Rim Trail

Grand Canyon National Park is located in northwestern Arizona and encompasses nearly two million square miles of land.  The park’s primary feature is the Grand Canyon – a gorge carved by the Colorado River which is considered one of the Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon National Park receives nearly five million visitors a year and is the second most visited national park after the Great Smoky Mountains.  The park celebrated its 100th anniversary on February 26, 2019.

This hike starts at the Bright Angel Lodge and follows the Rim Trail to Maricopa Point – a distance of about 2.2 miles roundtrip. The path is paved with outstanding views for the entire hike – especially down to the Indian Gardens in the canyon below.  The trail makes a gradual climb to Maricopa Point which has 270 degree views of the lodges across the canyon and to the canyon floor but not of the Colorado River.  Most of the path is paved, so it is an easy walk – unless you are battling 100 degree heat. Keep in mind that the South Rim is a very popular section of the park – especially around the lodges. So don’t expect any privacy here, even in the winter. There will be lots of people on these trails.