Yes, we did it!

We hiked down the South Kaibab trail to the Colorado River and then ascended the Bright Angel trail to the rim again, in one and the same day! Before adding it to your hiking schedule for the Grand Canyon, please read our advice. Be aware that this is not a typical day hike. However, with a cautious attitude, a reasonable shape and a strong will, it is doable and so worth the efforts!

Start with the South Kaibab trail
Don’t hesitate and go down using the South Kaibab trail and ascend the Bright Angel trail. There are several reasons for this. When starting early, you’ll be treated to some of the most magnificent sunrise views ever! Besides, the South Kaibab trail is more steep and exposed, so you don’t want to climb that one during the hot midday sun – certainly not without water. No, there are no water refill points along the South Kaibab trail, but luckily there are on Bright Angel.

Listen to your body!
Let your body decide to continue or not. Other than most trails, this one is really treacherous. You’re starting the trail descending, like it’s a breeze. Don’t forget: what goes down certainly must go up again. The second part, after your knees and hips are already challenged, is indeed the hike up and – believe us – it is no joke.

Don’t forget to drink and eat!
Especially the latter is often overlooked. Because of the effort you may have no appetite, while it just important to maintain your energy level before you run out of it. High calorie healthy snacks are perfect, e.g. trail mix, granola or energy bars. Also salty snacks are a must to replenish the salt you lost while sweating. As there is no water along the South Kaibab trail, take enough with you! We carried a gallon each and in fact, more would have been welcome.

Don’t do the combo on your own!
We strongly discourage to do the combo in 1 day on your own. You not only need each other to encourage each other, but also to check each other if everything’s fine and remind each other to drink and eat. Every year over 250 people are rescued from the canyon.

Most important: enjoy!
Yes, we have to emphasize this: enjoy your hike! This combo trail is one of our best experiences in Southwestern USA. It would be a sin not to notice the indescribable natural beauty of this remarkable world wonder. No, it’s not about the hike but all about the grandeur of the mighty Grand Canyon. Enjoy!

The facts
Elevation: 7,200 feet (start South Kaibab) / 2,420 feet (Colorado River)
Distance: 7.1 mile (South Kaibab) + 9.9 mile (Bright Angel)
Elevation change: 4,780 feet (South Kaibab) + 4,380 feet (Bright Angel)
Best time: Year-round
Photos of the trail

Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon South Kaibab


Grand Canyon Squirrel


Grand Canyon South Kaibab



Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon South Kaibab
Grand Canyon South Kaibab

Grand Canyon South Kaibab


Grand Canyon Bright Angel



Grand Canyon River

Grand Canyon Colorado River


Grand Canyon Combo Trail



GrandCanyon South Kaibab Bright Angel
Grand Canyon Indian Garden
Grand Canyon Squirrel
Grand Canyon Indian Garden

Grand Canyon Indian Garden


GrandCanyon-BrightAngel



Grand Canyon Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail