Nankoweap Trail to Colorado River

Starting from the FR 8910 trailhead in House Rock Valley, the trail first climbs steadily to Nankoweap Saddle among sparse ponderosa pine forest, in view of white cliffs overhead and the gash of Marble Canyon below. At the saddle, a giant view of the Grand Canyon appears.As you drop below the rim, the trail begins a traverse that stays close against the canyon walls, with a sloping platform and vertical cliffs below. The trail is often only one footprint wide, loose and gravelly, and close to sheer drop offs in places. This trail is not recommended for people with a fear of heights.Navigation is generally straightforward, but one place that may be confusing is where the trail passes Marion Point. Here it makes an immediate turn to the north, continuing the traverse and does NOT continue out to the point. About 150 yards beyond where the trail passes Marion Point, there is a small seasonal seep under a ledge. This is the only water source until Nankoweap Creek.The traverse continues in a rising and falling pattern until it approaches the ridge leading down to Tilted Mesa, and this is where the proper descent begins. There are two easy, short cliffs you'll hop down along the way. There are also some fantastic (exposed) campsites in this area.The trail begins to deteriorate after this point. You'll descend very steeply while on a narrow trail that is quite loose and gravelly. It is not always easy to maintain traction on the steep loose slope, good shoes are a must. Thankfully there isn't much exposure in most of these areas. After traversing the lower reaches of Tilted Mesa the trail becomes more friendly as it makes the remainder of the descent to Nankoweap Creek.Nankoweap Creek offers the first shade and reliable water of the trail, and is a beautiful oasis. Continue following the creek all the way to the Nankoweap Delta on the Colorado River. Nice campsites are scattered around the mouth of the creek and the sandy bars on either side. Expect to share the delta with raft trips, as this is a very popular river camping zone. And whatever you do, don't miss out on seeing the amazing Nankoweap Granary high in the cliffs above the delta.