Tipoff
A challenging but rewarding hike into the Grand Canyon, offering stunning vistas and a glimpse of the Colorado River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Tipoff
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging but rewarding hike into the Grand Canyon, offering stunning vistas and a glimpse of the Colorado River.
"The views in this section of the park are absolutely incredible and take your breath away."
Hydration is Key! 💧
Carry at least 3-4 liters of water per person. No water sources on the trail to Tipoff.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable ☀️
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is intense in the canyon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Descent to Tipoff
South Kaibab Trail
Experience breathtaking, ever-changing canyon vistas as you descend towards the Colorado River.
Tipoff Rest Area
South Kaibab Trail
A vital pit stop with restrooms and a sheltered rest area before the final push or descent.
Views of the Colorado River
Near Tipoff
As you approach Tipoff, the majestic Colorado River comes into view, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Know Your Limits: The Tipoff Hike
Water and Sun Protection are Crucial
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Tonto trail from Tip-off to Havasupai Garden
Hydration is Key! 💧
Carry at least 3-4 liters of water per person. No water sources on the trail to Tipoff.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable ☀️
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is intense in the canyon.
First Time at the Grand Canyon South Rim Advise?
First Timers at GC- Itinerary Tips?
Sturdy Hiking Boots Recommended 🥾
The trail is steep and can be rocky. Proper footwear is crucial for safety and comfort.
Know Your Limits! ⚠️
This hike is strenuous. If you have any doubts, turn back at Skeleton Point.
Seeking Advice for Grand Canyon Hike - Route Alternatives & Suggestions Needed
Tips
from all over the internet
Hydration is Key! 💧
Carry at least 3-4 liters of water per person. No water sources on the trail to Tipoff.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable ☀️
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is intense in the canyon.
Sturdy Hiking Boots Recommended 🥾
The trail is steep and can be rocky. Proper footwear is crucial for safety and comfort.
Know Your Limits! ⚠️
This hike is strenuous. If you have any doubts, turn back at Skeleton Point.
Restroom Break at Tipoff 🚻
Tipoff has the last restrooms before Bright Angel Campground. Use them!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The hike to Tipoff is lauded for its absolutely breathtaking and unparalleled canyon views, offering a truly immersive experience into the Grand Canyon's depths. However, reviewers consistently emphasize its extreme difficulty, warning that it's only suitable for very fit individuals due to the strenuous descent and even more challenging ascent, with a critical need for ample water and sun protection.
"This is incredibly great area. Trail is not hard at all, just you need to carry enough water and proper clothes to protect you against the sun. Be ready that temperature in the valley is definitely higher than on the rim. We have noticed in mid of September temperature difference over 10 degree."
Patrik Tomanovic
"The hike from Skeleton Point to the Tipoff was, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever been on. The views in this section of the park are absolutely incredible and take your breath away. Unfortunately, you're gonna need your breath if you decide to hike here, because although the hike down isn't too bad, what comes down must also come back up, and the way back up is orders of magnitude harder.
Hiking here is not for the casual hiker or people who aren't in great shape. Getting here requires a round-tip hike of nearly 9 miles, nearly all of which is hills. Doing this hike, even if you are a fast hiker, will take you at least 5 hours. And make no mistake, if you come this far, your only options to get out are climbing back up the 3,200+ feet of elevation you climbed down, or being evacuated on a helicopter. If you have doubts about your ability to handle this hike, don't do it. There is a reason why the NPS recommends you stop at Skeleton Point if you are doing this as a day hike. And if you are in good enough shape to hike here, make sure you bring PLENTY of water, because you aren't going to find any on the trail.
That said, if you are up for the challenge and are fit enough to handle it, this section of the trail is, in my opinion, the most beautiful section, hands down. Once you get to the Tipoff, you have a really difficult decision: turn around and hike the minimum 3 hour, 4.5 miles uphill back to the trailhead, or continue another 2 miles downhill to the Colorado River and the Bright Angel Campground. I hiked all the way to the campground, and then back up the Bright Angel Trail, and completed the nearly 17 mile hike in 8 hours and 17 minutes. So doing it in a day is possible, but I would not recommend this unless you are a very experienced hiker in really good shape. If you want to do this section, seriously consider making it a two-day hike and camping in the Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the Canyon. Regardless of how you try and tackle this hike, the views in this section are worth it"
Gunnar Caya
"A really good stopping point. It’s about halfway between the South Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch. It has bathrooms and a sitting area to rest. There’s also an emergency phone and nonpotable water you can use to get your hat/shirt wet to help with the heat."
Rosie Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tipoff is accessed via the South Kaibab Trailhead. You'll need to take the free park shuttle (Orange Route) from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to reach the trailhead. Private vehicles are not allowed.
Yes, the South Kaibab Trailhead is well-marked and served by the park's shuttle system. Ensure you are on the correct shuttle route.
No, you cannot drive directly to the Tipoff. Access is exclusively via the South Kaibab Trail, which requires using the park shuttle.
The most convenient way is to use the free park shuttle (Orange Route) from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. It stops directly at the trailhead.
Parking at the South Kaibab Trailhead itself is extremely limited and generally reserved for commercial tours. It's best to park at the Visitor Center and take the shuttle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no specific ticket required to hike the South Kaibab Trail to Tipoff. However, you will need to pay the standard Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee.
The South Kaibab Trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking in the dark is strongly discouraged due to safety concerns.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park. This fee covers access to the park, including the South Kaibab Trail.
Yes, you can purchase Grand Canyon National Park entrance passes online in advance through the official NPS website, which can save time upon arrival.
Discounts may be available for certain groups such as seniors, military, and people with disabilities. Check the NPS website for details.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Tipoff is approximately 4.5 miles one-way and can take 3-5 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level and pace.
You will descend over 3,100 feet from the trailhead to Tipoff. The return hike involves climbing this elevation back up.
Yes, Tipoff has pit toilets available. This is the last restroom facility before reaching the Bright Angel Campground.
No, there is no potable water available at Tipoff. You must carry all the water you need for your hike. Non-potable water may be available for cooling purposes.
You'll experience increasingly dramatic canyon views, with glimpses of the Colorado River becoming more prominent as you descend. The sheer scale of the canyon is breathtaking.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
No, there are no services for food or drinks on the South Kaibab Trail. You must pack all your own snacks and meals.
After your hike, you can return to Grand Canyon Village for dining options, ranging from casual cafeterias to sit-down restaurants.
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit. For longer hikes, consider sandwiches or wraps. Remember to pack out all trash.
Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the canyon, offers meals, but reservations are extremely difficult to obtain and must be made far in advance. It's not a practical option for a day hike to Tipoff.
There are no dedicated picnic areas directly at the South Kaibab Trailhead. You can enjoy a picnic at designated areas in Grand Canyon Village or at the Visitor Center.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer colors. Midday sun can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant features. Consider a lightweight setup.
Every turn on the South Kaibab Trail offers a new perspective. Keep an eye out for wider vistas and dramatic rock formations.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale. Experiment with different angles and perspectives.
Always be aware of your surroundings and other hikers. Step off the trail to take photos to avoid obstructing traffic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is visiting the Grand Canyon and wants to experience the inner canyon, consider a shorter, more manageable hike. Skeleton Point is a popular turnaround point on the South Kaibab Trail, offering impressive views without the extreme commitment of reaching Tipoff. Alternatively, the Bright Angel Trail on the West Rim has more shade and water sources, making it a more family-friendly option for shorter excursions. Always prioritize safety and know your children's limits.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts & Experienced Hikers
Consider extending your hike to Phantom Ranch for a truly epic experience. This involves a nearly 17-mile round trip and is best tackled as a two-day trip with an overnight stay at the Bright Angel Campground. Reservations for camping or lodging at Phantom Ranch are extremely competitive and must be made well in advance.
Key advice for this level of hiking includes starting very early, carrying at least 4-5 liters of water per person, and packing high-energy food. Electrolyte supplements are also highly recommended. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the immense panoramas and a telephoto lens to isolate interesting geological features or distant wildlife. Be mindful of your footing and the presence of other hikers when composing your shots. Stepping off the trail to take photos is crucial for safety and to avoid obstructing the path.
Consider the golden hour in the late afternoon for a different, equally stunning light. The changing light throughout the day dramatically alters the canyon's appearance, offering unique photographic moments at every turn. Remember to protect your gear from dust and the elements.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The South Kaibab Trail: A Challenging Descent
Reaching the Tipoff point means you've descended over 3,100 feet. This junction is a critical decision point: turn back for the strenuous climb up, or continue another 2 miles downhill to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. The trail offers a unique perspective on the canyon's geology, with layers of rock telling millions of years of Earth's history. The sheer scale and beauty are often described as breathtaking and humbling.
Important considerations for hiking the South Kaibab include carrying ample water (at least 3-4 liters per person), wearing appropriate sun protection, and wearing sturdy hiking boots. The temperature difference between the rim and the canyon floor can be significant, often exceeding 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Always check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
Understanding the Tipoff Junction
This point is often considered the turnaround for most day hikers due to the extreme difficulty of continuing to the river and back in a single day. The NPS strongly advises against hiking to the river and back in one day unless you are an extremely experienced and fit hiker. The climb back up from Tipoff is arduous, demanding significant physical exertion.
For those who choose to continue, the trail from Tipoff descends further, offering increasingly intimate views of the Colorado River. This section is part of the longer Bright Angel Trail system, leading to the campground and eventually to the Bright Angel Trailhead on the West Rim. The decision to proceed requires careful assessment of one's physical condition, available daylight, and water supply.
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