Red Mountain is located in the Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona, 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff. The site is volcanic cinder cones that rise 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape, showcasing amazing rock formations and lava flows, cliffs and hoodoos, along with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. There is a short ladder climb required just before entering the natural amphitheater.

• distance: 2.7 miles
• intensity level: easy, suitable for all ages
• water: no
• restrooms: no
• shade: yes, most of the way
• parking: free parking at trailhead

The Bright Angel Trail begins in Grand Canyon’s Historic Village and is ideal for first time visitors with expansive canyon and cliff views. Nestled in the side canyon, the four foot wide corridor trail descends less steeply than others and offers plenty of shade. Within the red Supai rock layer, 1 ½-Mile Rest House has water and an outhouse and again at 3-Mile Rest House which also has a great view of the Tonto Plateau below. You can expect to see mules sharing this trail with you. The upper portion can be icy in the winter and early spring. 

• distance: 8 miles, more to Phantom Ranch
• intensity level: steep but suitable for all levels
• water: yes
• restrooms: yes
• shade: yes
• parking: at the Maswik Lounge or backcountry office, free shuttle offered by National Park Service

The South Kaibab Trail offers incredible panoramic views with a four foot wide corridor trail that descends less steeply than others. 1-mile down is the scenic “Ooh Aah Point” and then another half-mile to Cedar Ridge which has an outhouse and prominent flat ridge to step out onto. There is significant elevation change by the time you reach Skeleton Point which offers 360 degree views of the canyon. You can expect to see mules sharing this trail with you. It can be icy in the winter and early spring. 

• distance: 7 miles
• intensity level: strenuous
• restrooms: trailhead and Cedar Ridge
• shade: very little shade
• parking: only with backpacking permit at trailhead, we suggest parking at Backcountry Information Center and taking Hikers Shuttle to trailhead

The Hermit Trail descends into the Hermit Basin, featuring rich pioneer history as well as plenty of fossils within the Coconino Sandstone layer. It is a steep, rocky trail, with at times large steps. 2.2-miles down within the Supai layer is the Santa Maria Spring still flowing with a pioneer era shade structure. Canyon views are distant yet visible while geology, archaeology, plant and animal life are the highlights of this intimate side canyon.

• distance: 9 miles
• intensity level: difficult, hiking boots recommended
• water: from springs, must be treated
• restrooms: trailhead
• shade: some
• parking: no, must ride free shuttle

The Grandview Trail offers sweeping views of the canyon’s buttes and mesas from a different perspective with the Colorado River in the distance. It is a very steep, narrow trail with upper switchbacks cutting through the drop-off. This is not the trail for anyone who is afraid of heights. Rich in mining history, 3-miles down on Horseshoe Mesa is one of the Grand Canyon’s only profitable copper mines.  Much of this trail work is intact log cribbing and cobblestone known as “riprap'” from the original construction.

• distance: 12.5 mile loop
• intensity level: difficult, hiking boots recommended
• water: no
• restrooms: trailhead
• shade: some
• parking: on loop road at Grandview Point

The Tanner Trail is near Desert View Watchtower, with great sights of tilted layers at the bottom called the Grand Canyon Supergroup. In the distance, the river winds its way through the layers. This trail is also rich in Native American and pioneer history as it has been a natural route for people traveling the river for thousands of years. This demanding trail is quite steep and narrow, requiring some negotiating down and around the rocks in order to enjoy the spectacular views. This trail can be unusually hot.

• distance: 9 miles
• intensity level: difficult, experienced hikers only
• water: no
• restrooms: no
• shade: no
• parking: at Lipan Point