Nankoweap Trail

[Carcass]

Looking at this for my next "big" hike. I've read the internet posts from others and am aware of the scary part of this hike. Anyone here done it?

 

[LarryBoy]

I would say the "scary" factor is higher than the "difficult" factor - in other words, one of the biggest obstacles you face on the Nankoweap is inside your own head. There are a few spots that do kind of slope off toward disaster - one where you're walking along a shelf on the upper part of the trail, and then descending through the Bright Angel shale kind of sucks. Terms like "hard" or "scary" are so highly subjective that it's hard to tell you whether you'd be comfortable or not.

I would offer the following bits of advice:

1) Plan the better part of a day to descend the trail. It's something like eight miles, which might not sound like much, but it'll take you much longer than you expect due to faint trail, exposure, and generally being careful of your footing
2) Pack light. Being more stable and nimble will make those spots infinitely less scary.
3) Explore the Horsethief Route between Nankoweap Creek and the Little Colorado if you've got the time. I didn't go that way, and kind of regret it, because it sounds awesome. And the rock hop along the Colorado between Nankoweep Creek and the Little Colorado is kinda crappy.

 

[Stephanie B]

If you haven't done so already, you might want to read these trip reports on Nankoweap. Good luck!

Nankoweap Trip Reports

 

[chandlerwest]

I saw the title on the front page and thought "oh boy somebody went to Nankoweap." But instead I get the opportunity to anticipate you going and sharing a story or two. I have done the easy part which is getting across Saddle Mtn from the west (North Rim road) side. Getting to where the true trail drops down. That is a easy jaunt but that isn't what you need. Just reading LarryBoy above tells me what I already surmised. It is not for me. A hint of slippery rock gets my sphincter tight.

 

[Carcass]

I would say the "scary" factor is higher than the "difficult" factor - in other words, one of the biggest obstacles you face on the Nankoweap is inside your own head. There are a few spots that do kind of slope off toward disaster - one where you're walking along a shelf on the upper part of the trail, and then descending through the Bright Angel shale kind of sucks. Terms like "hard" or "scary" are so highly subjective that it's hard to tell you whether you'd be comfortable or not.

I would offer the following bits of advice:

1) Plan the better part of a day to descend the trail. It's something like eight miles, which might not sound like much, but it'll take you much longer than you expect due to faint trail, exposure, and generally being careful of your footing
2) Pack light. Being more stable and nimble will make those spots infinitely less scary.
3) Explore the Horsethief Route between Nankoweap Creek and the Little Colorado if you've got the time. I didn't go that way, and kind of regret it, because it sounds awesome. And the rock hop along the Colorado between Nankoweep Creek and the Little Colorado is kinda crappy.

Thanks for the reply!