Are dogs allowed on Nankoweap Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Nankoweap Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Nankoweap Trail?

No, Nankoweap Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Nankoweap Trail?

Nankoweap Trail is rated expert. It is 28.3 miles long with 17,474 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Arizona trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

Grand Canyon National Park/Arizona

Nankoweap Trail

North Rim, Arizona

28.3 mi

Distance

17,474 ft

Elev. Gain

13h 20m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

The Nankoweap Trail is an unmaintained 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 of the trails into the Canyon. Hikers have to carry and cache water as there is none in the 11 miles between the trailhead and Nankoweap Creek.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,001 ft

Max:2,722 ft

5,326 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:928-638-7888
Address:20 South Entrance Road · Grand Canyon, AZ · 86023

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Nankoweap Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

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Nearby Trails

Ken Patrick Trail North from Point Imperial

Ken Patrick Trail South from Point Imperial

Roosevelt Point Trail

Uncle Jim Trail

North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel and Coconino Overlook

Coconino Overlook

Other trails in Grand Canyon National Park

South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point

Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden

Rim Trail (South Rim)

Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail

Grand Canyon Rim Trail

Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF)

North Rim Campground

Cottonwood Camp - Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon North Dispersed camping

Demotte

DeMotte National Forest Campground

Similar trails in Arizona

Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail

South Mountain National Trail

Goat Camp Trail

Backway to Crown King

Tanque Verde Ridge Trail

Sutherland Trail