Arizona’s hiking trails offer unparalleled natural beauty, but there’s one that has iconic views. Check out the Rim Trail at Grand Canyon National Park, which is easily among the best hiking trails in the U.S.
The South Rim Trail stretches 13 miles along the rim of the Grand Canyon.
If you're looking for spectacular views, this is the best trail in the entire state. The trail offers several shuttle stops along the way, so you can hike as many sections as you'd like.
You'll have plenty of company as you hike.
The Grand Canyon welcomes visitors from all over the world, year-round. Because this trail is accessible to so many, you'll be sharing it with plenty of tourists. Don't let that discourage you from taking this trail; say hello, and maybe make a new friend.
The South Rim Trail is divided into 15 sections.
Each section is between .3 miles and 1.7 miles long. Plan to hike several sections, or skip the the shuttles altogether and hike the entire 13 miles. Make sure to bring plenty of water along.
The South Kaibab Trailhead is the first stop along the trail.
You'll be wowed with an incredible view from the very beginning of your journey.
Pipe Creek Vista is just .8 miles from your first stop.
Take the shuttle or walk another 1.4 miles to Mather Point.
Spend some time at the Yavapai Point overlook, where you'll find the Yavapai Geology Museum.
At the museum, you'll enjoy some incredible views, and learn more about the canyon's geological history. Check out the photographs, exhibits and models.
The Trailview Overlook gives you a dizzying view of the Bright Angel Trail below.
From the Trailview Overlook, it's another .7 miles to Maricopa Point.
At Powell Point, you'll find a view and a historic monument.
Climb the stairs to the 20 foot tall monument and learn a little more history. The monument stands to honor explorer Major John Wesley Powell and his crew, who explored the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869, and again in 1871-72.
Hike a short .3 miles to Hopi Point....
... .8 miles more to Mohave Point...
... 1.1 miles to The Abyss...
... .9 miles to Monument Creek Vista...
...and 1.7 miles to Pima Point.
It's pretty good motivation to continue on along the trail when you're awarded with views and vistas like these all along the way. From Pima Point, it's just 1.1 miles to the final viewpoint on the trail.
The final stop along the trail is Hermit's Rest, which has a whimsical, historic landmark.
Hermit's Rest was built in 1914 as a rest stop for the stage line. The shelter was built to look as though it was constructed by a hermit or mountain man, who just gathered stones and branches from the area. It sits just a few feet from the edge of the canyon.
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