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Road
High Clearance possible when dry
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To South Bass TrailheadThe South Bass trailhead is located in a remote area about 30 miles northwest of Grand Canyon Village. Primary access via the Kaibab National Forest on Forest Road (FR) 328. This unpaved byway is not shown accurately on most topo maps, so a road map of the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest will be useful. FR 328 is rough and rocky and sections can become impassable during wet weather. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and a 4WD might be required if the road is muddy. Driving to the South Bass trailhead can offer almost as much adventure as the hike.
Normal access to FR 328 is via Rowe Well Road from Grand Canyon Village. The park kennel is the best landmark. Rowe Well Road goes from the west end of the Village to the kennel and continues south to the park boundary. This road can be difficult to locate, so inquiring locally might save time. FR 328 can also be accessed from Highway 64 south of the park. Turn west at the last intersection before entering the park or obtain directions at the Tusayan District Ranger Station.
Drive Rowe Well Road about three miles south to the park boundary. A sign announces entry to Kaibab National Forest. Stay left (southeast) at the first fork, cross the railroad tracks and continue another mile to the intersection with FR 28. Turn right (west) on FR 328 toward Pasture Wash and the South Bass Trail. Drive about 16 miles to a gate that marks the entry to the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the end of FR 328. The Havasupai Tribe charges a fee (usually $25) to cross their land and occasionally post a tribal member at the gate to collect. This station is not staffed full-time, and if nobody seems to be in evidence simply pass through the gate and continue about 1.7 miles to a four-way intersection. The road degenerates markedly at this junction. Turn right (northeast) toward Pasture Wash, follow the road about 1.9 miles to the Forest Service boundary fence. Continue another half a mile to the park boundary fence and cattle guard. Please help keep cows out of the park by closing this gate after passing through. Keep driving north to the ruins of the old Pasture Wash Ranger Station. This outpost has not been staffed for many years and no assistance is available. Maintain the northerly heading for 3.6 rutted, rocky miles to rim. Be forewarned: The road north of the four-way intersection can be rendered impassible by deep mud during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt.
Note: Havasupai Reservation is a sovereign nation, cross at your own risk.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 253 mi - about 4 hours 34 minsFrom TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 358 mi - about 6 hours 4 minsFrom FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 106 mi - about 2 hours 24 mins
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