Ken Patrick Trail

If you’re after solitude on the Grand Canyon’s quieter side, this long North Rim traverse delivers. The Ken Patrick Trail runs point-to-point between the North Kaibab Trailhead area and Point Imperial, the park’s highest viewpoint. It’s roughly 9.8 miles one way, mostly in cool conifer-aspen forest with intermittent, knockout canyon vistas—especially near Point Imperial and above the Nankoweap Basin.

Conditions are the catch. Large portions of the trail are minimally maintained, and the section between the Uncle Jim junction and Cape Royal Road is often overgrown, blocked by downed trees, or even impassable. Expect rolling terrain rather than big elevation changes, but don’t mistake that for easy—uneven footing, brushy stretches, and altitude over 8,000 feet make this feel longer than the mileage suggests. Navigation can be tricky where old roads and faint paths intersect; bring a map or GPS and pay attention at junctions.

Scenery swings between shady Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, and aspen and open rim perches with sweeping views to Mount Hayden, the Painted Desert, and deep into the Nankoweap country. You’ll also pass through burn scars (notably from the 2000 Outlet Fire), now rebounding with aspen and oak—gorgeous in fall.

Logistics tip: treat this as a shuttle hike (North Kaibab Trailhead to Point Imperial or vice versa) or sample it as shorter out-and-backs from either end. From the North Kaibab side, start by the trailhead parking, cross the highway, head down the stone steps, then turn left along the rim. From Point Imperial, pick up the signed path at the southwest corner of the parking lot; it immediately hugs the rim.

Bring plenty of water—there’s none on the trail or reliably at either end—and wear long pants to fend off scratchy brush. If conditions look rough, a great plan B is the Uncle Jim Loop, which uses the Ken Patrick start and offers dependable viewpoints without committing to the problematic east segment.

Best time to hike: Late spring through early fall when the North Rim is open. Fall brings standout foliage in the burn areas. Summer offers cool forest shade, but watch for afternoon monsoon storms. Start early, carry layers for the high elevation, and check current conditions before you go.