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An unforgettable winter hike through the Grand Canyon
Sofía Ibáñez
Hiking Collection by Sofía_Ibáñez
5 Tours
28:56h
67.8km
3,480m
The Grand Canyon is undisputedly one of the most spectacular hiking spots, not only in North America but in the world. Over millions of years, the Colorado River has carved a canyon 277 miles (446 km) long and 6,000 feet (1,829 m) deep at its deepest point. Hiking through the Grand Canyon is an epic adventure that reveals a breathtaking journey through geological time. There are so many ways to enjoy this natural spectacle. Most of the millions of visitors to the national park are content to admire the canyon from the various viewpoints that dot the upper rims. Others, however, venture down part of the South Kaibab Trail to iconic sites such as Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge. Only 1% of all visitors make the full descent to the bottom of the canyon, where the famous Phantom Ranch lodge and restaurant is located. In this Collection, I challenge you to go much further and become one of the tiny minority of adventurers who discover the wildest and most remote facets of the Grand Canyon. I invite you to take this adventure in winter. Why? Between December and May, the road leading to the North Rim is closed to all vehicles. This means that the only way to get to this part of the Grand Canyon is to walk from the South Rim and then return the same way. Or, in other words, the Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike. In addition to gaining access to the North Rim, visiting the Grand Canyon in winter saves you from the soaring temperatures that make summer unpleasant, and even dangerous. This winter adventure through the Grand Canyon totals 42 miles (68 km) over five stages. Due to the steepness of the route, I don’t recommend it for people with knee problems or vertigo, as there are several sections of narrow track with a steep drop. To stay overnight at campsites in the Grand Canyon, you’ll need to apply for a Backcountry Permit. You can find all the information about permits and how to apply for them here: nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm. Temperatures drop considerably at night in the Grand Canyon, especially in winter, when snow and ice are common. Camping and hiking gear must be suitable for cold temperatures and winter conditions. I’d also recommend bringing crampons and trekking poles. In the winter months, the national park closes several of its drinking water sources. Check the park's website for information on where to refill bottles, and bring a water purification system for rivers and streams. With the exception of Phantom Ranch, where there’s a restaurant and a small shop, there are no other places offering groceries inside the canyon and you’ll need to plan food supplies accordingly. The only way to get to the South Kaibab Trailhead is on one of the national park's free shuttle buses. These leave from the visitor centre every few minutes and drop you off at the trailhead. There’s also parking at the visitor centre should you choose to drive. Hiking the Grand Canyon in winter, and exploring its many facets away from the crowds, is an experience as challenging as it is unforgettable – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Last updated: February 11, 2024
Tours
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsStage 1: South Kaibab Trailhead to Bright Angel – Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike
11.5km
2.4km/h
50m
1,470m
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The first leg of your “Rim to Rim to Rim” adventure begins at the South Kaibab Trailhead. Here you have the opportunity to refill your water bottles and observe the Grand Canyon from the top of the South Rim, at about 2,200 meters above sea level, before beginning one of the most spectacular descents…
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View - Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsStage 2: Bright Angel to Cottonwood – Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike
04:28
11.6km
2.6km/h
590m
110m
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Today you are going to fully enter the lower part of the Grand Canyon and enjoy a new perspective of this wonderful place. From the Bright Angel campsite to the Cottonwood campsite, a much simpler route awaits you than the previous one.
The trail leaves the Colorado River behind and follows one of its…
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- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsStage 3: Cottonwood to Cottonwood – Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike
09:26
21.2km
2.2km/h
1,260m
1,260m
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This stage makes a round trip to the North Rim (the northern end) and returns to the Cottonwood campground. It is a demanding route due to the large slope to be overcome, but it provides amazing views of one of the most remote and wild parts of the Grand Canyon.
From Cottonwood, located at about 1,200…
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- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsStage 4: Cottonwood to Bright Angel – Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike
04:21
12.2km
2.8km/h
110m
590m
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This fourth stage marks the beginning of the return to the South Rim Trailhead. The Route follows the same route as the second stage, but in the opposite direction.
Back at the Bright Angel campground, the trail again presents you with the opportunity to visit Ribbon Falls. If you only saw it from afar…
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- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsStage 5: Bright Angel to South Kaibab Trailhead – Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike
05:55
11.4km
1.9km/h
1,470m
60m
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Today your winter adventure through the Grand Canyon ends. But before ending the journey, the hardest part remains: ascending the 1,500 meters of altitude difference that you descended in the first stage.
I advise you to start the climb very early and take it easy, taking frequent breaks to rest and eat…
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Collection Stats
Tours
5
Distance
67.8km
Duration
28:56h
Elevation
3,480m
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