Stage 1 of the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim covers 10.7 km from North Kaibab Trailhead to Cottonwood Campground, with 177 m of ascent and 1,449 m of descent. The highest point is 2,511 m. Allow about 3.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
The only place to sleep on this stage: a designated backcountry campground beside Bright Angel Creek, 10.9 km below the North Rim, with a picnic table, pack pole and metal food can at each site, toilets and an emergency phone. Backcountry permit required (Recreation.gov); closed since the 29 August 2026 flood, and its drinking water is off.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. Every night below the rim needs an NPS backcountry permit for a named campground, won in the Recreation.gov lottery months ahead. In autumn 2026 the North Kaibab Trail, Cottonwood, Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch are closed after the August flood: check the NPS Key Hiking Messages page before you go.
Emergency: call 911. No signal below the rim: use trail emergency phones or a satellite device. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.