Nankoweap Trail, AZ :: Exposed Section

[Zort]

Hey kids, looking for a piece of advice or observation about Nankoweap. I'm leading a group next month and would like to know if anyone can tell me how the exposed section(s) to Marion Point compare with the exposure on Beamer up to LCR. Sounds to me like the footing is mostly good, but the visual aspect unsettling. We got through the exposure on Beamer with some trepidation but would really rather not get stymied on Day 1 of the trip next month. Any help is much appreciated.

[chumley]

Hey Pops

I heard there are some peeps hitting Nank in a couple of weeks. Check the trip reports and photos on or about 9/24 for the updates.

In the meantime, the best info I've got for you is from reading the triplogs and looking at the photos already posted on site: http://hikearizona.com/decoder=232

That said, I did read elsewhere online that the NPS actually went in a couple of years ago and improved "the scary part". I read a trip report from somebody who had previously hiked it and they returned recently and passed the scary part without realizing it at all. Kept looking for it until arriving at Marion Point they knew they had already gone by it.

How that compares to Beamer? That I can't answer for you!

[azbackpackr]

I hiked the entire Beamer less than a year ago, and have to say, there is no real exposure on the Beamer at all. I saw photos of jnorb and Bknorby's trip to Nanko, and it looked doable but a bit exposed.

Be prepared for things to get busy when you get down to the river. Lots of boaters, although in Oct. there may be fewer. I was there in Sept. and it seemed like Grand Central (I went by boat.)

[Tough_Boots]

I heard there are some peeps hitting Nank in a couple of weeks.

Jealous! ;)

[azbackpackr]

I'd like to hike the trail, but now that I've been to the granaries, which are just like granaries anywhere, (except for the fine view downcanyon--that is truly a great view), there are several other GC backpacking trips I would still rather do than Nanko. North Bass, for one. Tonto Gems, for another. Kanab Creek, maybe. However, that being said, I've heard that Nankoweap trail itself is gorgeous, even if it is Grand Central when you get to the river.

[toddak]

I'd say the short exposure sections of Nankoweap and Beamer are similar and are as you described - potentially visually unsettling but the footing is actually good, all that is needed is to focus on the trail and not on the drops. However the actual risk on Nanko is significantly higher than Beamer, and its found on the steep descent from about 6500' down to the creek, where loose, crumbly terrain could easily produce a slide or tumble. But in any case, by taking it slow and careful there shouldn't be any major issues.

[quadman]

I'm going to be hiking the Nankoweap trail at the end of September. I'm just wondering about the "condition" of the trail. I have read Chumley's post that there are some peeps hiking it on 9/24. Any info on the trail would be very helpful. I plan on stopping at the ranger station on the North Rim to see if they have any info also....i think that's a good idea.

Thanks

[chumley]

@quadman
The original post was from last year. There are several triplogs/photosets dated 9/21/13 that you can check out if you want to get an idea.

I found the trail to be in fine condition, and the previous "scary" parts have been improved by the NPS.

I don't mind a little bit of exposure, so I found it to be quite an enjoyable trip. There are sections with narrow trail, and the drop into Nankoweap Creek is steep and scree, but nothing terribly out of the ordinary for the remote GC trails. Here are a few of the highlights of the sketchiest stuff we experienced:
http://hikearizona.com/photo=362600
http://hikearizona.com/photo=365636
http://hikearizona.com/photo=365658
http://hikearizona.com/photo=373646
http://hikearizona.com/photo=362779
http://hikearizona.com/photo=362798

This was last year however, and the monsoon this year may have caused some erosion that changed the trail. Call the BCO and ask if they've had any reports of that.

Otherwise, good luck! Hope you have a good hike. Please report back here an let us know how it went!

[John9L]

I plan on stopping at the ranger station on the North Rim to see if they have any info also

Just so you know you can call or email the BCO with questions on current trail conditions. I've emailed them and they generally respond with 24 hours.

Concerning the Nankoweap Trail condition, Chumley summed it up pretty well. I found the trail to be in good condition and easy to follow. You have to be comfortable with exposure because you're hiking next to a drop for several miles. It's mostly a head game. Just take your time and you'll be fine.

Backcountry Permit Office
Grand Canyon National Park
928-638-7875 (phone)
928-638-2125 (fax)
grca_bic@nps.gov

[quadman]

@chumley
Thanks for the info....I have looked at those pics from your trip and others many times.They are very helpful as well as the triplogs.

[quadman]

@John9L
I will email them today....thanks again for the info.

[jimmyjam]

@chumley

Wow, a couple of those photos made my palms sweat just looking at them.

[writelots]

Gawd I wanna do this one...

The GC is like a drug, and I'm like a kid in serious withdrawl!

[Tough_Boots]

It looks scarier in pictures. I don't remember feeling at all afraid on that trip