Arguably one of the most famous points at the Grand Canyon, hiking down to Ooh Aah Point should be a box ready to be checked on any hiker’s checklist. Gaining its name from the obvious “Ooh, aah” sound you make upon reaching it, the point has been made uber-trendy by Instagram and TikTok “influencers”, and is one of the most popular photo opportunities within Grand Canyon National Park (it’s really grand).. However, making it to and back up from this picturesque point will certainly be a journey. Despite its trendy status on social media, getting to and from Ooh Aah Point requires considerable effort, so if you’re looking to capture that iconic shot, be ready to take on the challenge.
Located along the South Kaibab Trail, the hike to Ooh Aah Point is a relatively easy time going down. However, it’s still important to proceed cautiously, as the trail features loose rock and dirt where losing your footing is a real risk. It’s a long way down to fall, after all 😬. Wear hiking boots or tennis shoes and leave the Converse and sandals at home! While the descent may seem easy, the real challenge lies in the return journey. The round-trip hike covers almost 2 miles (1.8 miles) and hiking back up will elevate your heart rate and generate a good sweat. At 7,260 feet at the trailhead, Ooh Aah Point lies 0.9 miles into the Grand Canyon at 6,660 feet (a somewhat ominous sign). It’s crucial to avoid overexertion and potential lightheadedness by pacing yourself both on the descent and ascent. Take breaks as needed and listen to your body.
With the surge in popularity driven by Instagram and TikTok, Ooh Aah Point has become a sought-after target for many (myself included – no shame 💁🏻♀️). While not the most jaw-dropping viewpoint of the Grand Canyon – ✨in my opinion✨, all the viewpoints of the Grand Canyon resemble one another without much variation – it’s still a beautiful view. Mostly, the popularity of reaching Ooh Aah Point seems primarily driven by its newfound social media fame. To make the most of your experience, I highly recommend starting your hike as early as possible. During our visit, we set out around 8:30am. We reached Ooh Aah Point by 9am, only to find it already bustling with activity, with around 20 people enjoying the views and capturing their pictures. The South Kaibab Trail itself was relatively quiet on the way down, with just a handful of hikers passing by, but the scene quickly began to change as we climbed back up, particularly near the top. The closer we got to the top, the more we encountered large groups of hikers making their way down, with smaller clusters in between. I could only imagine the crowd gathering at Ooh Aah Point by then – or in 30 minutes.
The South Kaibab Trail, rated as “moderate” and running along the southern rim on the east side, is a well-known and well-traversed trail within Grand Canyon National Park. Besides being home to Ooh Aah Point, it’s famous for mule rides into the canyon. As you hike, expect to encounter mule trains and their droppings, as the trail is littered with them. The trail is very well maintained (aside from the mule poop), although it can be slippery in spots due to the rocks and dirt. For those unsure of their footing, I suggest using hiking poles. Also, the hike’s duration to Ooh Aah Point can vary depending on the source – some websites claim it may take up to 2 hours round trip, while others estimate around 1 hour, 15 minutes, and others an even 1 hour. It personally took us 55 minutes round trip.
It’s crucial to note that no water stations exist along the South Kaibab Trail. However, you may refill your water bottles at the trailhead near the parking lot. Therefore, bringing enough water with you at the start of your hike is highly recommended. We each brought two bottles, even though the hike was less than 2 miles, and the temperature was a comfortable 65 degrees. It’s always better to be overprepared than underprepared! According to the official National Park Service website, over 250 people are rescued annually from the canyon, and you do not want to be one of them. Lastly, to access Ooh Aah Point and the South Kaibab Trail, you must take the park shuttle bus, which runs every 10 minutes. There is a small parking lot, but access is limited. Additionally, porta-potty-style bathrooms are available at the trailhead.
Overall, hiking to Ooh Aah Point along the South Kaibab Trail proved a fun challenge during my 3rd visit to this iconic landmark. While it may not be a hike I’m eager to repeat, it’s not due to its difficulty, as it doesn’t rank as the most challenging trail I’ve tackled (that would be Mount Charleston in Nevada… Spring Mountains, Nevada: An Escape from Sin City.). Similarly, it’s not even the most strenuous trail at Grand Canyon National Park I’ve done; that honor belongs to the Bright Angel Trail on the western side. It’s due to my “one and done” hiking mentality and the Grand Canyon’s seemingly identical viewpoints. I still highly recommend this trail for a good workout and beautiful views, especially if it’s your first visit to the Grand Canyon. Just make sure you come prepared with enough water and start early to beat the crowds. Lastly, don’t forget to snap your Ooh Aah Point picture – social media influencers be damned!
