ALL HIKERS

KEN PATRICK TRAIL

(8240')
Trailhead to:
Distance from
 Trailhead
in miles
Elevation
in feet
Water Toilet Emergency
Phone
Ranger
Station
Designated
Campsite
Uncle Jim
Trail junction
0.5 8300 No No No No No
North Trail
junction
2.7 8375 No No No No No
Old Bright
Angel Trailhead
4.2 8400 No No No No No
Ice Box
Meadow
6.0 8100 No No No No No
Cape Royal
Road
7.0 8440 No No No No No
Point
Imperial
10.0 8803 No Yes No No No

     The Ken Patrick Trail begins on the east end of the North Kaibab Trail parking lot.  It is named for a long time Canyon Ranger killed in the line of duty.  The first half-mile is identical to the Uncle Jim Trail and heads east overlooking Roaring Springs Canyon.  The trail is easy walking and has a few ups and downs.  When you reach the Uncle Jim - Ken Patrick Trail branch sign, turn left.  The trail gets a little easier walking as the mule rides to not go on this section.  You proceed to the east through a section where numerous trees have fallen.  You then pass through a meadow and sections with many flowers.  There is a little bit of mild bush-whacking just before reaching Bright Angle Canyon and the Old Bright Angle trailhead.  Turn north at the sign.  The trail is not for the faint of heart from this point on.  Proceed north along the top of the ridge.  The trail is very indistinct and easy to lose in this section.  Be prepared to travel by dead reckoning.  You have to head downhill to the east shortly and this is where the going gets extremely nasty with steep inclines, fallen trees everywhere, bushes with large thorns, and generally very serious bushwhacking.  Eventually, you will reach the bottom and Ice Box Meadow.  However, don't think the hard part is over.  On the east side of Ice Box Meadow, you come to some very steep, zigzagging switchbacks that seem to go on forever.  After reaching the top, proceed the last mile to the northeast and Cape Royal Road.  The trail continues three miles to Point Imperial.  Only serious Canyon hikers should be on the section between the Old Bright Angel trailhead and Cape Royal Road.

     Click here for a trip report on this trail.

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