Ken Patrick Trail from Point Imperial to North Kaibab Trailhead
Photo Album:Ken Patrick Pictures Trail Map: Ken Patrick Trail Map Day Hike: This is a great hike for those who want a long day hike or combine with the Uncle Jim Trail for an overnight backpack. Distance: 10 miles (16 km) one way with a shuttle (or hitch) or 20 miles round trip. This trail is best done as a one way hike from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab trailhead Average Hiking Time: Allow 6 hours for the shorter hike and 12 hours for the longer hike. Plan 90 minutes for the shuttle. Equipment: Sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate clothing for the season are suggested. During late spring, summer and early fall, the bugs may be a nuisance, so insect repellent may be desirable. Difficulty: Moderate. Permits: No, unless camping. Trailhead: One vehicle should be parked at the North Kaibab trailhead approximately 2.5 miles north of the Grand Canyon Lodge and the second vehicle driven to Point Imperial. Point Imperial is found by driving 1 more mile north on highway 67 from the North Kaibab trailhead parking lot and turning right at the intersection toward Cape Royal and Point Imperial. This paved road will wind through the forest for the next 9 miles and put you at the Point Imperial Parking lot. The trail begins on the south-west end of the parking lot. Trailend: North Kaibab Trail Trail access: Easy access unless there is snow. Note the road closure of highway 67 in the winter. Elevation: Point Imperial 8820' Elevation: Kaibab Trailhead 8120' Off the beaten path: No Classic Hike: Yes Best Season: The Ken Patrick Trail is an enjoyable trail when it is too hot on many of the other trails and it's also a good one in the fall, spring and winter. Water Availability: None. Restrooms: Portable potties are often at the trailhead.
Ken Patrick Trail - This trail is best done as a one way hike from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab trailhead. One vehicle should be parked at the North Kaibab trailhead approximately 2.5 miles north of the Grand Canyon Lodge and the second vehicle driven to Point Imperial. Point Imperial is found by driving 1 more mile north on highway 67 from the North Kaibab trailhead parking lot and turning right at the intersection toward Cape Royal and Point Imperial. This paved road will wind through the forest for the next 9 miles and put you at the Point Imperial Parking lot. The trail begins on the southwest end of the parking lot.
The Ken Patrick Trail hugs the rim of the Grand Canyon for the first 3 miles with beautiful views to the south and east. Far below is Nankoweap Creek as Mount Hayden towers above. Views on a clear day will mesmerize with shades of color that appear to be a water colored canvas. Soon the trail crosses the paved road leading to Cape Royal and follows a wooded wash to the west. As the trail leads out of the wash, evidence of a recent forest fire turns the trail intermittently from shaded forest to eerie moonscape. A few thorny locusts grew back along the trail after the fire, but it is easy to avoid these notoriously sharp bushes. Fortunately, much of the trail passing through the woods was spared from the fiery inferno. The trail has several ups and downs as shallow washes are crossed. The trail has one reasonably steep descent that switchbacks down into a meadow and then a gradual sloping wash rises back to the plateau. There are a few more sections in the remaining 6 miles that are near the rim, briefly, for some glimpses into the Grand Canyon.
Directions to North Rim Grand Canyon: From Zion National Park, take on U-9 through the park to Mt. Carmel Jct. Turn south on US-89 to Kanab. There is only one stop light in Kanab; this is where US-89 changes to ALT 89. Fredonia, Arizona is 6 miles. In Fredonia take 89A to Jacob lake (36 miles), then take AZ 67 to the Grand Canyon North Rim park entrance.
Mount Hayden as seen from the beginning of the Ken Patrick Trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Lodging and services are available on the gorgeous east side of Zion National Park, where guests are close to Zion National Park (12 miles), Bryce Canyon National Park (60 miles), Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 miles), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (85 miles). It's where city traffic is absent and the skies are bright and clean.
Old Bright Angel & Uncle Jim Trail - The Old Bright Angel Trail intersection bears to the left as travel on the Ken Patrick Trail continues west. The last intersection to the left is the Uncle Jim Loop Hike. It is just .5 miles now to the North Kaibab Trail parking lot. Along the last half mile of the trail you may see evidence of pack animals. Besides being the last half mile of the Ken Patrick Trail, it is also the first half mile of the Uncle Jim Trail which is used by mules.
The Ken Patrick History - Ken Patrick's father, Slim, worked at Phantom Ranch and raised ken there. This beautiful place along the Colorado River, in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, would entice anyone to love the canyon. Ken did love it and he worked on the North Rim as a ranger before transferring to Point Reyes National Seashore. There he was murdered, August 5, 1973, becoming the first ranger ever killed in the line of duty. The trail was named after him.
Ken Patrick Trailhead at Imperial Point
36°16.7090N
111°58.7230W
North Kaibab Trail Parking Lot (Trailend)
36°13.0490N
112°03.3660W
Directions to the Grand Canyon North Rim - From Zion National Park, travel SR-9 to Mt. Carmel Jct., then turn south on US-89 to Kanab. There is only one stop light in Kanab; this is where US-89 changes to SR-89A. Fredonia, Arizona is just a few miles away, across the Utah - Arizona border. Take SR-89A to Jacob lake (36 miles), then take SR-67 to the Grand Canyon North Rim park entrance.
North Rim Grand Canyon Location - The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is 85 miles from Mount Carmel Junction, which is located on the east side of Zion National Park. Many who visit the National Parks of Southern Utah add the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to their travel plans and those visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon often visit Zion National Park.
Mileage from
Mt. Carmel Jct.
Zion National Park 12
Bryce Canyon 60
Grand Canyon 85
Cedar Breaks 45
Grand Staircase 9
Dixie Forest 22
Sand Dunes 11
Coyote Butte 57
Red Canyon 47
Tuweep 90
Stay in the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah.
This is my new favorite quote:
"I don't know who Mary Cisneros is, but I mean zionnational-park.com
It's a better site than the NPS's anyway."
Written by the authors of the book: Favorite Hikes in and around Zion National Park
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