the cool Roaring Springs creek which kept us cool. I also carried a spray bottle to cool my face and neck. Worked well. It was slightly frustrating hiking along the cool creek but it was not always accessable. So take advantage when you do have access to the creek to cool off. It also would have been nice if there were a few mile markers indicating how far the Phantom Ranch was away. Mile markers could be very beneficial to hikers. But overall it was a great experience.
We went up North Kaibab after starting on South Kaibab from the South Rim at 5:30 am. Whole trip took 11 hours. This was a difficult hike and we were both in excellent shape. Don't forget to eat enough and get salt in your system. I ended up with slight altitude sickness and think that not eating enough after lunch is what ultimately led to it. There was no water from Phantom Ranch up to Supai, a loooong stretch. We were fine as we refilled at Cottonwood with a filtration system. The stretch from Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor to Cottonwood was hot with little shade. Now for the great parts - walking up from the canyon floor is amazing, seeing the changes in the landscape, walking on narrow paths along rock faces, seeing waterfalls. It was spectacular and well worth the effort.
You are sharing the trail with the mule rides, so that makes for sensory overload at times and you are asked to wait while mule tour groups go by. We were hiking with a 13 year old so when to the Supai Tunnel (2 miles down) and then hiked 2 miles back. It's on your mind the whole time that as you hike down you need to get back up so not as enjoyable :) Afterwards, we walked the Bright Angel Point trail, a quick 1/2 mile each way from the Lodge. The vistas were incredible, that's when we really appreciated the vastness and grandeur of the canyon.
Altitude is a killer if you are going up but it is the best way down. 14 miles to phaeton ranch. Suppia tunnel Ribbon falls the pump house then cotton all have water enjoy and take your time to see
Start early in the morning and make sure you have well broken in footwear that is laced tight. The down hill hiking will kill your toes if you don't. Bring along mole skin, tape and vaseline just in case for any hot spots. The bottom hike is the most challenging....because even though it is relatively flat, it's very hot and dusty. Pack plenty of water and energy food.
My June 26, 2014 hike of the Kaibab Trail to the Silver Suspension bridge and back gave me a memorable experience. Blessed with an overcast and relatively cool day (90F at the Ranch), I was able to enjoy the trail, the views, and the people I met. Maps and trail info are plentiful. Water supplies are spaced well, allowing for a long day if you carry 2-3 liters of water. The trail is coated with a fine powdery dust at the top, but that is gone after the Supai Tunnel. The climbing is tough at the end, so plan to eat and save enough energy for that!
We took the short portion of the hike to the Suppai Tunnel or 4 miles round trip. As you would expect the views were amazing. Also, Its great to get the see the canyon from a more granular level of being inside it. My review is on the short hike, but if going longer see the map distances and make sure you're geared up and research the adequate amount of water and supplies needed. It took us about 2.5 hour to do the 4 miles. This is a hike of never ending switch backs. Interesting the first two miles are in the Alpine forest and is very green. This was good as it gave some shade in the 100 degree temps. This is really a strenous trail and is tough on the knees going down. They had water and bathrooms at the Suppai tunnel. Coming back was the hard part. Im not in bad shape, but do to the steep grade, high temperature and 8K above sea level altitude, this hike was tough. Be careful and don't over estimate your fitness on this hike. This is no cake walk. But glad I did it. Im amazed at the guys that go all the way on this. They're in good shape. Be careful for dusty rocks which I slipped on a couple of times. Also, its better to do early in the morning. The annoying thing is the mule dung and pee on the trail as this is also a mule trail. Not necessarily the cleanest or best smelling trail as a result. But, if you're a hiker you cant walk away from this challenge.