North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel

Starting from the North Kaibab trailhead at over 8,000 feet, you immediately plunge into the canyon on a series of tight, well-constructed switchbacks carved into the limestone cliff face. The trail drops roughly 1,400 feet in just two miles — meaning every step down is a step you'll pay for on the way back up. The path is well-maintained but narrow in places, with sheer drop-offs that demand your attention. As you descend through the Coconino sandstone, the canyon walls tower higher and the colors shift from cream to rust to deep red. Supai Tunnel, your turnaround point, is a short rock tunnel blasted through a cliff band — a satisfying waypoint with shade and a seasonal water spigot. This hike is perfect for visitors who want a genuine taste of below-the-rim hiking without committing to a full corridor trail death march.