Widforss Trail
A serene 10-mile out-and-back trail on Grand Canyon's North Rim, offering shaded forest walks and rewarding canyon vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Widforss Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 10-mile out-and-back trail on Grand Canyon's North Rim, offering shaded forest walks and rewarding canyon vistas.
"Earn your overlooks! This 10-mile hike through the forest to Widforss Point is worth the effort."
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No water stations on the 10-mile trail. Stay hydrated!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is well-marked but requires sturdy footwear for the 10-mile round trip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Widforss Point Overlook
End of the Widforss Trail
Spectacular panoramic canyon views await after a rewarding 5-mile hike through the forest.
Shaded Forest Walk
Along the Widforss Trail
Enjoy a peaceful, mostly shaded hike through the Kaibab National Forest, with a magical aspen grove.
Solitude Seeker's Paradise
Widforss Trail
Experience a quiet, less-trafficked trail offering a serene escape from the park's busier areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Journey: Widforss Trail Pace
Pack Smart for the Point
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
North Rim Hiking
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No water stations on the 10-mile trail. Stay hydrated!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is well-marked but requires sturdy footwear for the 10-mile round trip.
Recommendation for north rim hiking
Zion NP and Grand Canyon North Rim trails.
⏰ Start Early for Shade
Especially in summer, an early start ensures cooler temps and more shade.
🚫 Leave Dogs at Trailhead
Pets are not allowed on any park trails.
Suggestions for the driver
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No water stations on the 10-mile trail. Stay hydrated!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is well-marked but requires sturdy footwear for the 10-mile round trip.
⏰ Start Early for Shade
Especially in summer, an early start ensures cooler temps and more shade.
🚫 Leave Dogs at Trailhead
Pets are not allowed on any park trails.
🗺️ Trail is Well-Marked
Follow the signs for Widforss Point for a clear path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Widforss Trail is praised for its peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere and beautiful forest scenery, culminating in rewarding canyon views at Widforss Point. While some find the 10-mile length demanding for the view, most agree it's a worthwhile hike for those seeking solitude and a pleasant trek through the Kaibab National Forest. The well-maintained trail and shaded sections are significant positives.
"We enjoyed hiking this trail out-and-back for a few miles in late-May 2024. It is an easy hike and the trail is in good condition. You have to hike about a mile before you get a good view of the canyon. It is pleasant hike without many people. The vault toilet at the trailhead parking lot was clean and well-stocked. Dogs are not allowed on any of the Parks' trails.
Highly recommended!"
David Lobree
"If you are looking for quiet places in the park, this is it, you probably won’t meet anyone along the trail. I wouldn’t say the view is the best, considering the almost 5 hours round trip long hike. If your time is limited, don’t do this trail, cape final trail has better view and it’s much shorter."
JBL
"A fantastic 10 mile out and back hike through mostly shaded forest and offering spectacular views of canyon. There are no fill stations along the way so bring plenty of water and some snacks. The trail is well marked and there are some moderate elevation changes along the way."
Noah Sonduck
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Widforss Trailhead is located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Access is typically via the main park road. Parking is available at the trailhead lot.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Widforss Trailhead. It can fill up, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
No, the Widforss Trail is exclusively on the North Rim. Reaching the North Rim from the South Rim involves a significant drive around the canyon.
The most common way is by driving. If flying, the closest major airports are Las Vegas (LAS) or Phoenix (PHX), followed by a scenic drive.
While the North Rim has limited shuttle services, they primarily serve the main village area and viewpoints. It's best to drive directly to the Widforss Trailhead if possible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need to pay the entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park to access the North Rim and the Widforss Trail.
The Widforss Trail is open year-round, but access may be limited during winter due to snow. The North Rim itself has a seasonal closure from mid-October to mid-May.
Park entrance fees are paid upon arrival. There are no specific tickets required for individual trails like Widforss.
Yes, Grand Canyon National Park charges an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for seven days.
Discounts may be available for seniors, military, and those with an America the Beautiful Pass. Check the official NPS website for details.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Widforss Trail is a 10-mile out-and-back hike. Most visitors take 4-5 hours to complete the round trip, allowing time for breaks and enjoying the views.
The Widforss Trail is generally considered moderate. While it's a 10-mile hike, the elevation changes are relatively gradual, making it manageable for most hikers.
Widforss Point offers spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, providing a rewarding vista after the hike.
There is a vault toilet at the Widforss Trailhead parking lot, which is reported to be clean and well-stocked. There are no facilities along the trail itself.
Yes, it can be suitable for elementary-age children who are accustomed to hiking, similar to trails in Zion or Bryce. However, the 10-mile length requires good stamina.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination through the forest and on the canyon walls. Late afternoon can also provide dramatic shadows and golden hues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views at Widforss Point. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the canyon.
The most iconic photo spot is Widforss Point itself. However, keep an eye out for interesting light filtering through the trees in the aspen grove section.
Drone usage is restricted in Grand Canyon National Park. Please check the official NPS website for current regulations regarding drones.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your shot to give a sense of scale. Experiment with different angles to emphasize the depth and vastness.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Start very early to make the most of cooler temperatures and ensure kids have enough energy. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no services along the trail.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers Seeking Solitude
Safety tips for solo hikers: Inform someone of your hiking plans, including your expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone, a basic first-aid kit, and plenty of water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Widforss Trail Experience
The journey to Widforss Point is a gradual ascent, making it a moderate challenge rather than an extreme one. The trail is well-marked, guiding you through diverse forest scenery, including a particularly enchanting section with shimmering aspen trees. This part of the hike is often highlighted by visitors for its beauty and tranquility.
Upon reaching Widforss Point, hikers are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. While some reviews suggest that other, shorter trails might offer comparable views, the Widforss Trail provides a more immersive and less crowded experience. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a longer hike that allows for quiet contemplation and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.
Planning Your Widforss Trail Hike
Footwear is another important consideration. While the trail is generally in good condition, sturdy hiking shoes or boots are advisable for comfort and support over the 10-mile distance. Starting your hike early in the morning, particularly during the summer, is a common recommendation to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the cooler, shaded forest sections.
It's also important to note the park's regulations: dogs are not allowed on any of the trails within Grand Canyon National Park, including the Widforss Trail. This ensures the preservation of the natural environment and the safety of wildlife.
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