South Kaibab trail start time.

Question

Have been to GC several times over the last 45+years.

Including a 2 day trip to Phantom Ranch a longtime ago via BA trail.

For my upcoming trip in late Sept. will be staying in Tusayan .

Would like to hike SK trail to Ooh Ah Point or possibly Cedar ridge.

What time should i start the hike? Is 8AM to late?

I know is very difficult to guess the weather in advance. Will be a day of decision.

Just need a template to plan.

Answer

For your late September hike on the South Kaibab Trail (SK) to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge, starting early is generally best, but you have some flexibility depending on your comfort with temperatures and crowds.

Late September in the Grand Canyon typically brings daytime highs along the rim in the 70s–80s°F and cooler temperatures down in the canyon. However, conditions can vary, and it’s still possible for sun exposure to feel intense on the South Kaibab Trail, which has almost no shade.

Early start option: Starting around 6:30–7:00 AM allows you to enjoy cooler temperatures, quieter trails, and the best lighting for photography. You’ll beat the mid-morning crowds and avoid the sun becoming too harsh for a moderate hike like to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge.
8:00 AM start: Starting at 8:00 AM is also reasonable, especially in late September when it’s cooler than summer. You might encounter a few more hikers and slightly warmer sun exposure, but it’s still manageable for a round-trip hike to either Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge.
Later start: Starting later than 9:00 AM can make the hike warmer, especially on exposed sections, and you may encounter heavier crowds. For a short hike like to Ooh Aah Point, it’s still feasible but less comfortable.

Some additional tips for planning:

Bring plenty of water. Even for short hikes, the dry air and sun can dehydrate you quickly.
Sun protection is essential: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Check the National Park Service website or call the visitor center the morning of your hike for any trail advisories or weather updates.
Use the restroom at the trailhead before starting, as facilities along the trail are limited.
Consider the round-trip distance and your pace: Ooh Aah Point is about 1.8 miles round-trip; Cedar Ridge is about 3 miles round-trip, both with significant elevation change.

Template for your day:

6:30–7:00 AM: Wake up, quick breakfast, hydrate.
7:00–7:30 AM: Arrive at South Kaibab Trailhead from Tusayan (about 15–20 min drive).
7:30–9:00 AM: Hike to Ooh Aah Point (or Cedar Ridge if you prefer slightly longer) and return.
9:00–9:30 AM: Finish hike, hydrate, enjoy scenic views at the rim, then head back to Tusayan or next activity.

Starting around 7:00–8:00 AM is generally ideal. Adjust depending on sunrise, personal pace, and weather conditions. Late September usually makes this window very comfortable for a moderate morning hike.

South Kaibab trail start time.

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