ALL HIKERS

NORTH BASS TRAIL
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DESCRIPTION

      From Swamp Point, the trail drops nearly a mile via switchbacks to an intersection at Muav Saddle.  The middle trail continues south and ascends to Powell Plateau.  The trail to the right leads to an old patrol cabin.  The North Bass is to the left and contours the base of the Coconino Sandstone for approximately 1/4 mile to the fairly reliable Queen Anne Spring.

     The one mile descent from the spring to a benchmark in White Creek (BM 5692') was restored to the historic trail alignment and completely rebuilt in 2005.  Continue down White Creek until you reach a waterfall.  The bypass in on creek right about 50 feet before reaching the waterfall.  Continue down the bed of White Creek until you come to the large pour-off in the Redwall.

     The cairned trail to the right crosses four drainages as it traverses along the Redwall rim.  After crossing the fourth drainage, the trail continues along a cliff to the start of the Redwall descent.  The descent through the Redwall to the bed of White Creek is steep and rocky, but well marked.  Continue down the drainage to a pour-off in the Bright Angel Shale, which can be bypassed on creek right.  The bypass is approximately 1/2 mile in length and contours along the Tonto before dropping back into White Creek.

     The trail continues down the drainage until reaching a benchmark (BM 3480') at the top of the Tapeats Sandstone.  At the mouth of Redwall Canyon, a large pour-off in the Tapeats prevents further travel in the drainage.  In 2005 the trail was restored to its historic alignment and today bypasses this fall approximately 1/4 mile above the Tapeats pour-off, contouring along the Tonto to the west of White Creek.  A final quick descent drops the hiker alongside Shinumo Creek about 1/4 mile downstream of the White/Shinumo confluence.  (See the King Arthur Castle 7.5 Minute quad map).

     Alternate route to Shinumo Creek.  For several decades, hikers have used a route that roughly follows the bed of White Creek to the confluence with Shinumo Creek (shown on most modern maps) and that offers an alternative to the historic alignment.  The Tapeats pour-off at the mouth of Redwall Canyon can be bypassed on creek left.  The route involves a descent into an adjacent drainage and a 15 foot down-climb back to the bed of White Creek.  A short rope for the packs may prove a worthwhile accessory.  The trail continues down creek through an impressive and narrow Tapeats gorge.  The Vishnu appears above the confluence with Shinumo Creek.  A pour-off about 1/2 mile above Shinumo Creek can be passed on creek left.  Avoid this route during wet periods when flooding is a possibility.  The historic alignment is safer and easier to follow and is recommended when flash floods threaten.

     The trail follows Shinumo Creek downstream for approximately one and a half miles before abruptly exiting the drainage on the east side of the creek.  A climb of approximately 700 feet is required to reach a saddle before the trail descends to a large beach and terrace above the Colorado River.

BACK TO MAIN INDEX | BACK TO HIKING INDEX | BACK TO TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS