Widforss Trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was named for Gunnar Widforss who became known for his paintings of this area in the 1930's.
Photo Album:Widforss Pictures Trail Map: Widforss Trail Map Day Hike: For those looking for a longer day hike that does not go below the rim this hike is ideal. Distance: 10 miles (16 km) round trip. This trail can be hiked either as a 5 mile out and back (2.5 miles each direction), or can be hiked all the way to Widforss Point trailend as a 10 mile out and back (5 miles to Widforss Point trailend and 5 miles back to the trailhead). Either way chosen provides a moderate hike. Average Hiking Time: Allow 3 hours for the shorter hike and 6 hours for the longer hike. 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. Carry at least 3 liters of water for each person, and even more during the hotter summer months. There is no water available on this hike. Shade can be found under the forest trees, however much of the hike will be done in direct sunlight. A headlamp is recommended just in case the sun sets on the hike out. Difficulty: Moderate Permits: No Trailhead: Trailhead is located 11 miles south of the North Rim Entrance Station, or 1.75 miles north of the North Rim Visitors Center on Hwy 67. Trailend: Same as trailhead Trail Access: Easy access unless there is snow. Note the Road closure of ASR-67 in the winter. Elevation: Trailhead 8100' Elevation: Widforss Point 7600' Off the Beaten Path: No Classic Hike: Yes Best Season: The best time of the year to hike the Widforss Trail is in spring, late summer and early fall when the temperatures are cooler. Water Availability: None. Restrooms: Portable potties are often at the trailhead.
Widforss Trailhead - The trailhead is located 11 miles south of the North Rim Entrance Station, or 1.75 miles north of the North Rim Visitors Center on Hwy 67.
Widforss Trail - The Widforss Trail is a well beaten path through the forest and has several moderately steep uphill and downhill sections, but is level hiking for the most part. Along the way the trail skirts the Transept, on hikers left, for nearly 2.5 miles which offers some beautiful vistas to the south and east as the canyon deepens below. Far below and to the southeast, the Transept intersects with Bright Angel Creek where many hikers make their way down to Phantom Ranch. At 2.5 miles the guided hike (numbered posts) ends and the trail begins to wander deeper into the woods, through forested hollows and eventually will rise to a plateau and ridge.
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.
A rim view along the North Rim Grand Canyon Widforss Trail.
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.
To Widforss Point - The travel is relatively level and soon turns from a southwesterly direction to a southeasterly direction and a very gradual descent begins to the end of the trail. A picnic table is set in the woods, just before the final short jaunt to Widforss Point trailend. From the trailend, Widforss Point can be seen just across a small canyon to the southeast less than .5 mile. South-southeast one mile is Manu Temple and 2 miles to the south-southwest is Buddha Temple. There is a short loop trail that skirts the drainage to the east of the trail used on the hike in if desired. Leave enough daylight to hike out so keep track of the time.
Parking and Trailhead
36°13.4317N
112°03.9130W
Widforss Point Trailend
36°11.0380N
112°05.1909W
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
Contact Mary to report errors: