The 5 most scenic hikes in Grand Canyon National Park

01.04.2024 - 23:57 / lonelyplanet.com

Replete with jewel tones and an incredibly diverse terrain, Grand Canyon National Park is a gift to hiking enthusiasts.

Though it's tempting to take a seat on a roadside bench and just gaze at its deep, layered rings of geological wonder, it's well worth your time to lace up those hiking boots and hit the park’s 595 miles of trails.  

Whether you’re after family strolls on paved routes or more challenging multiday treks, this Arizona hotspot has numerous options to give you a perspective that far exceeds any scenic drive or viewpoint – wandering through towering pines; navigating deep river basins; getting up close to desert bighorn sheep.

With multiple visitor centers, a geology museum, accessible trails and lodging throughout the park, the Grand Canyon is well set up to welcome the many visitors that descend on it every year. Still, it's best to plan your trip in advance and make early reservations. Packing the right equipment is essential and sunscreen, drinking water and checking the weather forecast before setting off are paramount here. These are our five favorite hikes in Grand Canyon National Park.

Trail with the best views
12.5 miles round trip, 8 hours, strenuous

With sweeping canyon vistas, this advanced trail on the South Rim lives up to its name. Dating from 1893, the Grandview Trail was originally carved out by miners, seeking easier access to copper ore. Today, it has evolved into the ultimate full-day adventure for hiking pros.  

This trail throws you right in the deep end. From a well-marked parking area, steep switchbacks cut down dusty terrain, with vistas of the Hance Creek Valley greeting you at every turn. Following that, the rocky path periodically offers some flatter reprieves. The highlight of the trail is The Last Chance Mine, a former profitable copper mine. You can't enter, but disused equipment is scattered nearby.

Note: there are no water stations on the Grandview Trail. Pack a filter if you want to drink water from a spring.

Best Grand Canyon hike 
6 miles round trip, 6 hours, hard

From The Chimney and Skeleton Point to Ooh Aah Point, the quirky names given to the major features of this rocky trail are only part of the fun. Make a full day out of the route by aiming to reach the remarkable river vistas available from Skeleton Point.

First, make your way down The Chimney. These descending switchbacks near the trailhead offer panoramic sweeps of the multicolored eastern Grand Canyon. Next, venture through Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge – no prizes for guessing how either got their name – as you make your way to Skeleton Point.

Dropping nearly 5000ft in elevation, expect to do a lot of tiptoeing on the way down – and quite a slow jaunt back up. Pack plenty of water as there are no