Cedar Ridge via South Kaibab Trail
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Details
Distance
2.88 miles
Elevation Gain
1168 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Edward Day
Cedar Ridge via South Kaibab Trail is a moderately easy day hike that winds you down a beautiful trail in the Grand Canyon. It features incredible views for such a short day hike.
To access the trailhead, you must take a shuttle in. There is not parking next to the trailhead because the parking lot is very small. From the trailhead you cascade down several steep switchbacks and continue on until you reach Ooh Ah point. Ooh Ah point is a great place for a wide or panoramic picture and is a fantastic rest spot. Continuing on from Ooh Ah point, after several steep and winding ridges you reach Cedar Ridge. Hikers wishing to go further can continue on to reach Skeleton Point and eventually the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
This trail can be extremely hot during the summer so it is imperative that you bring water. Hiking here during the spring months is ideal due to the weather still being very cool. This hike is also very deceiving because you can hike down a while and not feel tired and then realize you have to hike back up. The hike back up is very strenuous and steep and requires way more time than the hike down, so be aware.
Download Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Cedar Ridge via South Kaibab Trail Reviews
How does one even describe how miniscule they feel against the backdrop of the Grand Canyon? Not even all of it, just a tiny fraction of it. My eyes could not see enough, and my peripheral view not wide enough to soak up the vastness of my surroundings. If it weren’t for being a mortal requiring water, food and shelter, I would not have left. If you can manage the slog of hiking back up (being mindful of weather, wearing proper shoes and layers, having enough water and snacks, taking breaks, giving yourself ample time to make it back up) then you must do it!!! Pictures of the Canyon will never give you the full understanding of its beauty.
5.0
Very beautiful hike going down past ooh aah point. Easy down moderately difficult going back up.
5.0
Hard on knees going down and hard on lungs going back up. Take stops as needed but you get to see some grand views of the canyon.
5.0
Awesome hike with scenic views constantly. Going down is easier than going back up... keep that in mind! We went far down, not realizing the hike up would be much more grueling.
5.0
This trail took my wife and I about 3 1/2 hours, going to Cedar Ridge and back up. It was definitely harder than we anticipated due to the heat and elevation gain, but very doable. Make sure to bring plenty of water since there's no fillup stations along the trail. And be prepared for some stunning views along the way.
5.0
Each turn seems to lead to a new panoramic view of the canyon and makes this one of my favorite on the South Rim.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim
Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon
Utah Flats via Cremation Canyon
Cremation Canyon via South Kaibab Trailhead
Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop
Ooh-Aah Point via South Kaibab
Discover
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2026 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy