4. South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park

You can’t gain full respect for the Grand Canyon until you’ve been below the rim and the South Kaibab Trail is one of the park’s best views for the effort trails. As you descend along a ridgeline into the cauldron of red rocks, you’ll be rewarded with 360° views that showcase nature’s sheer strength. During summer, turn around at Cedar Ridge but on a cooler spring day, hiking all the way to Skeleton Point 2,040ft below the rim may be possible if the track isn’t too icy.

 

Pro tip: Head out early to avoid the heat and watch the sunrise over the canyon

Difficulty: Intermediate

Pros: Short hike, incredible views, well-maintained trail, restrooms at Cedar Ridge

Cons: Hot and exposed, steep, very little shade, no water on trail

Congestion: Medium

Total Distance & Duration: 3-mile round trip to Cedar Ridge, 2hrs, 6-mile round trip to Skeleton Point, 3-5hrs

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Late Spring, Summer

Trail Uses: Hiking, Mules

Dog-Friendly: No

Recommended Gear: CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Day Pack, Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Boot, Columbia OMNI-Shade UPF 40 sun protection, long roll-up sleeve shirt

Elevation at trailhead: 7,260ft

Costs: $30 for 7 day pass

State: Arizona

Directions to trailhead: Catch a free shuttle from the Grand Canyon Village to the trailhead