RT Rim Trail

A mostly paved scenic pathway following the canyon rim with minimal elevation change and continuous panoramic viewpoints.

General Information

Length:

Up to 13 miles point-to-point

Elevation Gain:

Approx. 200–600 ft

Difficulty:

Easy

Hours:

Open 24 hours year-round; access subject to weather conditions

Fees:

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

Pet Policy:

Leashed pets allowed on the trail above the rim but not permitted on shuttle buses

Closest cities with hotels:

Tusayan, AZ (8 mi)

Seasons:

Open year-round; best in spring and fall for comfortable temperatures

Location:

Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Website:

nps.gov

How to Get There

From Tusayan (8 mi): Take AZ-64 N into the park to Grand Canyon Village, park near the Visitor Center or any designated viewpoint, and access the trail from multiple points along the rim or shuttle stops.

Overview

The Rim Trail unfolds as one of the most accessible and visually rewarding walks in the park, tracing the edge of the canyon for miles without requiring a strenuous descent. Stretching from the eastern viewpoints near the visitor center westward to Hermits Rest, the route provides a continuous stream of stunning overlooks, each revealing new angles of the immense landscape. With gentle grades and long stretches of pavement, it invites visitors of all abilities to experience the canyon’s depth and color at their own pace, whether strolling a short segment or committing to the full journey.

Along the way, the trail passes historic buildings, quiet viewpoints, and dramatic outcroppings where the Colorado River can be glimpsed far below. The ability to hop on and off the park’s shuttle system makes exploration flexible, allowing hikers to tailor their experience across multiple stops. At sunrise and sunset, the shifting light transforms the canyon walls into vivid bands of red, orange, and shadow, creating a constantly evolving spectacle that rewards both casual walkers and dedicated photographers alike.

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