HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point

1.8 midistance
760 ftelevation gain
1hmoving time
422 ft/miaverage climb

South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point is a 1.8 mi trail with 760 ft of climbing — about 1h of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 8. 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 8 👶 No stroller 🚻 No restrooms 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 5% shaded

Underfoot & overhead exposed ridgeline, no water

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point charges in hours, not miles.

1.8 mi and 760 ft of climbing work out to 1h 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 fall refuel plan →

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

1hmoving time, no breaks
0.5–1.0 Lwater, cool day → hot
30–60 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

422 ft per mile 1st 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

49°F · Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms · wind 6 mph

NOAA forecast for Grand Canyon National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ INNER CANYON WATER SHUTOFFS

Beginning Sep. 6, no potable water will be available in the inner canyon, including along the Bright Angel Trail (1.5 Mile Resthouse, 3-Mile Resthouse, Havasupai Gardens day use and campground). All backpackers and...

Live NPS alert for Grand Canyon National Park · source
⚠️ INNER CANYON TRAIL CLOSURES

Current trail closures: North Kaibab Trail, Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Silver Bridge, Black Bridge. Additionally South Kaibab Trail below Tip-Off Point, and Bright Angel Trail...

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 Ooh Aah Point take?

About 1h of moving time for 1.8 mi and 760 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 Ooh Aah Point?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.5–1.0 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 Ooh Aah Point?

No — South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point 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 Ooh Aah Point good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 8. 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 Ooh Aah Point?

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.