The South Rim Trail is the easiest day hiking trail at the Grand Canyon, but that doesn't mean it's a casual walk in the park. It's a five mile trail in the sun in 100 degree heat with your feet pounding on hot rocks, gravel and asphalt. The reason everyone considers it easy is because of the amenities. There are rest rooms and fresh cold water in three places, and frequent shade. The trail seems level, but is actually a steady downhill (hiking westward, which is the recommended direction) except for three very short segments, which climb only slightly. One feature of the South Rim Trail that seems almost decadent is the shuttle lines running parallel to it. At any point you could bail out, walk out to the highway, and ride back to your vehicle in air conditioned comfort. Of course, we don't expect anyone to actually do this, but the fact that it's even a possibility makes this hike unique. There are trees and huge rocks between you and the highway so you don't realize it's there except for the times the trail swings alongside it for a few moments.

To begin the South Rim Trail, drive your vehicle or take the Green Shuttle to the Visitor Center. Then take the Hikers Express to the South Kaibab Trailhead. DO NOT drive your vehicle over there. Leave it parked at the Visitor Center. Then, when you get to the Village, you can take the Green Shuttle back to the Visitor Center and be right at your vehicle. As you get off the bus at the South Kaibab Parking Lot, there is a water dispenser to your right. The South Rim Trail heads off along the rim where the road enters the parking lot. You may want to linger a few minutes here. Beyond the water dispenser is the South Kaibab Trailhead, where you can get a few good photos and study the trail for future reference. The cargo mules are also stabled here. They haul cargo down to and back from Phantom Ranch but carry no passengers. Passenger trains use Bright Angel. You can also get some good photos looking westward toward Mather and Yaki Points.

This is the view from the South Kaibab parking lot looking into the next drainage over from the South Kaibab Trail drainage. Notice the Redwall Limestone on the west side of the drainage. You'll continue to see it all along the South Rim. The freshly exposed limestone is greyish white but is stained red by the iron in the layer above it.