Grand Canyon, Arizona
Looking for the best backpacking in Grand Canyon? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Grand Canyon. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Grand Canyon
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Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden and Bright Angel Campgrounds
5.018.26 mi / 7992 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 / 4049 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
Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim
5.030.11 mi / 10584 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 / 7575 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 / 3737 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
Backpack Hermit Trail into the Grand Canyon
4.016.82 mi / 7021 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 -
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 -
North Rim, Arizona
Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trailhead
5.017.57 mi / 7589 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
Grand Canyon: Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim
4.745.6 mi / 17785 ft gainDay 1 Start at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park at the North Kaibab Trail. You have 14 miles and 5,761 feet of elevation to descend to the Bright Angel Campground, so bring those trekking poles if you have bad knees (like myself). Along the North Kaibab Trail a few noteworthy trail m...Read more -
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Backpack the Tanner Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
14.55 mi / 5633 ft gainThe trip requires a backcountry permit for zone BB9 (reserve HERE). Backcountry permits in Grand Canyon National Park are available for reservation on the 1st of the month 4 months prior to your trip date (e.g. if you wanted to go on a trip on May 20 you could reserve your permit on January 1st)....Read more -
North Rim, Arizona
Thunder River Loop
24 mi / 7234 ft gainConsidered one of the canyon’s most challenging and awe-inspiring paths, the loop is a must for people looking for hard-earned big rewards. Jaw-dropping vistas, tumbling waterfalls, towering rock walls, ancient fossils and the mighty Colorado create an incomparable backcountry experience.You star...Read more -
Supai, Arizona
Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Reservation
4.710.4 mi / 1647 ft gainThe Havasupai Reservation is a remote area just outside Grand Canyon National Park, full of blue-green water and dramatic waterfalls. Despite being an extremely isolated location, camping in the canyon is overwhelmingly popular and reservations are required. On popular weekends you will be shari...Read more -
Supai, Arizona
Confluence of the Colorado River and Havasu Creek
5.016.62 mi / 4199 ft gainHike: Starting from the Havasupai campgrounds, which is a 10 mile hike in itself from Hualapai Hilltop, the trail goes past Mooney Falls to Beaver Creek for 4 miles. The elevation gain is limited but makes up for difficulty with route finding. Getting to Beaver Falls will require creek crossings ...Read more -
Supai, Arizona
Mooney Falls
4.81.36 mi / 112 ft gainIf you hike to Havasupai and stop at Havasu Falls, you will have missed the grandest of the waterfalls in the Grand Canyon: Mooney Falls. The hike to Mooney Falls is not only scenic, but getting to the idyllic pool at its base of this 200-foot falls is an adventure, requiring you to use chains an...Read more -
Supai, Arizona
Navajo Falls
4.01.4 mi / 249 ft gainNavajo Falls Navajo Falls was created by a flash flood that tore through Havasu Canyon in August of 2008, altering the course of Havasu Creek. Visitors can reach these and other nearby falls via horseback, helicopter, or hiking from Supai Village. It is a relatively short hike from camp (just o...Read more