Approach
Take shuttle bus from Visitor Center located across the street from Mather Point on South Rim. Busses run from just before sunrise to just after sunset. You CANNOT park at this trailhead.
Route Description
Elevation at trailhead is 7,200 feet. The Colorado River is at elevation 2,400 feet. The trail runs 6.3 miles from rim to river. Trail is in good condition, but watch out for mule trains and their droppings.
This is the fastest (and more strenuous) way from the South Rim to the river. There are no water stations along the way so I tend to use this trail for descents only. There are two restrooms evenly spaced along the trail.
Near the river, you'll go through a tunnel and a bridge. You can continue on to Phantom Ranch, or head back up, or traverse a mile along the river to get to the Bright Angel Trail (my choice route).
Essential Gear
There are no technical sections along the trail, but you have to be prepared for hot weather. If you are going up this trail in the summer, you'd better know what you are getting into. Bring lots of water, food, and sun block.
Miscellaneous Info
If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
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