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Arizona Trail

AZT Passage 32-35

The approach to the Grand Canyon - 50 miles of high desert, red rock cliffs, and remote canyon country from Flagstaff to the South Rim

Distance

~50 mi

Difficulty

Advanced

Days

4-6 days

Best Season

Oct-Apr

Route Overview

Passages 32-35 of the Arizona Trail (AZT) comprise the approach to the Grand Canyon - a 50-mile journey through high desert, red rock cliffs, and remote canyon country from the Flagstaff area to the South Rim. This section is often hiked as part of a thru-hike of the entire Arizona Trail, or as a standalone backpacking trip for those wanting to experience the approach to the Grand Canyon without the intensity of the rim-to-rim traverse.

The route starts near Flagstaff and follows the Arizona Trail north through the Coconino Plateau, a high-elevation desert landscape characterized by ponderosa pine forests, volcanic cinder cones, and red rock cliffs. The trail passes through remote, rarely-visited canyon country before reaching the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the South Kaibab Trailhead.

This section is less spectacular than the Grand Canyon itself, but it offers a unique perspective on the approach to the canyon and the high desert landscape that surrounds it. The trail is remote, waterless in places, and requires careful planning and preparation.

Route Description

Passage 32 - Flagstaff to Mormon Mountain (12 miles): The route starts near Flagstaff and follows the Arizona Trail north through ponderosa pine forests and volcanic cinder cones. This section is relatively flat and well-shaded, with water available at several springs and stock tanks. The trail passes through remote, rarely-visited country and offers a taste of the high desert landscape that characterizes this part of Arizona.

Passage 33 - Mormon Mountain to Highway 89 (10 miles): The trail continues north through the Coconino Plateau, passing through red rock cliffs and remote canyon country. This section is more exposed and waterless, with long stretches between water sources. The trail follows old ranching roads and single-track trails through a landscape of juniper, piñon, and sagebrush.

Passage 34 - Highway 89 to House Rock (15 miles): The trail continues north through increasingly remote and waterless country. This section passes through the House Rock Valley, a remote, high-desert landscape characterized by volcanic cinder cones, red rock cliffs, and scattered piñon-juniper woodlands. Water is scarce and must be cached or carried.

Passage 35 - House Rock to South Rim (13 miles): The final section of the approach follows the Arizona Trail north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The trail passes through the Kaibab National Forest, a high-elevation ponderosa pine forest, before reaching the South Rim at the South Kaibab Trailhead. This section is relatively flat and well-shaded, with water available at several springs.

What It's Really Like

Passages 32-35 are often described by thru-hikers as "the quiet before the storm" - a relatively gentle introduction to the high desert landscape before the intensity of the Grand Canyon section. The trail is remote, waterless in places, and requires careful planning, but it's not as physically demanding as the rim-to-rim traverse.

The high desert landscape is the highlight. You'll hike through ponderosa pine forests, volcanic cinder cones, red rock cliffs, and remote canyon country. The trail passes through rarely-visited landscapes and offers a unique perspective on the approach to the Grand Canyon. Wildlife is abundant - you're likely to see mule deer, elk, turkeys, and possibly black bears.

The challenges are real. Water is scarce in places, and you must carry all water needed between sources. Some sections are long, waterless, and exposed. The trail is remote and there is no cell service. And the weather can be unpredictable - summer brings monsoon rains and lightning, while winter brings snow and cold temperatures at higher elevations.

Insider tip from thru-hikers: This section requires careful water planning. Check the Arizona Trail Association's water report before your trip and cache water at road crossings if necessary. And take time to enjoy the high desert landscape - it's a unique and beautiful part of Arizona that most people never see.

Permits & Regulations

Permits: No permits required for this section. The trail passes through Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest, both of which allow dispersed camping without permits.

Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed throughout this section. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 200 feet from water sources.

Fires: Campfires may be restricted during dry periods. Check current fire restrictions with the Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest before your trip.

Route-Finding & Safety

  • Water: Water is scarce in places. Check the Arizona Trail Association's water report before your trip and cache water at road crossings if necessary. Carry at least 2 gallons (8 liters) per person between reliable water sources.
  • Weather: The weather can be unpredictable. Summer brings monsoon rains and lightning. Winter brings snow and cold temperatures at higher elevations. The optimal season is October through April.
  • Navigation: The trail is well-marked with Arizona Trail blazes and signs. A detailed map is recommended but not essential.
  • Wildlife: Wildlife is abundant. You're likely to see mule deer, elk, turkeys, and possibly black bears. Store food properly and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
  • Emergency: No cell service in most of the route. Satellite communication devices (InReach, SPOT) are recommended. The trail passes through remote country and rescue can take hours.

External Resources

Return to: Arizona Backpacking Regions