Expert

South Kaibab Trail

Grand Canyon, Arizona · Coconino County · lwn · United States National Park Service · SKT

South Kaibab Trail is a expert hiking trail near Grand Canyon in Coconino County, Arizona.. Managed by United States National Park Service. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions 🗺️ Open in OSM

36.07718, -112.08771

Open in OpenStreetMap

5-Day Forecast

Weather at South Kaibab Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High102°F

Avg Low77°F

Peak Rain Chance7%

Humidity22%

UV (avg)9

Air Quality44 · Good

Today

☁️

Overcast

95°/65°

💧 7%🌬 18mph

↑ 5:33 AM ↓ 7:36 PM

Thu

🌤

Mostly Clear

102°/75°

💧 2%🌬 18mph

↑ 5:34 AM ↓ 7:35 PM

Fri

⛅

Partly Cloudy

103°/86°

💧 1%🌬 13mph

↑ 5:35 AM ↓ 7:34 PM

Sat

☁️

Overcast

104°/81°

🌬 13mph

↑ 5:35 AM ↓ 7:33 PM

Sun

☀️

Clear

104°/80°

💧 1%🌬 16mph

↑ 5:36 AM ↓ 7:32 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About South Kaibab Trail

South Kaibab Trail is a expert hiking trail near Grand Canyon in Coconino County, Arizona.. Managed by United States National Park Service. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Expert” Means

Long backcountry routes (20+ miles), alpine grades, via ferrata, or extremely technical terrain. For experienced hikers with proper conditioning, navigation skills, and gear.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
🔦
Headlamp + spare batteries
Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
⛑
Helmet (terrain-dependent)
Expert routes may include scrambling or rockfall risk.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Arizona

Trail conditions in Arizona change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is South Kaibab Trail?

South Kaibab Trail is rated Expert. Alpine, exposed, or technically demanding. For experienced hikers only.

When is the best time to hike South Kaibab Trail?

Arizona has trail conditions that vary by season. High-elevation routes are typically best from late spring through early fall; expect snow at higher altitudes outside that window. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages South Kaibab Trail?

South Kaibab Trail is managed by United States National Park Service as part of the lwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.

Where can I read more about South Kaibab Trail?

Background information is available on Wikipedia (South Kaibab Trail). Trail mapping data comes from OpenStreetMap contributors.

References & Maps

Nearby

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Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleys

Photo: Holly MandarichExpertAZ

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