South Bass Trail

South Bass Trail is a hiking route in Grand Canyon National Park that descends from the rim to the Colorado River, passing through multiple layers of rock as it goes down. The trail covers a substantial distance and drops significantly in elevation along the way.

William Wallace Bass developed this trail in the 1880s as part of a larger network of pathways through the canyon. His trail system opened up the inner canyon to exploration by visitors and miners.

Native American storage structures and shelter ruins can be seen along sections of the trail, showing how indigenous people used this part of the canyon. Walking past these remains gives visitors a sense of the long human presence in this landscape.

Access to the trailhead requires a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle because the approach road is rough and unpaved. Bring plenty of water since reliable water sources along the route are scarce.

An abandoned boat from 1915 sits at the base of the trail near the Colorado River. This wreck is a quiet reminder of early attempts to navigate the canyon by water.

Location: Arizona

GPS coordinates: 36.18390,-112.37600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02