The 5 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in All of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most stunning and iconic national parks in the United States. This lovely park receives nearly five million visitors every year! Many people come just to gawk at the park’s beauty, which you can see while hiking the many trails in the park. But which ones provide the best scenery? Follow along to discover the five most scenic hiking trails in all of Grand Canyon National Park.

About Grand Canyon National Park

Before we dive into the most stunning hiking trails in this national park, let’s learn more about it! Grand Canyon National Park is in northwestern Arizona. The surface area of this park is 1,217,262 acres. It was established on February 26, 1919.

Grand Canyon National Park has so much to see, depending on where you start your day. Generally, the park is divided into the South Rim and the North Rim. Within the North Rim are few roads, but stunning lookout points. There are plenty of hiking trails that start and run through the North Rim though. The South Rim is more popular. It includes a 35-mile driving tour and plenty of walking tours.

This national park is also home to many different animal species. Some animals that live in this national park include mule deer, bighorn sheep, ospreys, and Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes.

The 5 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in All of Grand Canyon National Park

Now that we know a little more about Grand Canyon National Park, we can dive into the most scenic trails. There are hundreds of different trails and routes. Some hiking trails even have multiple entrance points. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select one. To make it easier, we have the five most scenic hiking trails in all of Grand Canyon National Park listed below.

1. South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

The first trail on our list is the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. This stunning trail is relatively short. It runs for 1.8 miles and has an elevation gain of 685 feet. This moderately challenging and beautiful out-and-back hiking trail takes an average of 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. The Trail from the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point is very popular, so expect to see other hikers, birdwatchers, and wildlife viewers. The breathtaking views are hard to describe, but pictures don’t do this location justice.

2. Bright Angel Trail

Another jaw-dropping trail in the Grand Canyon National Park is the Bright Angel Trail. You won’t know where to look while hiking the trail. This stunning hiking path runs for around 15.3 miles. The Bright Angel Trail has an elevation gain of 4,478 feet. It’s considered difficult, but is worth a try just for the views alone. This popular trail can take between 6 to 8 hours to hike, depending on how many stops you make. Dogs are not allowed on the trail. Past hikers recommend packing extra socks and plenty of water. 

3. Yavapai Point via Rim Trail

Third is the Yavapai Point via Rim Trail. It’s a short, 1.7-mile out-and-back hiking trail that has an elevation gain of 82 feet. This easy trail takes about half an hour to complete. It takes hikers to Yavapai Point. This short trail has constant views of the Grand Canyon. The average trail width is about 8 feet and the trail’s surface is paved and smooth. You can also find benches to rest and admire the beauty of this trail.

4. Shoshone Point

Also on our list of the five most scenic hiking trails in all of Grand Canyon National Park is the Shoshone Point Trail. This trail is 2.1 miles. It’s an easy, out-and-back trail with a short elevation gain of 154 feet. Unlike the others on this list, this trail does allow dogs, but they must be on a leash at all times. The average width of this smooth trail is 5 feet. It’s very popular for the views at the point. This hidden gem is a favorite as parking can be easy to find.

5. Mather Point via Visitor Center

Last but not least is the Mather Point trail via the Visitor Center. This trail is quick but worth the short visit. It’s an out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 13 feet. The trail is only 0.6 miles long, taking as little as 10 minutes to complete. The trail is very well-maintained. It’s smooth and at least 5 feet wide. If you can, visit and catch the sunrise or sunset!