Rim Trail: The Best Short Day-Hike at the Grand Canyon

Sometimes we hike for exercise, trekking along on some trail for a good cardio session while listening to music. Then there are the other times when the best way to see a place, and I mean really see a place, is to take a hike and admire all the beauty along the way. That’s what it’s like at the Grand Canyon. The best way to immerse yourself in its absolute splendor is to go for a hike and we have one trail suggestion that many of you out there can do. There’s a 6-mile section of the Grand Canyon Rim Trail in Arizona that will show off its jaw-dropping beauty. We recommend it as one of the best short hikes at the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon has long been a bucket list item for numerous people around the world. So, it may come as no surprise that it welcomes over 5 million visitors each year.

While there are several viewpoints to get out and observe the canyon's awe-inspiring beauty, hiking is another great way to experience it.

Take, for example, the Rim Trail. While the entire length of this trail measures 13 miles, you don't have to do the whole thing. In fact, you can hike along a shorter section of it instead.

There's a 6-mile section of the Rim Trail that starts at Mather Point and ends at the Bright Angel Trailhead. This out-and-back trail rated as moderate and has an elevation gain of 413 feet.

Set aside at least two hours to complete this 6-mile section of the Rim Trail. However, you may want to stay longer as there are photo ops just about everywhere you look.

While this leg of the trail ends at the Bright Angel Trailhead, you can, of course, continue on if you've come prepared. And believe me, Bright Angel Trail is one you need to come prepared to do.

After your hike along the Rim Trail's Mather Point to Bright Angel Trailhead and back, stick around for one of our spectacular Arizona sunsets!

Have you ever hiked any part of the Grand Canyon Rim Trail in Arizona? How about any other hikes at this natural wonder? Let us know in the comments. For trail information, visit AllTrails, and don’t forget to download the Alltrails+ app before you go.

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Rim Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

The 6-Mile Rim Trail Might Just Be The Best Short Hike In The Grand Canyon

Melissa Mahoney

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