North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook

About North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook

The North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook is the best short below-the-rim hike available from the Grand Canyon's North Rim and an experience that offers a completely different perspective from anything you will find on the more visited South Rim. The North Rim sits at over 8,200 feet in elevation, roughly 1,000 feet higher than its southern counterpart, and the surrounding landscape of spruce, fir, and aspen forest gives this side of the canyon a distinctly alpine character that surprises many first-time visitors. The trail begins at the North Kaibab Trailhead, located a short drive from the Grand Canyon Lodge.

From the parking area, you descend immediately into a narrow side canyon via a series of well-constructed switchbacks blasted into the Kaibab Limestone. The trail engineering here is impressive, with stone retaining walls and carefully graded turns that speak to the significant effort required to build and maintain routes in this terrain. The initial descent passes through a transition zone where the rim-top forest gives way to the exposed rock and scrubby vegetation of the upper canyon walls.

The shift happens quickly and dramatically. Within the first half mile, you leave the cool shade of the forest behind and enter the warmer, drier world inside the canyon. The Coconino Overlook is a natural viewpoint perched on a ledge of Coconino Sandstone, a thick layer of cream-colored rock deposited as sand dunes roughly 275 million years ago.

From this vantage point, you look down into the yawning depth of Roaring Springs Canyon and across to the massive rock formations of the inner canyon. The sense of scale is staggering. The North Rim receives only about 10 percent of the Grand Canyon's total visitation, which means the trails here are dramatically less crowded than their South Rim equivalents.

On a weekday morning, you may have the Coconino Overlook entirely to yourself, a nearly impossible experience on the South Kaibab or Bright Angel trails. The return climb gains 800 feet over three-quarters of a mile, which is steep but manageable for most reasonably fit hikers. The altitude is the main complicating factor.

At over 8,000 feet, you will feel the thin air on the way back up. Take your time and rest as needed. The North Rim is open from mid-May through mid-October, with exact dates varying by snowfall.

Facilities including the lodge, campground, and general store operate only during this season. There is no winter access to the North Rim by road, though a handful of experienced backcountry skiers and snowshoers make the 44-mile overland trip each year. Plan your visit accordingly and book North Rim accommodations well in advance, as the lodge and campground frequently sell out months ahead of time.

Best Time to Hike

Best Season: May through October (North Rim closed in winter)

For the most comfortable experience on North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook, plan your hike during the recommended season. In the warmer months, start early in the morning to avoid peak heat, especially on exposed desert trails. Always check current weather conditions and trail status before heading out.