This trail descends steeply from the North Kaibab Trailhead on the North Rim to Roaring Springs, the headwaters of Bright Angel Creek, where it flattens out for the long trek to the Colorado River. The upper stretch of the trail (from the trailhead to Cottonwood Campground) receives some shade, but the lower stretch to Bright Angel Campground becomes dangerously hot during the summer, and hiking between 10AM and 4PM should be avoided. During the summer, potable water is available at Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, and Cottonwood Campground; between Roaring Springs and the Colorado River, water from Bright Angel Creek can be purified for drinking purposes. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Supai Tunnel (3.4 mi/5.0 km with 1440 ft/439 m of elevation change), Roaring Springs (9.4 mi/14.6 km with 3020 ft/920 m of elevation change), Cottonwood Campground (13.6 mi/21.8 km with 4160 ft/1268 m of elevation change, Bright Angel Campground (28 mi45 km with 5760 ft/1756 m of elevation change).