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Nankoweap Trail #57
Nankoweap is a wilderness trail. The North Kaibab Ranger's District part of this trail is located within the Saddle Mountain Wilderness, and the rest is within the Grand Canyon National Park. In 1881, J.W. Powell and C.D. Walcott blazed a horse trail into Nankoweap basin by following an old Indian path.
This trail climbs to Nankoweap Saddle, passing through big ponderosa pine trees, red and white cliffs, and steep canyons. At the saddle, the hiker can view a multitude of jagged buttes and the drainages of Marble Canyon. They can then enter the Grand Canyon National Park or continue to the upper trailhead on the Kaibab National Forest.
While horses are allowed, visitors should be aware that sections of the trail are steep and narrow. Horse riders should use caution and exercise judgment while traveling. In general, the east side trailhead to the junction of Grand Canyon National Park's section of trail is rideable. However, past that junction on the National Forest, the trail is very steep and would be potentially dangerous to ride up or down to or from the top trailhead off of Forest Road 610.
At a Glance
| Fees: | None. |
|---|---|
| Best Season: | Spring to Early Summer. Fall to Early Winter. |
| Water: | None. Bring everything you need. |
| Restroom: | None. |
General Information
Directions:Access #1: From the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center go south on AZ 67, a paved road, for 27.5 miles (0.6 miles beyond DeMotte park Campground entrance). Turn left onto FR 611. Approximately 1.4 miles turn right onto FR 610 and go 12.3 miles to the end of the road. FR 610 and FR 611 are both suitable for passenger cars.
Access #2: From the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center go east on US 89A, a paved road, about 20 miles to FR 8910 (House Rock Wildlife Area); turn right and go 23.5 miles to where FR 8910 forks and take the right fork and then go another 4 miles to the trailhead. FR 8910 is suitable for passenger cars.
No motor vehicles or motorized equipment may be operated in the Saddle Mountain Wilderness as per the Wilderness Act of 1964.
Activities
Day Hiking
This trail is heavily used in the fall and spring by hikers accessing the Grand Canyon National Park's Nankoweap Trail.
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Horse Riding
Due to the steep terrain and narrow pathway, riders should use only experienced trail horses.
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|