One of the best falls in the Grand Canyon, Ribbon Falls is 6.5 miles up Bright Angel Canyon from Phantom Ranch (13 miles roundtrip). Accessible only if you've made the journey down from the rim, you'll walk along Bright Angel Creek following the North Kaibab Trail through some of the most beautiful canyons in the park. It's an excellent, easy-to-walk, trail. We rated it class 3 only because of the 13 miles to hike. You'll cross a number of foot bridges, see a variety of desert flora and be exposed to some great views. Ribbon Falls itself is pretty unique. While not a large waterfall (except after a rain), the micro-environment around the falls is something to see. Dissolved minerals have deposited at the base of the falls into a tower that is 50' or more tall.

Hiker's note: You can eliminate a 20-minute hike with 300 feet of elevation change by taking off your shoes and wading across Bright Angel Creek near the falls. Otherwise, you'll have to go up the trail (and over a hill) to reach the foot bridge.

tree out of rock