HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge

3 midistance
1,120 ftelevation gain
1h 35mmoving time
373 ft/miaverage climb

South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge is a 3 mi trail with 1,120 ft of climbing — about 1h 35m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 10. About 5% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 10 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 5% shaded

Underfoot & overhead exposed, no water on trail

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge charges in hours, not miles.

3 mi and 1,120 ft of climbing work out to 1h 35m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

1h 35mmoving time, no breaks
0.8–1.6 Lwater, cool day → hot
50–90 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

373 ft per mile 2nd steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Grand Canyon National Park
5% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In July, Grand Canyon National Park runs around 84°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Overnight

52°F · Mostly Clear · wind 5 mph

NOAA forecast for Grand Canyon National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Critical Backcountry Updates/Closures

Visit this link for the inner canyon weather forecast, current trail closures, today's heat risk, and drinking water availability.

Live NPS alert for Grand Canyon National Park · source
⚠️ What's Closed and What's Open: South Rim & North Rim

Visit this link for a list of the available visitor services in Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, and the North Rim.

Live NPS alert for Grand Canyon National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Grand Canyon National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge take?

About 1h 35m of moving time for 3 mi and 1,120 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.8–1.6 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge?

No — South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge is closed to dogs. Our Grand Canyon National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 10. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge?

About 5% of the route is shaded, and Grand Canyon National Park peaks around 84°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.