Hiking to Ribbon Falls from Bright Angel Campground – Grand Canyon Backpacking
On Day 2 of our Grand Canyon backpacking trip, we woke up at 5 a.m. to begin our day hike to Ribbon Falls, located about 6 miles from Bright Angel Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. Despite the steady rain all day, the conditions made Ribbon Falls even more stunning, with mist and flowing water enhancing the dramatic scenery.
Ribbon Falls stands approximately 140 feet tall and features a unique travertine spire formed by mineral-rich water over time. Water flows down into two distinct pools—one at the base and another about halfway up the formation, roughly 50 feet above ground. While swimming is allowed here, the chilly 45°F temperatures and constant rain made that a no-go for us!
You can hike beneath and around the waterfall, offering an incredible up-close view. Although reaching Ribbon Falls requires careful planning and a valid Grand Canyon backcountry permit, the 2.5-hour hike from Bright Angel Campground is absolutely worth it.
Trail Info
Distance: 12 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 1,267 ft
Time: 4-7 hours
Dog friendly? No, dogs are not allowed below the Grand Canyon Rim
Kid friendly? No
Just past Phantom Ranch, you will see the trail sign for Ribbon Falls. From the Bright Angel Campground, the trail is 6 miles one way, and 5.7 miles one way from this sign.
Hiking in this canyon was gorge-ous! Get it? Gorgeous? 😉
From the Bright Angel Campground, you will cross a total of 7 bridges before you get to Ribbon Falls. If you hiking here in the heart of summer, be sure to get an early start to avoid the worst of the head in the first 3.5 miles of the trail, known as “The Box.” The Box gets extremely hot and retains its heat until late in the day due to the sun shining on the surrounding black Vishnu Schist Rock. It can literally feel like an oven and can make a person feel ill if not properly prepared. If you do feel overheated, a good idea is to dip your shirt or headband in the water to help keep your body cool.
Thankfully, we didn’t have to deal with the heat. The whole day it sprinkles and there was mist in the air, and it made the whole canyon look very green and beautiful.
I was really surprised how beautiful this canyon was on the way to Ribbon Falls. This isn’t what I think of when I think of the Grand Canyon!
After 4 miles or so, the canyon opened up.
Trail Split for Ribbon Falls
Once you reach this sign you actually have two options for getting to Ribbon Falls. The first is to follow the sign for Ribbon Falls via the Bridge. This will take you up and over Asinine Hill, then down, over the bridge to Ribbon Falls. This will be challenging since you’ve already hiked 5.5 miles by this point, but its definitely doable. The 2nd option is to head left at this trail split, cut across the creek, which will also lead you to Ribbon Falls. However, you won’t be able to cross the river if the water level is high, such as in early spring or after a heavy rain. A plus is that it shorter and flat compared to Asinine Hill and the Bridge.
Ribbon Falls via Bridge.
We reached the falls in 2.5 hours, and there were only two other people there the entire time.
Hiding under an alcove to escape the rain.
Group shot under neath the falls. This is where we took a snack break and could hide out from the rain.
Beautiful photo of the upper pool by @iBoyer.
All of us really felt like this was a special place. Don’t be surprised to find that Ribbon Falls will be closed off for Native American rituals and ceremonies, as they too, consider this a very special area for the local tribes. Legend has it that women would give birth in the pool just below the falls, above where I am standing. We were really lucky to be able to visit these waterfalls. Photo by @iBoyer.
Greg leads the way as we hike back to the Bright Angel Campground. Photo by @iBoyer.
Hiking back along the Bright Angel Creek. Photo by @iBoyer.
Trail Map
Overview of the whole trail, starting from Bright Angel Campground.
Close up of the trail for the last mile.
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