The South Kaibab Trail is the alternate superhighway into the Canyon, the primary one being the Bright Angel Trail. Both of these trails are well maintained and offer some spectacular views of the Canyon. The Bright Angel Trail has the advantage of offering a considerable amount of shade (depending on the time of day) of which the South Kaibab Trail offers virtually none.
The South Kaibab Trail begins near Yaki Point, 3.5 miles east of Grand Canyon National Park village. This is a steep, seven-mile trail to a Colorado River suspension bridge. Hikers can descend the Kaibab Trail and return by the River and Bright Angel Trail. The trip is recommended only for only hardy individuals. The Kaibab Trail is extremely strenuous and is not recommended for hiking out of the canyon. Park officials strongly recommend that visitors do not attempt to hike from the South Rim to the river in one day.