Ribbon Falls

Ribbon Falls is a natural waterfall in Bright Angel Canyon, on the North Kaibab corridor near Cottonwood Campground. Water drops into a shaded pool among rocks, a cool pocket after hot inner-canyon miles. This is a backcountry destination that takes a serious hike; plan it as part of a longer canyon outing rather than a quick stop.

NPS lists Ribbon Falls as a day-hike destination from Cottonwood Campground, which lies 6.8 trail miles below the North Rim. The falls require a further walk and the return climb. Check current North Kaibab Trail and creek-crossing conditions before going.

The visit centers on rushing water, a shaded canyon setting, and the pool and rocks below the falls. For a photo, keep the pool and rock foreground in the frame with the falling water; that shows the sheltered setting better than a tight crop.

The Zuni (A:shiwi) know Ribbon Falls as Chimik’yana’kya Dey’a and regard it as their sacred place of emergence. The falls carry a living cultural meaning alongside their natural appeal, so move through the site with care.

Cottonwood Campground has toilets and seasonal drinking water along the approach. Those facilities are at the campground, not at the waterfall.