Grand Canyon - South Kaibab to Bright Angel

The South Kaibab Trail to the Bright Angel Trail is truly one of the great hikes of the world. More than 16 miles in length with roughly 9,160 feet of elevation gain and loss in just three days, it is an experience of a lifetime. The first day of hiking begins at around 7,200 feet above sea level at the South Kaibab Trailhead and finishes at the basement of the Grand Canyon about 7 miles and more than 4,700 feet later. Our camp is at Bright Angel Campground along Bright Angel Creek and near the World famous Phantom Ranch. The ancient rock surrounding camp, which is the Vishnu Schist, is close to two billion year's old! We depart the following morning after a hearty breakfast headed for camp at Indian Gardens Campground. We cross the Colorado River on the silver foot bridge as our trail winds 4.5 miles along the river trail and up through the devils corkscrew eventually leveling out 1,300 feet later on the Tonto Plateau and our camp at Indian Gardens. The afternoon is spent relaxing among the Cottonwood trees in anticipation of a 3-mile round trip hike out to Plateau Point just before dinner. The final day takes us up the Bright Angel Trail gaining more than 3,000 feet in 4.5 miles and topping out on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon near the Bright Angel lodge around mid-day.