Really steep trail - recommend poles for downhill & skip this trail if the wind/gusts are high. Definitely enjoyed the view from this trail more than Bright Angel & will do it again. Warning - no water on trail - also no shade. Watch out for this trail in Summer - hotter with fewer amenities/comforts.

You can't hike to the colorado river in 1 day but you can hike to the skeleton point where you can see the colorado river. The way is downhill which adds mental stress of knowing it will be hard hiking back up. It took me 1.5hours hiking up from skeleton point back to the trail head. Falling off the cliff can be fatal. No water supply on the way

Almost from the very start you get spectacular views of the canyon. Every switchback offers a new angle and great photo ops. Be prepared with enough food and water-even if just doing a day hike...you need the fuel to have energy for the hike back up. We went about half a mile or so past cedar ridge point and you are out in what seems the middle of the canyon...well worth the extra effort but not overly stressful. I highly recommend these few extra steps....plus it gives you time to process all the water you drank at your Cedar Ridge break and make a last potty break when you return to Cedar Ridge before making it the rest of the way to the top. We also stopped frequently but very briefly on the way down to admire the views but we did all our picture taking on the way back up...it was a great excuse to take lots of much needed breaks without feeling like complete losers for needing so many breaks! :-)

Very well maintained and safe trail - (no water en route so plan accordingly and do not underestimate effects of heat, altitude and dryness) - great views but little to no shade-