North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs

North Kaibab Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Arizona. The long day hike from the trailhead to Roaring Springs offers incredible views, birdwatching, and wildflowers from beginning to end. It is not a trail for the faint of heart, but it is well maintained and well shaded unlike the south rim trails.

Make sure to bring plenty of water. There are water stations at the bathroom near Supai Tunnel and again at the ranger station below Roaring Springs, but none are available thereafter until the Cottonwood Campground. Snacks are also a must! It's a long day—from six to nine hours—so make sure to stayed fueled throughout the hike.

If you chose to run the trail, make sure to watch for blind switchbacks. Mule trains frequent this trail for rides and hauling. When you encounter a mule train, please step to the side of the trail and wait for them to pass. 

Mules have played an integral part in creating and maintaining these trails. Even before the completion of the North Kaibab Trail in 1928, mule teams have been used to haul supplies and people from rim to rim. If you'd like a ride down the trail on a mule, find more information at the visitor center or at the trailhead.

Overall, this is a highly recommended trail! The North Rim as a whole is a must-see if you find yourself in Arizona. They have beautiful cabins you can stay in for as low as $143/night.

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next Grand Canyon National Park adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to hiking essentials to get you started:

Backpack: Osprey AG Pack

Men's Manta 28L and Women's Mira 26L • $123.99 • Hip Belt, Adjustable Torso, Compression Straps, Raincover + Hydraulics LT 2.5L Water Reservoir Included

Hiking Shoes: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Shoe 

Men's and Women's • $165.00 • Cushioned, GORE-TEX, High Traction Contagrip, 15.8 oz

Shirt: Mountain Hardwear Canyon Pro Long Sleeve Shirt 

Men's and Women's • $95.00 • Sun Protective, Moisture Wicking, Quick Drying, Roll-up Sleeves

GPS Watch: Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Watch

$169.99 • Waterproof, Calorie Burn Tracker, GPS, Sleep Tracker, Shock Resistant, Speed Tracker, Lap Timer

Trekking Poles: MSR DynaLock Explore Poles 

$99.95 • Aluminum, Adjustable with DynaLock Levers, Four-season Functionality, 20 oz.

Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock 

Men's and Women's • $21.95 • Made in USA, Anti-bacterial, Merino Wool, Breathable, Fast-drying

Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm Headlamp 

$49.95 • LED, Waterproof, Maximum Beam Distance: 80 m, Takes AAA Batteries

First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .5 Kit

$19.00 • Ultralight, Watertight, Group Size: 1 person, Trip Duration: 1-2 days