Uploaded September 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Complete guide to hiking Rim to River in the Grand Canyon: route, safety tips, water stops, and how to prepare for this epic challenge.
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The Rim to River hike drops 4,000 feet from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back up in one day, 16.5 miles that the Park Service discourages as a day hike. I take the South Kaibab Trail down, cross the river to Phantom Ranch, and climb out via Bright Angel. This route demands experience, serious preparation, and enough water to last the climb back. The heat, elevation change, and distance make this one of the hardest single-day hikes in the canyon. If you're considering it, you need to know what you're getting into before you commit.
00:00 Grand Canyon Rim to River
02:34 South Kaibab Descent
07:00 Switchbacks & Ecosystem
10:27 Phantom Ranch Area
13:26 River Crossing
16:29 River Rest House
19:06 Bright Angel Climb Begins
23:25 Upper Switchbacks
26:56 Summit Return
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Complete guide to hiking Rim to River in the Grand Canyon: route, safety tips, water stops, and how to prepare for this epic challenge.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/rim-to-river-grand-canyon
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
The Rim to River hike drops 4,000 feet from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back up in one day, 16.5 miles that the Park Service discourages as a day hike. I take the South Kaibab Trail down, cross the river to Phantom Ranch, and climb out via Bright Angel. This route demands experience, serious preparation, and enough water to last the climb back. The heat, elevation change, and distance make this one of the hardest single-day hikes in the canyon. If you're considering it, you need to know what you're getting into before you commit.
00:00 Grand Canyon Rim to River
02:34 South Kaibab Descent
07:00 Switchbacks & Ecosystem
10:27 Phantom Ranch Area
13:26 River Crossing
16:29 River Rest House
19:06 Bright Angel Climb Begins
23:25 Upper Switchbacks
26:56 Summit Return
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
