While most people picture grueling descents into the Grand Canyon, some of the best views come from easy walks along its rims. I’ve visited the park several times, and I’m always amazed by how many incredible vistas you can reach without breaking much of a sweat.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, dealing with limited mobility, or just want to take it easy at 7,000 feet elevation, these beginner-friendly trails offer amazing canyon views.
I’ve picked these 5 hikes because they’re accessible, well-maintained, and showcase the canyon’s best features without the hardcore commitment of inner-canyon trails.
If you are planning to visit Grand Canyon National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day Deluxe Itineraries for the South Rim and a 1-2-Day Basic Itinerary for the North Rim that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip
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Table of Contents
Top 5 Easy Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park
1. South Rim Trail
The South Rim Trail is hands-down one of the most accessible trails you’ll find at Grand Canyon. I love this trail because you can make it as long or short as you want.
The path runs along the canyon’s edge, offering knockout views without the steep climbs that make other trails tough.
The trail’s paved sections make it perfect for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants to take in the scenery without breaking a sweat. You can walk from Grand Canyon Village all the way to Hermits Rest, stopping at viewpoints whenever you want.
The best part? If you get tired, you can hop on a shuttle bus at several points along the way (except during winter months when some shuttle services are limited).
In summer, I recommend walking the western section early in the morning – you’ll catch amazing light on the canyon walls and beat the heat.
Pack water and snacks, even though this is an easy walk. The elevation is still around 7,000 feet, so you might feel a bit more winded than usual.
2. Trail of Time
This section of the Rim Trail between Yavapai Geology Museum and Verkamp’s Visitor Center is perfect if you want to mix easy walking with learning about the canyon’s history. It’s about 1.6 miles round trip, and trust me – it feels more like a casual stroll than a hike for beginners.
The trail is flat and paved, with plenty of signs explaining the canyon’s geological story. You’ll find rock samples and markers that show how the canyon formed over millions of years. I’ve walked this trail multiple times, and there’s always something new to notice.
What makes this trail special is that you can take your time, read the exhibits, and still enjoy some of the best views on the South Rim. It’s great in any weather, and since it’s close to the visitor center, you’re never far from facilities or water.
3. South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point
While most inner canyon trails are challenging, the trek to Ooh Aah Point on South Kaibab Trail is totally doable for most people. It’s about 1.8 miles round trip, and yes, you’ll need to climb back up so you do need to have some mobility, but if you can, the views are worth every step.
The trail is well-maintained, and while there’s about 600 feet of elevation change, you can take it slow.
Start early – this trail has no shade, and the morning light makes for amazing photos. Bring plenty of water since there’s none on the trail.
I always tell friends this is the perfect “taste” of what it’s like to hike below the rim. You get amazing views without committing to a long, strenuous hike. Just remember that going down is optional, but coming up is mandatory!
4. Bright Angel Point Trail
Over on the North Rim, Bright Angel Point Trail is a quick 0.5-mile round trip that packs in tons of amazing views. The trail is paved and starts right near the Grand Canyon Lodge, making it super convenient.
I really like this trail because it gives you a totally different perspective than the South Rim. The North Rim sits about 1,000 feet higher, and you can often see thunderstorms rolling across the canyon from here. The trail does have some steep sections and drop-offs, but there are railings along the way.
This is my go-to spot for sunrise or sunset. The views stretch for miles, and you can see the Bright Angel Canyon cutting through the main canyon.
Just bundle up – it’s usually cooler on the North Rim, and the wind can be pretty strong at the viewpoint.
5. Cape Royal Trail
Another North Rim hiking gem, the Cape Royal Trail is an easy 0.8-mile round trip walk. The path is mostly flat and paved, leading to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park. You can see the Colorado River snaking through the canyon, which is pretty rare from rim trails.
What I love about this trail is how quiet it usually is. The North Rim gets way fewer visitors than the South Rim, and this trail often feels peaceful even during peak season.
There’s a natural arch called Angels Window along the way, and you can actually walk out on top of it (if you’re not scared of heights).
The drive to Cape Royal is an experience itself – the road winds through forests and meadows before reaching the trailhead. In spring and early summer, you might catch wildflowers blooming along the path. Just check road conditions before heading out, especially if you’re driving a larger vehicle.
Remember to bring your camera – this is one of the best spots for photos in the whole park. There’s even a fenced viewing area at the end that’s perfect for sunset shots.
Final Thoughts on Best Short Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park
These 5 trails prove you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to experience the Grand Canyon’s beauty. Each one offers something special, from the geology lessons on Trail of Time to the peaceful solitude of Cape Royal. They’re perfect for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants to enjoy the views without a strenuous workout.
Remember that even these easy trails sit at high elevation, so take it slow and bring plenty of water. The real joy of these hikes isn’t about covering distance – it’s about taking time to soak in those massive canyon views that photos just can’t capture.
If you are planning to visit Grand Canyon National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day Deluxe Itineraries for the South Rim and a 1-2-Day Basic Itinerary for the North Rim that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip
Enjoy these best easy day hikes: Grand Canyon!
Additional Planning Resources for Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Grand Canyon Guide
⭐ Grand Canyon South Rim Deluxe Itinerary
⭐ Grand Canyon North Rim Basic Itinerary
⭐ Planning A Trip to Grand Canyon National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ Bright Angel Trail Guide
⭐ How Long to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ White Water Rafting In The Grand Canyon
⭐ Best Things To Do In Grand Canyon (South Rim)
⭐ Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints
⭐ Guide To Making Reservations For Phantom Ranch
⭐ 15 Top Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ How To Get To Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ The Best Airports Near The Grand Canyon
⭐ The Airport Nearest Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Visiting Grand Canyon National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ Best Books about the Grand Canyon
⭐ Vacation Rentals In and Near Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Vacation rentals in Flagstaff
⭐ Vacation rentals in Sedona
⭐ 12 Fun Facts About the Grand Canyon
Do you have any other Grand Canyon easy hiking trails that you’d recommend? I’d love to hear them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.
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📋 Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to the Grand Canyon? Get a Deluxe 1 – 3-day South Rim Itinerary and Get a Basic 1-2-day North Rim Itinerary
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📖 Do you want to read a book about Grand Canyon National Park? Check out my Recommended Reading List for Grand Canyon National Park
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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