Nankoweap Trail #57
Nankoweap Trail #57 is a long-distance, rim-to-river route in Grand Canyon that drops from the North Rim area down through Saddle Mountain toward Nankoweap Canyon and ultimately to the Colorado River. It’s managed across Kaibab National Forest’s Saddle Mountain Wilderness portion and the National Park segment, and it’s mapped as Trail Number 57 in the wilderness area.
The trail is famous for being exceptionally difficult for experienced hikers only: it involves extreme rim-to-river elevation loss and a sustained descent with exposed, narrow sections in places. Route progress is still possible when you take care with footing, but the combination of steep grades and loose/gravelly travel makes it physically punishing over the full down-and-up day.
Route character shifts by section. The early climbing/approach to the saddle runs through ponderosa pine and leads to views over Marble Canyon drainages and jagged buttes. After reaching the saddle, the route drops steeply into Nankoweap Canyon via steep, narrow trail travel and exposed switchbacks, with washouts and uneven ground along the way.
Down in the canyon, the route continues through Nankoweap Canyon toward the river. The trail intersects with historic/cultural highlights near Nankoweap granaries, and it continues along the canyon corridor to the Colorado River (River Mile 52.8 cited for Nankoweap-related descent).
Water logistics are a core part of planning. There’s no water along the trail in the wilderness segment guidance, and the longer approach includes a long waterless stretch before reaching Nankoweap Creek, which is the first reliable shade/water point for many schedules.
Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping in the Grand Canyon backcountry. The route is also remote enough that you should assume you’ll be self-sufficient (the wilderness segment guidance lists no water), and the full undertaking is typically done as a multi-day backpacking trip rather than a casual out-and-back.
Access is via remote forest roads to two possible trailhead ends: the upper end is at the end of Forest Road 610 at the Saddle Mountain Wilderness boundary, while the lower end is at the end of Forest Road 8910 in House Rock Valley at the wilderness boundary. Vehicle access is typically discussed in terms of driving conditions on these unpaved roads rather than roadside parking near the trail itself.
More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Hike Nankoweap, Grand Canyon's "most difficult" trail