The best running trails around Grand Canyon Village

Hermit's Rest is the endpoint of a stunning and epic ride in the Grand Canyon. Built in 1914, the structure is named after Louis Boucher, a Canadian-born prospector who staked claims near the site around 1891. With help, Boucher carved the trail into the canyon and lived alone at nearby Dripping Springs for many years. The ride is smooth and scenic, offering breathtaking canyon views. No cars are allowed on Hermit Road, making the experience even better, though shuttle buses still run. There's a small snack bar at Hermit’s Rest for a quick break. This is a must-do for any cycling enthusiast!

Hermit's Rest is the endpoint of a stunning and epic ride in the Grand Canyon. Built in 1914, the structure is named after Louis Boucher, a Canadian-born prospector who staked claims near the site around 1891. With help, Boucher carved the trail into the canyon and lived alone at nearby Dripping Springs for many years. The ride is smooth and scenic, offering breathtaking canyon views. No cars are allowed on Hermit Road, making the experience even better, though shuttle buses still run. There's a small snack bar at Hermit’s Rest for a quick break. This is a must-do for any cycling enthusiast!

The further down you go, the more deserted it becomes, but you also have to remember to come back up again!! We were here in December and the way up was strenuous even with the low temperatures. Make sure you take enough water with you, the drinking water fountains are turned off in winter.

This is where the Bright Angel Trail's switchbacks begin—a strategic spot offering stunning views of the canyon and its towering walls surrounding the trail. From here, you can choose between a short, easy hike or a more challenging adventure that descends deeper into the canyon.

Powell Point, and the accompanying memorial, are dedicated to geologist John Wesley Powell, who made not one, but two river runs down the Grand Canyon in the 1800s. The views here are stunning, and there's a shuttle bus stop if you don't want to run a full round trip. The trail is also paved between here and Mather Point; run to the west if you want a narrower, more rugged trail that runs closer to the edge of the canyon.

This is the far western end of the Rim Trail, one of the most popular running trails in the park. There's a shuttle bus stop if you started to the east and don't want to run all the way back. At this point, the trail tends to be narrow and near the edge of the canyon, so it's no surprise the views are incredible. If you want a milder run, the section of the Rim Trail that runs between Mather Point and Powell Point is paved, and still has stunning views.

This is the place for all your trip planning and information needs, or to use the restroom and refill your water before heading out. And of course the views are stunning! If you have the time, duck inside to watch either of two 24-minute movies to orient you to the park and the 11 Indigenous tribes that have lived here since time immemorial.

If you wanted a truly epic running destination, this is it! This is generally also your last opportunity for water before you reach the Colorado River in the canyon floor. Please be realistic about your abilities as regards reaching this point. It's a stellar run for those who are ready for it. For those who aren't, rescue can take quite a while.