Grand Canyon Trails
 

There is one current hiking post on the Forum, so here's another.

We'll have about 1 1/2 days at the Grand Canyon south rim in October and want to hike part of the Rim Trail and a short section of a trail below the rim.

First, what suggestions does anyone have as the most scenic part of the Rim Trail? Currently staying at Yavapai Lodge, so is there a nearby spot that's especially good for sunrise or sunset?

Second, we'd like to go below the rim for a short distance on either the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail. Any thoughts or which of those may have better views when just going a short distance? Yes, we do realize how strenuous it will be, hence the "short distance." I see Ooh Aah Point mentioned at .9 miles on the South Kaibab. Is it really an "ooh aah" vista?

Any suggestions are welcome.

The Bright Angel Trail is a less strenuous hike than the South Kaibab. But if you're up for it, my suggestion would be to go with the South Kaibab.

I am not much help with the rim trail question, but have been down both the Bright Angel and S. Kaibab trails many times over the years.

South Kaibab has more expansive views, as it stays on a ridgeline, while the Bright Angel trail generally stays in a tributary canyon.

Oooh Ahh Point is quite a nice spot, views are great, and if your desire is to only hike down into the canyon for a mile or so, you could not pick a better trail or destination for expansive views.

As KatieR mentioned, S. Kaibab is generally steeper than B. Angel trail, but the top mile of both of these trails are probably about equally strenuous.

There is no water on the S. Kaibab trail. The first water down on the B. Angel trail is 1.5 miles down.

Take your time and enjoy the canyon hiking. Too many folks visit the canyon and do not hike into the canyon at all. Just a short hike in makes a huge difference in your appreciation for your visit.

The views from the South Kaibab Trail really are amazing. We hiked down just 1 1/2 miles and thought that was far enough. It is surprisingly steep and takes longer than you think to come back up.
As far as the Rim Trail, just get away from the main Village area to really enjoy the views. You can go east of the village in your car and stop at various pull-outs. West of the village you either bike or walk or take the shuttle bus because cars are not allowed on the road (in winter they are, but I don't think so by October). We biked along it and loved the solitude and the great view. Either way is good!

Take the South Kaibab trail. Ooh Ah point ( itreally is a ooh ah view) and the hike to it have spectacular views. It is about 1.5 miles round trip. No water on the trail, bring 1+ liters per person and some snacks. Plan on about 45 minutes down and 1hour-1hour 15 min return. The steepness difference of the SK trail over the BA is mostly the bottom section. The tops as mentioned earlier are about the same. Have a great time.

You are getting good advice ... South Kaibab to Ooh Ah point.

Thanks for your comments. It sounds as though the consensus is for the South Kaibab, so will take your advice.

Think we'll be coming into the park in the afternoon via the east entrance. Any stops or sections of the Rim Trail that we should do there?

The east rim drive overlooks all offer good views (the canyon is more open here and you can see the river from the rim) so stop at several of them if you have time. Desert View and Grandview are especially nice, but crowded.

The 'rim trails' don't start until further west. I'd pick it up near Mather Point.