Getting There
Hiking to Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon: Our Late-Afternoon Adventure
Our hike to Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon was one of the most unique hikes we have completed. We started hiking down the North Kaibab Trail at around 4:00 p.m. and did not finish until approximately 11:00 p.m.
It was May, but before we started heading into the Grand Canyon, it was raining and snowing near the North Rim. The weather at the top was cold and cloudy, but the conditions slowly changed as we descended farther into the canyon.
There were not many people heading down the trail when we started. Most hikers were already making their way back toward the rim, which made our hike feel quiet and peaceful. It also reminded us that we were starting much later than most people and would be hiking back after dark.
Hiking the North Kaibab Trail to Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon
The North Kaibab Trail immediately began taking us deeper into the Grand Canyon. Around every turn, the landscape changed. We passed through tall canyon walls, forested areas, rocky sections, and warmer temperatures as we continued losing elevation.
One of the craziest parts about hiking in the Grand Canyon is how quickly the weather can change. We started near rain and snow at the rim, but farther down the trail, it felt like we had entered a completely different environment.
Because we started at 4:00 p.m., there were not many people around us. The trail felt much quieter than it probably would earlier in the day.
Reaching Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon
After hiking for miles, we finally reached Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon. The waterfall feels completely different from the dry canyon surrounding it.
Water falls down the large rock formation, while green moss covers parts of the area below it. Ribbon Falls feels like a hidden oasis tucked deep inside the Grand Canyon.
Seeing the waterfall made the long hike worth it. We spent time enjoying the area, looking at the falls, and taking in the scenery before beginning the hike back toward the North Rim.
Ribbon Falls is also an important and sacred place, so visitors should treat the area respectfully, avoid damaging the plants and moss, and leave everything exactly as they found it.
Stopping at Manzanita Rest Area
On our way back, we stopped at Manzanita Rest Area. During our hike, this was the only place where we found available drinking water.
We refilled our water, ate some food, rested, and watched part of a show before continuing the climb. It was not the most traditional hiking break, but it gave us time to recover before heading back up the trail.
Water availability in the Grand Canyon can change, so hikers should never assume water will be available at Manzanita Rest Area. Always check current trail and water conditions before beginning the hike.
Hiking Back in the Dark
Once we left Manzanita Rest Area, we continued climbing toward the North Rim in complete darkness.
Hiking the North Kaibab Trail at night felt completely different from hiking it during the day. Our headlamps only showed the section of trail directly in front of us, while the rest of the Grand Canyon disappeared into the darkness.
The climb back felt long after already hiking for several hours. We continued moving one section at a time until we finally reached the top at around 11:00 p.m.
Is the Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon Hike Worth It?
The Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon hike is absolutely worth doing, but it should not be underestimated. The hike is long, and the climb back to the North Rim is much harder than the hike down.
It can be easy to feel strong while descending and forget that every foot of elevation lost must be climbed again on the way back.
Starting at 4:00 p.m. meant that a large part of our return hike happened after sunset. We had headlamps, food, water, and the equipment we needed, but we would recommend starting much earlier unless you are experienced and prepared for nighttime hiking.
Tips for Hiking Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon
Bring a headlamp even when you plan to finish before dark. Grand Canyon hikes often take longer than expected.
Bring enough food and water for the entire hike. Do not rely on water being available along the trail.
Check current Grand Canyon trail conditions, weather updates, closures, and water availability before leaving.
Prepare for major temperature changes. We experienced rain and snow near the North Rim, but it became warmer as we descended.
Save enough energy for the climb back. Reaching Ribbon Falls is only half of the hike.
Start early whenever possible. A morning start gives you more daylight and more time to complete the climb back safely.
Final Thoughts About Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon
Our hike to Ribbon Falls Grand Canyon was an adventure we will always remember.
We started at around 4:00 p.m. in rainy and snowy weather near the North Rim. We hiked down with very few people around us, visited one of the most unique waterfalls in the Grand Canyon, stopped at Manzanita Rest Area to refill our water and watch a show, and then climbed back to the rim in complete darkness.
We finally finished at approximately 11:00 p.m. It was a long evening, but seeing Ribbon Falls and experiencing the Grand Canyon at night made the entire hike worth it.