An Unforgettable Adventure: Hiking from South Kebab to Bright Angel in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is known for its beautiful geography, vast vistas and challenging terrain. As an avid hiker, it was definitely on my bucket list of must-do hikes and certainly didn’t disappoint!

There are various options for hiking the Grand Canyon, you can do a moderately challenging hike – e.g. Bright Angel to Indian Garden, tackle the most extreme rim to rim Hike (~ 24 miles one way) or do something in between, the popular - South Kebab to Bright Angel hike, which is the one we did.

For someone like me who is in their 40s and moderately fit, the hike proved to be quite the challenge. In hindsight, I probably should have put more effort into preparing for this adventure, as it proved to be a LOT more challenging than I had anticipated.

The entire hike is about 17.5 miles long, with an elevation change of ~4800 feet (to put in context, 1 mile = 5280 feet). It’s this elevation change that makes it really challenging.

One consideration when hiking in the Grand Canyon, is that you descend first –this is the opposite of going up on a hilly/mountain terrain. Going uphill, one can gauge how tired you are and when to turn back. In the Canyon, it’s the opposite – you have to trust your instinct that your body will take the challenge of the climb once you get to the bottom.

We did this hike in April - it took me about 12 hours to complete the hike, we started at the crack of dawn – 5 AM and finished roughly at 5PM, (with 3 significant breaks along the way) – while I was probably on the slower side, compared to other fellow hikers. In the end it was really in a competition against myself…the satisfaction of saying “I did it” was the biggest reward!

Training program:

I didn’t do anything special for the hike, which in hindsight was a mistake. I enjoy running, and playing squash, so in my case, that’s what I stuck with. My regiment was 2-3 days a week of running, 2 days a week, squash. Doing more gym, leg strengthening and core exercises would have been a welcome addition, as I noticed that with the switch backs and the rapid descent, your legs can fill quite sour. As mentioned before, unless you are super-fit, don’t take this hike lightly. Being as best prepared as you can is critical.

Packing for the hike:

Clothing:

• Broken in hiking boots
• Good seamless hiking socks – consider darn tough medium cushioning socks
• Clothing shirt – moisture wicking
• Hiking pants (convertible into shorts) - having this was great – starting the day its fairly cool, but turns hotter as the day progresses, so I had zipped off into shorts roughly 2-3 hours into the hike

Items:

Here’s the items I brought with me:

One of the items I missed out on is having is having an extra charger for phone/watch. My watch ran out of battery roughly 50% of the way through, which was a bummer to someone like myself who loves counting steps and as for my phone, I was conserving battery, pretty much the entire way.

Water: while having sufficient water is important, its also important not to overdo it so that it doesn’t weigh you down. There are opportunities to fill water during the hike – at Kaibab suspension ridge, Phantom ranch and Indian garden. Having two gatorades, a regular size water bottle along with a full 2.5L water bladder was sufficient in my case.

Backpack: For a strenuous hike like this, having a good backpack that feels light in your shoulders is a MUST. In my case, I decided to go with 33L Impetro backpack. What I loved most about it, was the air circulation that the pack provided and water bladder compatibility. With its adjustable shoulder straps, it felt quite light on my shoulders.  

The Hike Begins

As we started our descent, the excitement in the air was palpable. The trail is a mix of steep switchbacks and rocky terrain, which kept our hearts racing and adrenaline pumping. Each step brought us deeper into the canyon, with stunning views unfolding at every turn. We started prior to dawn, with the goal to hit our first milestone Ooh-aah point in the morning at sunbreak. Ooh-aah point, aptly named didn’t disappoint! The scenery here was absolutely breathtaking.

The vibrant colors of the rock formations, the sound of the Colorado River in the distance, and the fresh, crisp air made it all feel surreal.

What made this hike truly enjoyable were the moments of camaraderie shared with fellow hikers. We exchanged stories, encouraged each other during tough stretches, and reveled in the shared awe of our surroundings. It felt like a collective celebration of nature and adventure.

Taking a Breather

We reached South Kaibab suspension bridge in about 3.5 hours. This is also where quite a few hikers took a plunge in the cool water of Colorado river.

Our plan was to refill our water bottles at this point, and then hit the Bright Angel trail, however the water pump here was out of service and we ended up taking a detour to Phantom ranch to replenish our water and take a breather.

Sitting on the edge of the world, munching on trail mix and soaking in the views, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The sheer scale of the canyon is humbling, and it reminded me of how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

The Bright Angel Trail

As we neared the Bright Angel trailhead, I could feel the excitement building. Bright Angel is known for its stunning vistas and well-maintained paths, making it a popular choice for hikers of all levels. The transition from the rugged terrain of South Kebab to the more established trails of Bright Angel felt like entering a different world. It was like we were unlocking a new level in an adventure game!

The sun began to set as we made our way up the final stretch, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The view from the top was nothing short of magical. Watching the canyon bathe in the warm hues of sunset, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. We had conquered the trail, and the beauty surrounding us was a reward in itself.

Reflecting on the Experience

Completing the South Kebab to Bright Angel hike was not just about the physical challenge; it was about the memories created along the way. From the laughter shared with friends to the moments of solitude and reflection, every aspect of the hike contributed to an unforgettable experience.

As we celebrated at the end of the hike, I realized that it wasn’t just the breathtaking scenery or the thrill of the trail that made this adventure so enjoyable—it was the journey itself. The Grand Canyon is a place that invites exploration and connection, both with nature and with each other.

Final Thoughts

If you ever get the chance to hike from South Kebab to Bright Angel in the Grand Canyon, take it! Bring good company, a sense of adventure, and an open heart. The fun you’ll have, the views you’ll see, and the memories you’ll create will stay with you long after the hike is over. Here’s to more adventures in the great outdoors!