List of trails in Grand Canyon National Park
Encyclopedia
The following is a list of hiking
trail
s that are, in whole or part, within the established boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park
, located in Coconino
and Mohave
counties in the U.S.
state
of Arizona
.
s in Grand Canyon National Park fall under the jurisdiction of the Grand Canyon Backcountry Office (BCO), located in the Backcountry Information Center in Grand Canyon Village
. This building previously housed a railway depot. The BCO administers trail maintenance, patrol, and search and rescue operations in the Grand Canyon's backcountry areas.
The Grand Canyon Backcountry Office manages undeveloped areas of the canyon by following the 1988 Backcountry Management Plan (BMP), as amended. The goal of the plan is to mitigate human impacts to ecologically sensitive areas within the park. In those areas, the BMP provides management guidelines for:
The adoption of the BMP marked the first time permits were required for overnight use of the park's backcountry. The permit process was instituted on 1 October 1988 and is still in use today. Permits may be applied for up to four months in advance of a hiker's planned itinerary, on the first day of each month. Permit requests may be faxed, mailed, or delivered in-person. A permit is not required for day use of backcountry trails.
Fees are required to obtain backcountry use permits. Information can be obtained from the parks Backcountry Information Center.
ethics ask that all hikers abide by the following nine principles while hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park
:
:
These designations define the expected daily use of a trail, as well as its level of management, maintenance, and patrol by park personnel or backcountry rangers.
A corridor trail receives the highest hiking
and stock
use by visitors to the park and mule
use by park concessionaires. To accommodate this, the National Park Service
regularly patrols and maintains corridor trails.
The following are designated as corridor trails:
The South Kaibab Trail
and North Kaibab Trail
are officially part of the Arizona Trail
system which crosses the park from south to north, although they retain their original names in all park publications and signage.
A threshold trail receives lower visitation than corridor trails, but will receive more than primitive trails. The National Park Service does not regularly maintain threshold trails, but reconstructs sections damaged by environmental forces, or to prevent further trail erosion. Maintenance will also be done to protect historical features along a threshold trail. Cairns are permitted, but are to be placed discriminately.
The following are designated as threshold trails:
A primitive trail receives the least visitation of all trails. The National Park Service does not regularly maintain primitive trails, but reconstructs sections damaged by environmental forces only in cases where its existing condition creates a hazard. Multiple trail eradication is done to prevent accidental off-trail hiking. Cairns are permitted, but are to be placed discriminately.
The following are designated as primitive trails:
because it was not deliberately constructed, or contains portions of trails that have fallen into such disrepair that they can no longer be identified on a map. Routes may exist due to cross-country hiking or animal use.
Due to their difficulty, routes receive the lowest visitation of all footpaths within the park. The National Park Service only maintains routes to minimize damage to nearby natural resources.
The following do not fall into any of the above trail designations, and are classified as routes:
trail
s exist within Grand Canyon National Park
but do not venture below the rim of the canyon.
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
trail
Trail
A trail is a path with a rough beaten or dirt/stone surface used for travel. Trails may be for use only by walkers and in some places are the main access route to remote settlements...
s that are, in whole or part, within the established boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park and is located in Arizona. Within the park lies the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, considered to be one of the Wonders of the World. The park covers of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.Most...
, located in Coconino
Coconino County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*61.7% White*1.2% Black*27.3% Native American*1.4% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.1% Two or more races*5.2% Other races*13.5% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
and Mohave
Mohave County, Arizona
Mohave County is located in the northwestern corner of the U.S. state of Arizona. As of the 2010 census, its population was 200,186, an increase of 45,154 people since the 2000 census count of 155,032. The county seat is Kingman...
counties in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
.
Management
All pack and foot trailTrail
A trail is a path with a rough beaten or dirt/stone surface used for travel. Trails may be for use only by walkers and in some places are the main access route to remote settlements...
s in Grand Canyon National Park fall under the jurisdiction of the Grand Canyon Backcountry Office (BCO), located in the Backcountry Information Center in Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Grand Canyon Village is a census-designated place located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, in Coconino County, Arizona. Its population was 1,460 at the 2000 Census. Located in Grand Canyon National Park, it is wholly focused on accommodating tourists visiting the canyon...
. This building previously housed a railway depot. The BCO administers trail maintenance, patrol, and search and rescue operations in the Grand Canyon's backcountry areas.
The Grand Canyon Backcountry Office manages undeveloped areas of the canyon by following the 1988 Backcountry Management Plan (BMP), as amended. The goal of the plan is to mitigate human impacts to ecologically sensitive areas within the park. In those areas, the BMP provides management guidelines for:
- Establishment of management zones (use areas)
- Permit system and fee structure for overnight use
- Establishment of visitor use limits
- Enforcement of the plan's provisions
- Interpretive programs to educate canyon visitors
- Research to determine if the plan's goals are being met
The adoption of the BMP marked the first time permits were required for overnight use of the park's backcountry. The permit process was instituted on 1 October 1988 and is still in use today. Permits may be applied for up to four months in advance of a hiker's planned itinerary, on the first day of each month. Permit requests may be faxed, mailed, or delivered in-person. A permit is not required for day use of backcountry trails.
Fees are required to obtain backcountry use permits. Information can be obtained from the parks Backcountry Information Center.
Leave No Trace
Leave No TraceLeave No Trace
Leave No Trace is both a set of principles, and an organization that promotes those principles. The principles are designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, snowshoe, run, bike, hunt, paddle, ride horses, fish, ski or...
ethics ask that all hikers abide by the following nine principles while hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park and is located in Arizona. Within the park lies the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, considered to be one of the Wonders of the World. The park covers of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.Most...
:
- All hikers should be prepared for the hike before them. Know the trail and know your limits.
- Do not create your own campsites. Only use existing sites and do not alter them.
- Stay on the trail as much as possible. No shortcuts.
- Pack out everything you bring in the canyon. This includes trash and toilet paper.
- Do not make any fires.
- Please refrain from using loud noises unless absolutely needed.
- Do not wash your dishes in a water source. Carry water 200 ft away and scatter the dish water.
- Bury any solid human waste at least 200 ft away from any water source. It should be buried in a hole 4 to 6 in deep and wide.
- Do not interfere with wildlife or items with cultural significance. Taking any items out of the Grand CanyonGrand CanyonThe Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park, the 15th national park in the United States...
, including rocks, is prohibited.
Backcountry trail designations
Established trails within backcountry areas of the park are assigned one of the following designations by the National Park ServiceNational Park Service
The National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
:
- Corridor Trails
- Threshold Trails
- Primitive Trails
- Routes/Wild
These designations define the expected daily use of a trail, as well as its level of management, maintenance, and patrol by park personnel or backcountry rangers.
Corridor trails
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
and stock
Horse
The horse is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus, or the wild horse. It is a single-hooved mammal belonging to the taxonomic family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today...
use by visitors to the park and mule
Mule
A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Horses and donkeys are different species, with different numbers of chromosomes. Of the two F1 hybrids between these two species, a mule is easier to obtain than a hinny...
use by park concessionaires. To accommodate this, the National Park Service
National Park Service
The National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
regularly patrols and maintains corridor trails.
The following are designated as corridor trails:
- Bright Angel TrailBright Angel TrailThe Bright Angel Trail is a hiking trail located in Grand Canyon National Park in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:The trail is accessed by the mule corral, as seen here:-Description:...
- North Kaibab TrailNorth Kaibab TrailThe North Kaibab Trail is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:Access to this part of the park by car is seasonal, open from mid-May to mid-October or depending on snowcover from the previous winter...
- Plateau Point TrailPlateau Point TrailThe Plateau Point Trail is a hiking and pack trail located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Description:The trail is accessed by the Bright Angel Trail, at Indian Garden....
- River TrailRiver Trail (Arizona)The River Trail is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. This trail connects the end of the Bright Angel Trail with Phantom Ranch and the South Kaibab Trail.-Description:...
- South Kaibab TrailSouth Kaibab TrailThe South Kaibab Trail is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. Unlike the Bright Angel Trail which also begins at the south rim of Grand Canyon and leads to the Colorado River, the South Kaibab Trail follows a ridge out to Skeleton Point allowing for...
The South Kaibab Trail
South Kaibab Trail
The South Kaibab Trail is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. Unlike the Bright Angel Trail which also begins at the south rim of Grand Canyon and leads to the Colorado River, the South Kaibab Trail follows a ridge out to Skeleton Point allowing for...
and North Kaibab Trail
North Kaibab Trail
The North Kaibab Trail is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:Access to this part of the park by car is seasonal, open from mid-May to mid-October or depending on snowcover from the previous winter...
are officially part of the Arizona Trail
Arizona Trail
The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah that traverses the whole north-south length of Arizona. The trail begins at the Coronado National Memorial near the US-Mexico border and moves north through parts of the Huachuca, Santa Rita, and Rincon Mountains; it...
system which crosses the park from south to north, although they retain their original names in all park publications and signage.
Threshold trails
The following are designated as threshold trails:
- Clear Creek TrailClear Creek TrailThe Clear Creek Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Description:...
- Dripping Springs TrailDripping Springs TrailThe Dripping Springs Trail is a hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:The trail begins along the Hermit Trail after a 1½ mile hike from Hermit's Rest.-Description:...
- Grandview TrailGrandview TrailThe Grandview Trail is a hiking trail located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Description:...
- Hermit TrailHermit TrailThe Hermit Trail is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. This trail provides access to a historic area of Grand Canyon and offers a more challenging route to the Colorado River for more experienced canyon hikers....
- Thunder River TrailThunder River TrailThe Thunder River Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Description:-External links:* *...
- Waldron TrailWaldron TrailThe Waldron Trail is a hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is an alternative to Hermit Trail.-External links:*...
Primitive trails
The following are designated as primitive trails:
- Beamer TrailBeamer TrailThe Beamer Trail is a backpacking trail located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Description:...
- Bill Hall TrailBill Hall TrailThe Bill Hall Trail is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:The trail begins at Monument Point along the north rim of the canyon on the boundary of the National Park, about west of the park services at North Rim, Arizona...
- Boucher TrailBoucher TrailThe Boucher Trail is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:The trail officially begins at a low point on the Dripping Springs Trail, in the southwest part of Hermit Canyon. Access to the Boucher Trail requires a hike of about 2¾ miles along the...
- Deer Creek TrailDeer Creek TrailThe Deer Creek Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.GPS Coordinates WGS84 DatumMonument Point Trailhead:36 26.0690N...
- Havasu Canyon Route (a portion of this trail is within the park).
- Kanab Creek TrailKanab Creek TrailThe Kanab Creek Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-External links:* , in Kanab Creek from Snake Gulch to Jensen Canyon and beyond.* * *...
- Lava Falls TrailLava Falls TrailThe Lava Falls Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It descends from the north rim of the Grand Canyon just west of the extinct volcano known as Vulcan's Throne to the Colorado River....
- Nankoweap TrailNankoweap TrailThe Nankoweap Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.The Nankoweap trail descends 6,040 feet in 14 miles from the Saddle Mountain trailhead to Nankoweap Creek and on to the Colorado River. It is considered to be the hardest...
- North Bass TrailNorth Bass TrailThe North Bass Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:...
- New Hance TrailNew Hance TrailThe New Hance Trail is a hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona...
(a.k.a. Red Canyon Trail) - South Bass TrailSouth Bass TrailThe South Bass Trail is a hiking trail located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:...
- South Canyon TrailSouth Canyon TrailThe South Canyon Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It follows Marble Canyon’s longest tributary gorge to the Colorado River.-See also:* The Grand Canyon...
- Tanner TrailTanner TrailThe Tanner Trail is a hiking trail located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. The trailhead is located at Lipan Point, a prominent lookout located to the east of the Grand Canyon Village and it ends at the Colorado River at Tanner Rapids.With...
- Tonto TrailTonto TrailThe Tonto Trail is a hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:...
- Tuckup TrailTuckup TrailThe Tuckup Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It extends from Toroweap Point to 150 Mile Canyon on the Esplanade member of the Supai formation. It originated as a cattle trail and many cowboy camps can be found along its...
Routes
A route is a footpath that does not fall under the definition of trailTrail
A trail is a path with a rough beaten or dirt/stone surface used for travel. Trails may be for use only by walkers and in some places are the main access route to remote settlements...
because it was not deliberately constructed, or contains portions of trails that have fallen into such disrepair that they can no longer be identified on a map. Routes may exist due to cross-country hiking or animal use.
Due to their difficulty, routes receive the lowest visitation of all footpaths within the park. The National Park Service only maintains routes to minimize damage to nearby natural resources.
The following do not fall into any of the above trail designations, and are classified as routes:
- Escalante RouteEscalante RouteThe Escalante Route is a hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It starts near the Tanner Rapids on the Colorado River and follows the river...
- Esplanade RouteEsplanade RouteThe Esplanade Route is a hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. The Esplanade Route covers a distance of , starting at the South Bass Trail and ending at Apache Point.-See also:...
- Royal Arch RouteRoyal Arch RouteThe Royal Arch Route is a hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-External links:* *...
Above-rim trails
The following hikingHiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
trail
Trail
A trail is a path with a rough beaten or dirt/stone surface used for travel. Trails may be for use only by walkers and in some places are the main access route to remote settlements...
s exist within Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park and is located in Arizona. Within the park lies the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, considered to be one of the Wonders of the World. The park covers of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.Most...
but do not venture below the rim of the canyon.
- Bright Angel Point TrailBright Angel Point TrailThe Bright Angel Point Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Description:...
- Cape Final TrailCape Final TrailThe Cape Final Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Description:It is located on the Walhalla Plateau at the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Access is from the Cape Royal Road, about north of Cape Royal...
- Cape Royal TrailCape Royal TrailThe Cape Royal Trail is a hiking trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-Access:The paved trail begins in the parking area at the southern end of Cape Royal Road on the north rim.-Description:...
- Cliff Spring TrailCliff Spring TrailThe Cliff Spring Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.It located at -See also:* The Grand Canyon* List of trails in Grand Canyon National Park...
- Fire Point TrailFire Point TrailThe Fire Point Trail is a hiking trail located on the North of the Grand Canyon National Park, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It runs entirely above the rim of the Grand Canyon.-See also:* The Grand Canyon* List of trails in Grand Canyon National Park...
- Francois Matthes TrailFrancois Matthes TrailThe Francois Matthes Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona....
- Ken Patrick TrailKen Patrick TrailThe Ken Patrick Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona....
- Komo Point TrailKomo Point TrailThe Komo Point Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona....
- Rim TrailRim TrailThe Rim Trail is a hiking trail located on the North/South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-External links:*...
- Tiyo Point TrailTiyo Point TrailThe Tiyo Point Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It provides a view of Isis Temple.-See also:* The Grand Canyon* List of trails in Grand Canyon National Park...
- Transept TrailTransept TrailThe Transept Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It a rim trail that runs between the North Rim Campground and Grand Canyon Lodge.-External links:*...
- Uncle Jim TrailUncle Jim TrailThe Uncle Jim Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.-External links:*...
- Walhalla Glades TrailWalhalla Glades TrailThe Walhalla Glades Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon National Park in the U.S. state of Arizona....
- Walhalla Spur TrailWalhalla Spur TrailThe Walhalla Spur Trail is a hiking trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona....
- Widforss TrailWidforss TrailThe Widforss Trail is a hiking trail located at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in the U.S. state of Arizona. The Widforss Trail runs from the North Rim Village through the forest to emerge at Widforss Point, a narrow, wooded promontory....
See also
- Grand CanyonGrand CanyonThe Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park, the 15th national park in the United States...
- Grand Canyon National ParkGrand Canyon National ParkGrand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park and is located in Arizona. Within the park lies the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, considered to be one of the Wonders of the World. The park covers of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.Most...
- List of Colorado River rapids and features