This is any easy to moderate, 7.9-mile one way, hike along the upper rim of the canyon at an elevation of 6800 feet. With the exception of an area where a sensitive habitat area has been marked off with bright orange tape, the trail is a clearly marked unpaved path. A paved road parallels the path off and on providing transportation to the end of the trail and at four other points along the way. This gives a novice hiker the ability to test their stamina to see how far they can hike and return by bus. The bus runs every 15 minutes with stops less than a 1 mile apart, costs nothing and is fully narrated. The only distance exception is between The Abyss and Pima Point, which is 2.9 miles. This is a great idea for someone with physical limitations, time constraints, or younger children.
If your time and/or energy are limited, the most panoramic stop along the route is Pima Point. Here you have the best view of the river as it makes cuts a turn through the deep canyon. Hopi Point is the better choice for observing the sunset. Several of the vista points offer plaques indicating names of canyon formations such as the Temple of Isis and Cheops, as well as providing geological information.
We took 4 hours to cover 6.8 miles one way with several picture stops along the way. The steep canyon walls looking down from the edge seemed to remind me how small I am in the scheme of things as well as the magnitude of some of mother earth’s creation. Photos, even with panoramic lens, simply cannot due these sights justice. The last stop of this trail, Hermits Rest, are a few vending machines and a small gift shop. This is also the beginning of another, very steep, not well-marked trail. There is shade along the trail, one restroom, and no water until the last stop.
Visit the website here