HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Trail of Time

2.8 midistance
50 ftelevation gain
55mmoving time
18 ft/miaverage climb

Trail of Time is a 2.8 mi trail with 50 ft of climbing — about 55m of moving time before you stop for anything. Leashed dogs are welcome, and it takes a stroller. About 10% of it is shaded, and there is water on the route to refill from.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 Leashed dogs OK 🧒 Comfortable from age 0 👶 Stroller OK 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 Water on the route ☀️ 10% shaded

Underfoot & overhead paved geology walk

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Trail of Time charges in hours, not miles.

2.8 mi and 50 ft of climbing work out to 55m of moving time — before you stop for anything. There is water on the route to refill from. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the fall refuel plan →

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

55mmoving time, no breaks
0.5–1.0 Lwater, cool day → hot
30–60 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

18 ft per mile 6th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Grand Canyon National Park
10% 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.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Today

54°F · Showers And Thunderstorms · wind 3 to 9 mph

NOAA forecast for Grand Canyon National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ North Rim Scenic Road Closure: Cape Royal and Point Imperial

The North Rim Scenic Drives (Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road) are closed through sunrise Nov. 3, 2026, to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work. No services, fuel, and no water are...

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

Current trail closures: the entire North Kaibab Trail (including Cottonwood Campground), Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Silver Bridge, and the Black Bridge. Please do not attempt to access the closed areas.

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

Other trails in Grand Canyon National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Trail of Time take?

About 55m of moving time for 2.8 mi and 50 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 Trail of Time?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.5–1.0 L, cool day to hot. There is water on the route, so you can refill. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Trail of Time?

Yes — leashed dogs are allowed on Trail of Time. Leashes (6 ft max) are required everywhere in Grand Canyon National Park.

Is Trail of Time good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 0. It takes a stroller. 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 Trail of Time?

About 10% 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.