Holy Grail Temple

Holy Grail Temple is a mountain summit in Grand Canyon rising 6,711 feet (2,046 meters) above sea level within the Shinumo Amphitheater. The peak consists of distinctive layers of Coconino Sandstone and Hermit Formation stacked on top of each other.

Virginia Dox initially named the summit Bass Tomb in 1891, but the U.S. Geological Survey later changed it to its current name. This naming was part of a broader effort to give Grand Canyon formations names inspired by Arthurian legend.

Larry Treiber and Bruce Grubbs completed the first recorded climb to the summit in 1977, establishing a route rated at class 5.8 difficulty.

The summit sits roughly 4,500 feet (1,372 meters) above the Colorado River and requires advanced climbing skills and proper gear to reach. Hikers should be experienced mountaineers, as the route involves technical climbing over exposed sandstone.

William Wallace Bass, an early Grand Canyon guide, had his ashes scattered by airplane over this peak following his death in 1933. This was an unusual tribute to one of the canyon's pioneering explorers.

Location: Arizona

GPS coordinates: 36.27470,-112.30434

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:46