Hiking the South Kaibab Trail will seem deceptively easy on the way down, coming up is treacherous. You will have to yield to mule trains as they carry lazy people folks down into the canyon and back up again. I’d recommend turning around at the mid-point which is where there is a bathroom and an area where they let the mules. There are usually rangers stationed there to let people know that they don’t recommend you continue unless you’re planning on spending the night at the bottom of the canyon.
There are at least a half of a dozen of other trails that would be worthy of mention but to be honest, it’s all so beautiful it would be tough to find a bad hike. Pack lots of water and take your circular polarizer filter. If you aren’t sure how to use or what lens filters are then check out my guide to camera lens filter guide.
Sunset
That lone tree from the image at the top of this article was found in this exact spot. If you follow my directions below you’ll be able to get a similar view.
My favorite place to capture sunsets at the Grand Canyon is right behind the Jacobs Lake Campground building. Find the amphitheater behind the building and then follow the trail that cuts right next to it on the right out to the Rim Trail. Turn right once you hit the trail and then look for an outlook on the left that is off the trail but beaten down by others who have been there before you. Get there about an hour before the sun sets for some great shots. Take a flashlight because it will be very dark on your way back.
The tower at Grandview Point
Finally, be sure to check out Grandview Point where you can climb a model of a Native American tower. The views are breathtaking and you can get a clear view of the Colorado river from the top.
The inside of the tower has Native American paintings to make it seem authentic.
The Colorado river as seen from Grandview Point.
There you have it, I just planned an entire day for you. There are plenty of other places you should visit while you are at the Grand Canyon so I’d recommend buying a map and checking out Flickr (just type in Grand Canyon and see what pops up). Enjoy and be safe.
Great article! I was down the South Rim last Summer with carrying two Rolleiflexes and plenty of water.
Awesome. Thanks for the feedback. It’s a beautiful place and on my short list to revisit. Next time I’d like to spend more time at the bottom.
Great Article! Leaving for the South Kaibab Trail soon and then rafting the Colorado for about two weeks. I have a Rebel T5 that I was planning to bring with a 35mm lens. Do you recommend any kind of lens filter for those sunny days out on the river?
Thanks
Can’t go wrong with a circular polarizer to get those plush looking clouds and bluer (is that a word?) sky. Also, if you have room for a tripod you can grab a 10 stop ND filter to create long exposure images of the fast moving water to make it look silky smooth. Enjoy your trip!!