Nankoweap Granaries

Overview

High above the Colorado River, the Nankoweap Granaries tuck into a cliff face like stone beehives. Built by ancestral Puebloan people around 1100 AD, these storage rooms once safeguarded seeds and food—today they’re one of the river corridor’s most striking archaeological sights and a jaw‑dropping perch over the canyon.

What You'll See

• A cluster of small masonry chambers—several granary rooms with intact stonework and timbers.
• A sweeping, downstream vista of the river and buttes that photographers and river runners rave about.
• The granaries sit high and airy on the wall, so expect big exposure along the final approach.

Getting There

Most visitors hike up from Nankoweap’s riverside camps; it’s a short but steep, exposed climb. The site can also be reached via the backcountry Nankoweap Trail, which is considered very strenuous and remote. Either way, plan for heat, loose footing, and a committing feel near the edge.

Respect the Site

This is a protected archaeological resource: do not touch, lean on, enter, or place gear on the structures. Treat it as a look‑only experience to help preserve it for the future.

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep on the cliffs, lizards basking on warm rock, and raptors riding canyon thermals. Snakes and small mammals are possible along the approach.

Photography

Morning light tends to paint both the granaries and the river below, giving you even illumination and cooler temps for the climb. Bring a mid‑range zoom and keep all equipment off the masonry.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning is best for cooler temperatures, softer light, and a calmer feel before the day heats up. Summer afternoons can be blistering with little to no shade. River trips often stop here—if you can, time your hike when the sun is low and the cliff is lit.