Parking
There is no road access or vehicle parking. Reach the Saddle Canyon campsite on river right near Colorado River mile 47.5 as part of a Colorado River trip; the trail starts at camp.
Overview
About Saddle Canyon Trail
Why go
- A small waterfall at the end of a dramatic side canyon
- A worthwhile stop during a Colorado River trip
Heads up
- Steep ledges, wading and a boulder scramble
- No road access; the hike depends on a river trip
Saddle Canyon Trail is a steep out-and-back from a Colorado River camp at river mile 47.5, river right, to a small waterfall in the side canyon. The mapped route is about 1.4 miles one way, so count on roughly 2.8 miles round trip and about 1,100 feet of climbing. It is a memorable stop if your river trip leaves time for a wet, rough scramble; it is more than a quick leg stretch.
Parkwolf’s verdictIs it for you?Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Grand Canyon map
Full mapElevation2,844–3,743 ft
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
4 active Grand Canyon alerts
- ClosureInner Canyon and North Rim trail closuresDo not enter the closed trails, bridges, campgrounds, and inner-canyon areas.Official details
- ClosureNorth Rim scenic roads closed for repairsCape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road are closed from sunset October 15 through sunrise November 3, 2026. - The roads are closed to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Grand Canyon Tour Guide
Your drive to Saddle Canyon Trail, narrated.
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Trail guide
Hiking Saddle Canyon Trail
Up the canyon wallLeave from the river campsite and climb switchbacks up the canyon's left slope.
Leave from the river campsite and climb switchbacks up the canyon's left slope. The first 400 feet rise quickly, then the route eases before dropping into the creek canyon. Narrow ledges and steep, loose footing make the approach feel harder than the mileage suggests. Save energy for the climb back out and keep an eye on where the route turns into the canyon.
The creek and waterfallThe upper canyon tightens around the creek.
The upper canyon tightens around the creek. Wading becomes unavoidable, and a tricky boulder move leads around the first fall to the small waterfall at the end of the hike. Treat the falls as your turnaround; this line is not a through route. Ferns and ash grow where the water reaches, a sharp change from the dry canyon slopes. The smooth limestone benches and tight walls make the falls the best place to pause and look closely.
Access, weather and dogsThere is no road trailhead or vehicle parking: reach the campsite as part of a Colorado River…
There is no road trailhead or vehicle parking: reach the campsite as part of a Colorado River trip. Noncommercial river travel through the park requires an NPS permit, so confirm your landing and timing with the trip leader. Plan about three to four hours, including time at the falls. Flash floods can run through side canyons in summer, especially in the afternoon; stay out when storms threaten. Pets are not allowed below the rim, except service animals.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Grand Canyon
718 sightingsCalifornia CondorMost seen around 5 PMSighting map
533 sightingsBighorn SheepMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
169 sightingsAmerican BisonMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
1,891 sightingsElkMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
59 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
27 sightingsGray FoxMost seen around 6 AMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Grand Canyon. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
