(7596 x 3576) View from the Tipoff, past the Train Wreck and down into the inner gorge of the Grand Canyon. The Colorado River and Phantom Ranch are seen to the left. At the Tipoff, there is a composting toilet and an emergency phone, but no water. There is little shade and no water for the entire length of the South Kaibab Traill.

Belowthe Tipoff, the South Kaibab Trail loosely follows the course of an earlier trail called the Cable Trail (built in 1907 to accommodate access to the old cable car system across the river that existed before construction of the present suspension bridge). Vestiges of this earlier trail can be seen as the South Kaibab Trail descends toward the Colorado River. Access to Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch is via the black bridge (built in 1927).

Hikers seeking panoramic views unparalleled on any other trail at Grand Canyon will want to consider a hike down the South Kaibab Trail. It is the only trail at Grand Canyon National Park that so dramatically holds true to a ridgeline descent. NPS Photo by Michael Quinn.