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Intense and challenging or downright dangerous!


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

44%

Runnable

4,178' 1,273 m

High

1,676' 511 m

Low

16' 5 m

Up

2,512' 766 m

Down

36%

Avg Grade (20°)

75%

Max Grade (37°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Runner Notes

Can be extremely hot with no water or shade. Consider caching some water part way along the trail on the way down.

Description

The park service does not recommend this extremely steep, unmaintained trail, but some folks brave it. People report needing ice axes and good route finding skills. This grueling slog through lots of loose scree and over shifting blocks of lava is treacherous because a false step can start a rock slide or launch you over a drop-off.

Upon reaching river level, the trail turns right to follow the bank where you'll find a few sandy beaches and a viewpoint. The trail ends on cliffs above the famous Lava rapid where, if you're lucky, you'll see rafters caroming through. There is no shade or water on this serious excursion so plan accordingly. (River water must be filtered prior to drinking)

The Trail Run Project mobile app may be useful for wayfinding but make sure your data is current and you device charged!

Flora & Fauna

Beware of rattlesnakes and scorpions. Cactus, yucca.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 4 votes

#28

in North Rim

#27342

Overall
  3.0 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
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1 Star
25%
Trail Rankings

#28

in North Rim

#914

in Arizona

#27,342

Overall
4 Views Last Month
853 Since Jun 23, 2015
Very Difficult Very Difficult

0%
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25%
75%

Photos

Not a lot of switchbacks, but the spring bloom helps
Feb 8, 2018 near Colorad…, AZ

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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