North Kaibab Trail | |
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Ribbon Falls on the North Kaibab Trail
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Length | 14 mi (23 km) |
Location | Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States |
Trailheads |
Phantom Ranch Grand Canyon (North Rim) |
Use |
Hiking Stock (mule use) |
Elevation | |
Elevation change | 5,660 ft (1,730 m) |
Highest point | North Rim, 8,060 ft (2,460 m) |
Lowest point | Colorado River, 2,400 ft (730 m) |
Hiking details | |
Trail difficulty | Strenuous |
Season | Spring through Fall |
Sights |
Grand Canyon Colorado River |
Hazards |
Severe weather overexertion dehydration flash floods |
The North Kaibab Trail is a hiking trail in the North Rim side of the Grand Canyon, in Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.
Access to this part of the park by car is seasonal, open from mid-May to mid-October or depending on snow cover from the previous winter.
It is possible to reach the North Kaibab Trailhead by crossing the canyon on foot from the South Rim or by snowshoe or cross-country ski beginning at Jacob Lake, Arizona.
The North Kaibab Trail begins at the head of Roaring Springs canyon and ends at the Colorado River.
The trailhead is at a parking area on Arizona State Route 67, about 1-mile (1.6 km) north of the North Rim's Grand Canyon Lodge. The Ken Patrick Trail and Uncle Jim Trail are also accessible from this parking area.
The trail is 14 miles (23 km) long, with camping available by permit at Cottonwood Camp at 7 miles (11 km) and Bright Angel Camp at 14 miles (23 km). Treated water is available seasonally at the Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, the Caretaker's Dwelling, and Cottonwood Campground; and year-round at Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch. Features along the trail include Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls (140 ft), The Box (a slot canyon), and Phantom Ranch.
The North Kaibab Trail is also part of the Arizona Trail system, crossing the state of Arizona from Mexico to Utah. The trail is joined by South Kaibab Trail which is located to the south of the trail.
Grand Canyon National Park categorizes the North Kaibab Trail as a corridor trail. With this designation it receives regular maintenance and patrols by park rangers.