Skeleton Point Route, AZ

Overview
The Skeleton Point Route leads through a break in the Redwall and deposits you on the South Kaibab Trail above the switchbacks around the halfway point. It’s a short route at just over a half-mile but gains a thousand feet in that span. The route can be followed in either direction, but it’s safer ascending.


Warning
This is not a trail. Only hikers who are experienced in off-trail exploration in the Grand Canyon should attempt this route. Route-finding can be a challenge, and this route requires ample class-3 scrambling along poor surface conditions and some exposure. A misstep on this route could result in severe injury or death.Hike
The route starts on the Tonto Trail a little under a half-mile west of the South Kaibab Trail. Start by identifying the break in the Redwall. You can follow the wash or the sloping Bright Angel Shale. The sloping Bright Angel Shale is the easiest route. As you proceed towards the break, you’ll need to aim to the right to proceed through the Muav Limestone. Continue, and you will see signs of foot traffic and a use trail near the break. Follow the use trail to the break and begin making the scramble up. Be careful because there is scree and loose rock along the route.

About halfway up the break you will encounter some animal bones. Continue up following whatever route you’re comfortable with. There is some scrambling with exposure and more scree. After some work, you climb out of the break and find yourself on the South Kaibab trail. From there, you can continue to the rim or whatever is your destination.

This is a great route to combine with the Miner’s Route for an express hike up from the river.

2013-04-25 John9L