Ken Patrick Trail

Description:

• This trail leads ten miles northeastward from North Kaibab Trailhead parking to Point Imperial. It crosses several drainages and Cape Royal Road before contouring the Nankoweap Canyon to Point Imperial. The route is difficult to follow between Uncle Jim Trail and Cape Royal Road, so bring your topo map and compass. Point Imperial provides an excellent view into the northern reaches of the Grand Canyon and Nankoweap Creek.

  Begin this hike from the Ken Patrick Trailhead on the eastern side of the North Kaibab Trail parking area. The trail skirts the northern reaches of Roaring Springs Canyon then crosses a the southern edge of the north rim for several miles. Approximately one mile from the trailhead the Uncle Jim Trail breaks off from Ken Patrick Trail leading southward. Follow the track to the left.

  After the Uncle Jim Trail junction the route becomes somewhat obscure as it leads through the forest. This is where your compass and map will serve you well. Continue through an area of blown down trees heading in a northeasterly direction. Approximately three miles from the trailhead is a junction with the Bright Angel Canyon Trail. This route leading through the Bright Angel drainage has been abandoned for the more popular North Kaibab Trail. Continue along the northern rim of the canyon from this junction.

  A mile and a half beyond the head of Bright Angel Canyon the trail crosses Cape Royal Road. On the eastern side of the road the Ken Patrick Trail turns northward contouring the western reaches of Nankoweap Creek. One mile from the road crossing the route begins a sweeping curve eastward and begins the final two miles to Point Imperial. The last three miles of the route parallels the road around the rim of the canyon. Information available at North Rim Visitor's Center.