Nankoweap Trail to Colorado River

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

The Nankoweap Trail is classified as the most difficult of the named trails within Grand Canyon National Park. The trail features exposure in areas, is mostly waterless, and has the largest rim-to-river drop (5640ft) of any trail in the park. There is also quite a bit of elevation gain over the course of the trail from rim to river. While the journey certainly has its challenges, backpackers will be rewarded with an amazing corner of the Grand Canyon nearly all to themselves.

Though this trail starts in Kaibab National Forest, a backcountry permit from Grand Canyon National Park is needed for any overnight stay within park bounds (everything below the rim is inside the park). This backcountry zone is not usually in high demand, however, so if you are determined to backpack the Nankoweap Trail, obtaining a permit may be the simplest part. Difficulty of the hike aside, getting to the trailhead is not easy either. You can start from the Nankoweap trailhead on FR 8910 in House Rock Valley (year round, weather dependent) or from the Saddle Mountain trailhead on FR 610 on the North Rim (seasonal). Both ways require high clearance, and maybe 4WD depending on conditions. Most people start from House Rock Valley, as mapped here.

Starting from the FR 8910 trailhead in House Rock Valley, the trail first climbs steadily to Nankoweap Saddle among sparse ponderosa pine forest, in view of white cliffs overhead and the gash of Marble Canyon below. At the saddle, a giant view of the Grand Canyon appears.

As you drop below the rim, the trail begins a traverse that stays close against the canyon walls, with a sloping platform and vertical cliffs below. The trail is often only one footprint wide, loose and gravelly, and close to sheer drop offs in places. This trail is not recommended for people with a fear of heights.

Navigation is generally straightforward, but one place that may be confusing is where the trail passes Marion Point. Here it makes an immediate turn to the north, continuing the traverse and does NOT continue out to the point. About 150 yards beyond where the trail passes Marion Point, there is a small seasonal seep under a ledge. This is the only water source until Nankoweap Creek.

The traverse continues in a rising and falling pattern until it approaches the ridge leading down to Tilted Mesa, and this is where the proper descent begins. There are two easy, short cliffs you'll hop down along the way. There are also some fantastic (exposed) campsites in this area.

The trail begins to deteriorate after this point. You'll descend very steeply while on a narrow trail that is quite loose and gravelly. It is not always easy to maintain traction on the steep loose slope, good shoes are a must. Thankfully there isn't much exposure in most of these areas. After traversing the lower reaches of Tilted Mesa the trail becomes more friendly as it makes the remainder of the descent to Nankoweap Creek.

Nankoweap Creek offers the first shade and reliable water of the trail, and is a beautiful oasis. Continue following the creek all the way to the Nankoweap Delta on the Colorado River. Nice campsites are scattered around the mouth of the creek and the sandy bars on either side. Expect to share the delta with raft trips, as this is a very popular river camping zone. And whatever you do, don't miss out on seeing the amazing Nankoweap Granary high in the cliffs above the delta.