Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Alternatives: Best Hikes & Routes to Try

The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike is a legendary adventure, but it’s not for everyone. Between the permit challenges, extreme physical demands, seasonal closures, wildfire impacts, and the 2025 North Rim shutdown, many hikers are looking for Rim to Rim alternatives that offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences without the same barriers.

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The Dragon Bravo Fire, ignited by lightning on July 4, 2025, has burned more than 145,000 acres, making it one of the largest Arizona wildfires this year. The blaze destroyed 113 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and forced the closure of the North Rim for the remainder of 2025.

The burn scar now covers 86% of the Bright Angel Creek watershed, which sits directly above the North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Campground, and Phantom Ranch. Experts warn this has left the landscape highly vulnerable to debris flows, flash flooding, and long-term instability.

National Park Service (NPS) Closures

• Closed until further notice: North Kaibab Trail
• Closed until at least November 1: Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, River Trail from Pipe Creek to the South Kaibab Trail junction
• Partially open with restrictions: South Kaibab Trail as far as Tipoff

As a result, full Rim-to-Rim hikes are not possible in 2025. For anyone planning a Grand Canyon trip, exploring Rim to Rim alternatives is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity.

Why Look for Rim to Rim Alternatives?

Permit & Logistics Challenges

The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike requires months of advance planning. Permits are limited and highly competitive, and many hikers must also arrange shuttle transportation between trailheads on opposite rims. By contrast, Rim to Rim alternatives often eliminate these hurdles, offering easier logistics while still showcasing breathtaking canyon landscapes.

Physical Difficulty & Safety Considerations

Spanning 24 miles with nearly 11,000 feet of elevation change, the Rim to Rim route is a grueling test of endurance. It’s not recommended for beginners or those unprepared for desert conditions. Alternatives give hikers the flexibility to choose shorter day hikes or manageable multi-day backpacking trips, reducing the risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and altitude stress.

Seasonal Access & Weather

The North Rim is closed during winter and, due to the 2025 wildfire damage, remains inaccessible for the foreseeable future. This makes a full Rim to Rim trek impossible. Alternatives, however, remain accessible throughout much of the year, allowing hikers to explore the South Rim trails, Tonto Trail segments, or nearby national parks without seasonal restrictions.

In short: Rim to Rim alternatives offer hikers more flexibility, safety, and accessibility—without sacrificing the epic Grand Canyon experience.

Top Alternatives to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon

Safe & Open Grand Canyon Alternatives

Grand Canyon Rim to River Hike (South Kaibab to Bright Angel)

One of the best Rim to Rim alternatives, this route descends the South Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River and returns via the Bright Angel Trail. At roughly 16–17 miles round trip, it delivers the full canyon experience—river views, varied ecosystems, and iconic switchbacks—without requiring a shuttle between rims. 

This route should be fully accessible by November 1, 2025. At ~16 to 17 miles, this is the most popular alternative and captures the essence of Rim to Rim without the risks.

Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Gardens and Plateau Point

A shorter but scenic alternative to the Rim-to-River hike, this down and back hike leads to Havasupai Gardens and Plateau Point, offering one of the most expansive panoramic views in the park. Ideal for strong day hikers, it balances challenge with accessibility. Or spend a night or two at Havasupai Gardens and enjoy a rewarding backpacking experience.

Tonto Trail Hike 

The Tonto Trail stretches over 90 miles across the South Rim’s inner canyon. Hikers can tackle short sections between connecting trails or attempt longer backpacking trips. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for those who want to customize their Rim to Rim-style adventure. Hike down South Kaibab Trail to Tipoff, then head west on the Tonto Trail to Havasupai Gardens, and then back up to the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail.

Open Alternatives, But Use Caution

Hermit Loop Grand Canyon (More Remote, Fewer Crowds)

For hikers seeking solitude, the Hermit Loop combines Hermit Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail into a challenging multi-day backpacking trip. Known for its rugged beauty and reduced foot traffic, it’s a rewarding option for those who want a more remote Grand Canyon experience.



Remote, moderately strenuous, and less traveled. Safe from fire damage, but hikers should be self-sufficient and carry water purification supplies.

Escalante Route (For Experienced Backpackers)

Considered one of the Grand Canyon’s most rugged routes, the Escalante Route connects Tanner Trail to New Hance Trail. It requires navigation skills, scrambling, and wilderness experience, but rewards adventurers with remote landscapes and fewer crowds—a true test for experienced backpackers.

Still open, but suitable only for experienced, strong backpackers. Expect rugged conditions, route-finding challenges, and little access to water other than the Colorado River. Do not underestimate this hike…or overestimate your ability.

Alternatives Beyond the Grand Canyon

For hikers seeking challenges outside the Grand Canyon—or those impacted by the 2025 North Rim closure—these iconic trails across the Southwest offer equally breathtaking adventures.

Zion National Park – West Rim Trail & Angel’s Landing

The West Rim Trail in Zion National Park provides sweeping canyon vistas and dramatic sandstone formations. Adding the iconic Angel’s Landing section delivers one of the most thrilling hikes in the U.S., Comparable in difficulty to Rim-to-Rim, but with simpler logistics and nearly year-round accessibility.

Cactus to Clouds Trail (California)

Regarded as one of the hardest day hikes in America, the Cactus to Clouds Trail climbs more than 10,000 feet from Palm Springs to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto. This endurance likely exceeds Rim-to-Rim in challenge and rewards hikers with expansive desert-to-alpine views.

Buckskin Gulch & Paria Canyon (Utah/Arizona Border)

The world’s longest slot canyon, Buckskin Gulch, offers a surreal backpacking experience through narrow sandstone corridors. Connected to Paria Canyon, this route delivers remote beauty and solitude—an excellent option for hikers who want an epic canyon trek without the Grand Canyon crowds.

Havasupai Falls Backpacking (Arizona)

Famous for its turquoise-blue waterfalls, Havasupai Falls combines adventure with stunning natural beauty. The 10-mile hike into the canyon requires a permit, but rewards backpackers with unforgettable scenery and a completely different Grand Canyon experience focused on waterfalls and lush oases.

How to Choose the Best Alternative Hike for You

Distance & Elevation Gain

Consider your fitness level and hiking experience. Rim-to-River and Plateau Point are better for strong day hikers, while Escalante and Hermit Loop require multi-day endurance.

Permit Requirements

Some hikes (like Havasupai) require permits booked months in advance, while others (like any Grand Canyon day hikes) may only require a park entry fee.

Safety & Experience Level Needed

Remote routes demand wilderness navigation skills. Always consider heat, water availability, and personal readiness before committing.

FAQs on Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Alternatives

The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike is epic—but it’s not the only way to experience the canyon’s grandeur. With North Rim closures and safety hazards from the Dragon Bravo Fire, alternatives are now more important than ever. From the Rim-to-River hike and Hermit Loop to far-flung adventures like Zion’s West Rim Trail or Buckskin Gulch, these hikes deliver the same sense of awe with fewer barriers. Choose the route that matches your fitness, schedule, and adventure style—and you’ll still walk away with memories to last a lifetime.