Which is easier the South Kaibab Trail or the Bright Angel Trail?
Both trails are very strenuous and involve hiking numerous switchbacks. If you are hiking from the South Rim to Bright Angel Campground and back, a popular option is to take the South Kaibab Trail down, and the Bright Angel Trail up, thereby completing a ‘loop hike’. The South Kaibab shuttle bus will transport you to the start of this hike. It is advantageous to take the Bright Angel Trail from the Bright Angel Campground to the South Rim because there is water available at Indian Garden Campground . Indian Garden Campground is roughly half way, has a water faucet with potable water and a place to sit in the shade. It is a wonderful rest stop during the strenuous uphill hike. In May through September, on the Bright Angel Trail, water is usually available at 3-mile and 1 1/2-Resthouses. The South Kaibab Trail has no water.
Although both trails are maintained, they are very strenuous and involve hiking numerous switchbacks. The Bright Angel Trail is roughly 2 miles longer but has water, some shade, and half-way down is Indian Garden, a wonderful place for a rest stop. There you will find water, toilet facilities, a ranger station, and a place to sit in the shade. The South Kaibab Trail has no water and very little shade. If you are hiking from the South Rim to Bright Angel Campground and back, a popular option is to take the South Kaibab Trail down, and the Bright Angel Trail up, thereby completing a “loop hike”. Leave your car at the Backcountry Information Center lot and take the free Hikers’ Express shuttle bus to the South Kaibab trailhead.
