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BPX 6-Day: South Kaibab TH to Clear Creek Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)


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BPX 6-Day: South Kaibab TH to Clear Creek Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)

This strenuous, roughly 38 mile 7,700 ft. elevation gain multi-day backpacking route begins with steep, scenic panoramic views down the South Kaibab Trail, transitions to the remote desert terrain of the Tonto Trail to access the remote Clear Creek drainage, and concludes with a long ascent up the Bright Angel Trail. The route offers unmatched solitude in Clear Creek, but requires careful water planning and excellent navigation skills across the Tonto platform.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 5-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Park our vehicles at the Backcountry Information Center in Grand Canyon Village and then take a free shuttle bus to the trailhead. From the South Kaibab TH, descend the South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground (Site CBG). This is a well-developed campground with potable water and good toilets (7.0 miles, +101 / -4,805 ft.)

Route: Day 1 (See overall map LINK below)

Day 2: Hike to Clear Creek (Site AK9). This will be our campsite for two nights. Primitive toilet. Water source is Clear Creek and water must be filtered or treated (9.4 miles, +2,441 / -1,307 ft.).

Route: Day 2 (See overall map LINK below)

Day 3: Layover day at Clear Creek. Participants may rest at camp or explore the area.

Optional Day hikes: Explore up-canyon or down-canyon along Clear Creek and its tributaries; mileage and elevation gain depends on group.


Day 4: Hike back to the Bright Angel Campground (Site CBG), retracing the trail we used on day 2 (9.4 miles, +1,307 / -2,441 ft.)

Route: Day 4 (See overall map LINK below)

Day 5: Hike to Havasupai Gardens (Site CIG), our final campsite. An older map may show this campsite as Indian Garden. This is a well-developed campground with potable water and good toilets (7.05 miles, +2,154 / -804 ft.).

Route: Day 5 (See overall map LINK below)

Day 6: Hike up the Bright Angel Trail to the exit trailhead in Grand Canyon Village, and then to our vehicles parked at the Backcountry Information Center. 4.8 miles; 3100 feet elevation gain  (4.6 miles, +3,005 / -12 ft.).

Route: Day 6 (See overall map LINK below)

Overall Route: 37.6 miles, +-7,700 ft.

NOTE(S):

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. Please view this LINK with everything you need to know about Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP).
  3. Permits are required for backcountry sites in the GCNP, and sites are designated. Find permits for Grand Canyon National Park here.
  4. Grand Canyon National Park Rules & Regulations
  5. CalTopo Map
  6. Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the South Kaibab TH.
  • Length: 37.6 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 7,700 ft
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