North Bass Trail

The North Bass Trail spans 14 miles through dense forest and canyon terrain, leading from the North Rim down to the Colorado River.

William Bass developed this route in the 1890s, improving upon an existing path created by a prospector named White and ancient Native American passages.

The trail preserves remnants of early Grand Canyon exploration, including the location of Bass's camp and an old cable car system at the river crossing.

Hikers need permits, extensive water supplies, and navigation tools to traverse this remote trail, which includes eight switchbacks and steep Redwall sections.

White Creek and Shinumo Creek intersect the trail, providing water sources and shade among geological formations that reveal millions of years of canyon history.

Location: Arizona

GPS coordinates: 36.33600,-112.34800

Latest update: March 17, 2025 22:04