Place · 0.2 mi away
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.
Pros
- High chance of real solitude on the North Rim
- Finishes at Point Imperial with broad, panoramic canyon views
- Fall color pops in recovering burn areas
Cons
- Long unmaintained sections with brush and downed trees
- Navigation can be confusing at faint junctions and old roads
- No water at trailheads or along the route
Parking
North Kaibab Trailhead side: park at the North Kaibab Trailhead lot, cross the highway, go down the stone steps, then turn left along the rim. Point Imperial side: park at Point Imperial and find the signed trail at the southwest end of the lot.
Caution
Sections between the Uncle Jim junction and Cape Royal Road are minimally maintained and may be impassable due to overgrowth and downed trees. Route-finding can be tricky; carry a map/GPS. High elevation (~8,000 ft), no water on route, and summer monsoon storms—start early and bring long pants and extra water.
