The Big Ditch: Must-Do Grand Canyon Hikes and Backpacks

By Peace Outfitters | May 30, 2025

The Big Ditch: Must-Do Grand Canyon Hikes and Backpacks

At Peace Outfitters, we’re lucky to call Flagstaff home—just a stone’s throw from one of the country’s most iconic national parks and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re looking for a challenging day hike or planning a multi-day backpacking trip, the Canyon offers an unforgettable experience for visitors who take the plunge below the rim.

But first: a word of caution.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon is not like hiking in other landscapes. With about 5000 feet in elevation change between the rim and the Colorado River, intense desert heat (especially in summer), limited water sources, and rugged, rocky, and remote terrain, any descent below the rim is inherently dangerous. Every year, search and rescue teams respond to hundreds – sometimes thousands – of exhausted, dehydrated, or injured hikers.

A few important safety notes:

  • Grand Canyon National Park strongly discourages hiking from the rim to the river and back to the rim in a single day. To put this in perspective, the shortest possible rim-to-river-to-rim hike in the Canyon is about 13 miles with nearly 5000 feet of descent AND nearly 5000 feet of gain. 
  • Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
  • Carry more water than you think you’ll need, but do not force fluids. Drink water when thirsty, and stop when you are quenched. Overhydration can lead to a life-threatening salt imbalance called hyponatremia. To prevent this, you should also carry salty snacks and electrolytes, such as Gatorade powder, Nuun tablets, or Liquid IV. 
  • Know your limits. Hiking down is optional; hiking back up is mandatory.
  • Hiking below the rim between the months of June and August is strongly discouraged. Generally, the hiking and backpacking season in the Grand Canyon is mid-September to mid-May. Even during this season, however, temperatures at the bottom of the Canyon can exceed 100° Fahrenheit.

With these notes in mind, here are eight must-do trails in the Grand Canyon for those we recommend looking to explore the depths of this natural wonder.

Must-Do Day Hikes Below the Rim of the Grand Canyon

1. Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Gardens & Plateau Point

Description:
This iconic trail starts at Grand Canyon Village and descends steeply along a well-maintained corridor trail. Havasupai Gardens is an oasis of cottonwoods, and nearby Plateau Point offers a stunning panoramic view of the Colorado River far below.

  • Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is well-maintained, but the climb out is steep.
  • Mileage: 9 miles round trip to Havasu Gardens; 12 miles to Plateau Point.
  • Permits: No permit needed for day hiking.
  • More information here.
  • NOTE: Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail junction is closed and scheduled to reopen October 1st, 2025.

2. South Kaibab to Bright Angel via the Tonto Trail

Description:
This classic canyon traverse links two main corridor trails via the Tonto Platform. You’ll descend the ridge-exposed South Kaibab Trail to the Tipoff, then cut west along the Tonto Trail before ascending via the slightly less steep Bright Angel Trail.

  • Difficulty: Difficult. Long mileage, high sun exposure, and a lack of water until reaching Havasupai Gardens.
  • Mileage: ~13 miles round trip. 
  • Permits: No permit needed for day hike; shuttle required for accessing South Kaibab Trailhead.
  • More information here.

3. Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa

Description:
A steep, rugged route off the beaten path. This historical mining trail drops quickly via tight switchbacks and loose rock to a wide mesa with old ruins and expansive views.

  • Difficulty: Difficult. Steep, poorly maintained trail and no water—best for fit, experienced hikers.
  • Mileage: 6 miles round trip, longer if hiking around other parts of Horseshoe Mesa.
  • Permits: No permit for day use.
  • More information here.

4. Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs

Description:
This less-traveled trail offers a beautiful side canyon experience and substantially fewer crowds. Dripping Springs is a small but reliable water source tucked in a shady alcove.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult. The trail is rugged and eroded in places, and the first and last 1.5 miles are very steep. However, the middle three miles are relatively flat and shaded at times.
  • Mileage: ~7 miles round trip.
  • Permits: No permit for day hiking. Note: Hermit Trail access via shuttle or private vehicle with permit.
  • More information here.

Must-Do Multiday Backpacking Trips in the Grand Canyon

1. Rim-to-Rim (South Kaibab or Bright Angel to North Kaibab)

Description:
A bucket-list trip crossing the entire Canyon from south to north. This hike descends steeply from the South Rim, crosses the Colorado River, and winds up past Ribbon Falls and the lush Bright Angel Canyon to the North Rim.

  • Difficulty: Difficult. Demanding elevation changes, hot temps, and a need for strong logistical planning.
  • Mileage & Time: 21–24 miles one way 
  • Suggested Time Frame: 3-4 days
  • Camping: Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch (lodge), Cottonwood Campground
  • Permits: Required and extremely competitive for corridor campgrounds. Visit Recreation.gov here. You can also book four months in advance via the Early Access Lottery (also available on Recreation.gov). 
  • More Info: Seasonal shuttle between rims available. North Rim closed from October 15th to May 15th. Visit the shuttle website here.
  • NOTE: Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River is closed, meaning Rim to Rim backpackers are only able to cross the river on Black Bridge using the South Kaibab Trail. Silver Bridge and the River Trail will reopen on September 30th, 2025.  

2. Hermit Trail to Colorado River

Description:
A steep, rugged route leading to the Colorado River starting at Hermit’s Rest, the westernmost accessible point from Grand Canyon Village. Camp along the Colorado River at Granite or Hermit Rapids and experience solitude and roaring whitewater. 

  • Difficulty: Difficult. Steep, rough footing, limited water, and minimal shade.
  • Mileage: ~18 miles round trip (camping at Granite or Hermit Rapids); longer routes possible with more time and if planning on camping at both rapids
  • Suggested Time Frame: 3-4 days
  • Camping: Hermit Creek, Hermit Rapids, Monument Creek, Granite Rapids
  • Permits: Required. Visit Recreation.gov here.
  • More Info: Check for water availability and trail information here.  

3. Havasupai Backpacking: Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls 

Description:
Located outside of Grand Canyon National Park and instead operated by the Havasupai Tribe, this iconic hike into one of Grand Canyon’s largest side canyons leads to surreal turquoise waterfalls including Havasu, Mooney, and Beaver Falls. 

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult. Long, exposed descent and often very hot, but more services available than other parts of the Grand Canyon (including mules). 
  • Mileage & Time: 20-25 miles round trip + day hikes (3–4 days).
  • Permits: Required and extremely competitive. Reservations open Feb 1 via this website. All visits require a 3-night minimum.
  • More Info: Hikers must camp in the designated campground. Day hiking is not allowed.
  • NOTE: The Grand Canyon is a sacred place for many Native American tribes in the Southwest. When entering the Grand Canyon, you are entering sacred and ancestral lands for many people. In this case, you are backpacking on the Havasupai Tribe’s land. Please be respectful and courteous—you are entering their home.

4. Bill Hall–Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop

Description:
A remote loop on the western North Rim of the Canyon. Highlights include two large waterfalls and the idyllic Deer Creek Narrows. This loop is for experienced backpackers only.

  • Difficulty: Extreme. Remote, steep, rocky, exposed. Route-finding necessary at times and little to no water for much of the route. 
  • Mileage & Time: ~27 miles 
  • Suggested Time Frame: 4-5 days
  • Permits: Required. Permit demand is high—apply early. Visit Recreation.gov here.
  • More Info: Roads on the North Rim have a limited season, usually between late April/early May and early October. Check on road conditions and get permit info via the Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center.

Renting Backpacking Gear for Your Grand Canyon Adventure

At Peace Outfitters, we stock everything you need for Grand Canyon hiking and backpacking—from packs and trail runners to maps, filters, nutrition, and trekking poles.

We are also proud to offer a wide array of backpacking rentals for those flying in from out of state or who want to test out different setups before purchasing. One of our rental offerings is a Premium Backpacking Package orienting renters toward a lightweight, comfortable and livable setup. The kit sits at about 14 pounds and includes the following items:

  • ~65L pack
  • Lightweight two-person tent
  • Lightweight air pad
  • 20°F sleeping bag
  • Backpacking stove kit (includes fuel + lighter)
  • Headlamp
  • Ratsack (for food storage in critter-prone areas)

For those who only need a few pieces of gear, we also offer à la carte rentals for the following items: 

  • Lightweight two-person tents
  • Lightweight air pads
  • 20°F sleeping bags
  • Headlamps

Call or swing by the store to set up your rental and our staff is happy to help you: 928-779-4521. 

Visiting and Respecting the Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a vast and special place—difficult to understand unless you dip below the rim and best explored on foot. When visiting please respect that you are on ancestral lands of the Havasupai, Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, Yavapai, Hualapai, Apache, and Southern Piute. Always remember to practice Leave No Trace Principles while recreating on public lands to avoid wildlife habituation, litter buildup, and ensure that others can enjoy their time in the park as well. 

We hope you enjoy this unique and profound landscape. See you out there!

Posted in Backpacking