Transept Trail, AZ

Overview: This is a fairly easy and short trip to see lots of the views from the Grand Canyon. It starts behind the North Rim lodge at the beginning/end of the Bright Angel Point.


History: Gilbert Stanley Underwood designed a rustic lodge and cabins rather than a single hotel unit. A crew of 125 men, earning between 50 and 85 cents per hour, worked throughout the harsh winter of 1927-28 to build the lodge. When it opened to the public in 1928, staff would line up at the door to sing a song of welcome. In the evening they put on a talent show followed by a dance. Visitors would depart to strains of a farewell song sung by the accommodating staff. On September 1, 1932, fire razed the four-year-old Grand Canyon Lodge. Rebuilding began in 1936. The design was altered somewhat: steepened roofs replaced flat rooftop observation decks, more stone was used, and less wood. Interior space became more massive with high, gabled ceilings and exposed beams; durability under snow load and resistance to fire were improved. The tower, with its museum and natural history exhibits painstakingly assembled by park naturalist Eddie McKee, was never replaced. When the Union Pacific Railroad, builder of the lodge, ceased passenger operations in 1971, it had no incentive to promote accommodations like Grand Canyon Lodge. The lodge and cabins were donated to the National Park Service, which now leases the buildings to a concessioner. The lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring that this aesthetically appealing structure will be maintained in its present condition until, millennia from now, canyon erosion returns it to the environment from which it came.

Hike: There are two really good railed view points just along the pathway that has an excellent view of the South Rim of the canyon. You can also see the Desert View tower here as well as the San Fransisco peaks. You can also see part of the South Kaibab, Bright Angel and Plateau Point trails on the South Rim too. These views can be dangerous in the middle of the Monsoon when there is lightning present in the storms. The trail then winds along the edge of the Transept Canyon to the West of the Lodge and cabins. You walk right below all the cabins and there are even a few maples that can be a really red color in the fall of the year. There are Chipmunks, deer and many birds that will sing to you along the way. You walk along with many different views out into the canyon. You then walk along next to the canyon on the Kaibab Limestone. There are also many rocks along the path with fossils in them. Crinoids, shells, sponges, and many other sea creatures. The trail ends at the North Rim Campground.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2009-05-23 Dschur