Very hot in July, but great trail!!
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 10/5/09
Qe only hiked down this trail, we came up the bright angel trail, which is more prefered on the way back up since there are 3 spots with running water, restrooms, and shade. The only thing I can say about the South Kaibab Trail is that you do not want to be on it during the hottest part of the day. The direct heat is intense and there is almost no shade on the trail. It is not reccomended to hike in and out of the Grand Canyon all in the same day. We stayed overnight at the Phantom Ranch down in the canyon. You'll need to reserve a spot at least a year before hand if you wish to stay there.
Start out On the S. Kaibab as early as you possibly can. We started down at 9:30 am... Way too late! As we headed down, we passed a group of hikers hiking out of the canyon. They said that they started out at 3:30 that morning! We were shocked then, but later wished that we had done the same! I have never felt that hot in my life. I wanted to lay down in the dirt and just die. It was that bad.
But, if you get an early start, take LOTS of water, and beat the heat, you'll be fine. It's a great trail, it just gets rather sunny in the middle of the day and there isn't any shade. Walk fast and you'll be fine, plus, once you reach the bottom, you can take a nice dip in Bright Angel Creek.