RT Ooh Aah Point

Short but steep trail leading below the rim to a scenic outcrop with sweeping canyon views from an elevated ridge.

General Information

Length:

1.8 miles out and back

Elevation Gain:

Approx. 600–800 ft

Difficulty:

Moderate

Hours:

Open 24 hours year-round; best hiked during daylight hours

Fees:

$35 per vehicle (7-day national park pass)
$20 per individual (walk-in, bike, or shuttle passengers)

Pet Policy:

Pets are not allowed on the trail

Closest cities with hotels:

Tusayan, AZ (8 mi)

Seasons:

Open year-round; best in spring and fall, avoid midday summer heat

Location:

South Kaibab Trailhead, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Website:

nps.gov

How to Get There

From Tusayan (8 mi): Drive north on AZ-64 into the park, park near the Visitor Center, then take the Kaibab/Rim (Orange) shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead and hike about 0.9 miles down to reach the viewpoint.

Overview

The Ooh Aah Point delivers one of the most rewarding short hikes into the canyon, offering visitors the rare opportunity to step below the rim without committing to a full-day trek. The trail descends quickly along a series of switchbacks carved into the canyon walls, revealing expansive, unobstructed views almost immediately. As hikers move farther along the ridgeline, the perspective shifts dramatically, showcasing the canyon’s depth in a way that cannot be experienced from viewpoints above.

Reaching the overlook provides a dramatic vantage point perched along a narrow ridge, where layered rock formations stretch in all directions and the scale of the canyon becomes even more apparent. The return journey requires a steady climb back to the rim, making the relatively short distance more demanding than it first appears. For those seeking a brief but immersive experience, this hike offers a striking introduction to the canyon’s interior landscapes and unforgettable panoramic views.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the South Kaibab Trail, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.