Grand Canyon National Park
Tanner Trail
The gateway to the Escalante Route - a long, hot, and challenging descent through the eastern canyon to the Colorado River
Distance
10 mi / 20 mi RT
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation
4,200 ft
Best Season
Oct-Apr
Trail Overview
The Tanner Trail is the gateway to the Escalante Route - one of the Grand Canyon's most challenging and remote backcountry traverses. The trail descends 4,200 feet in 10 miles from Lipan Point on the South Rim to the Colorado River. The trail is long, hot, and exposed, with limited water and shade.
The Tanner Trail is not a corridor trail like Bright Angel or South Kaibab - it's a backcountry trail that sees less traffic and receives less maintenance. The trail is rough and rocky in places, with steep switchbacks and exposed ledges. There is no water on the trail until you reach the river, and the trail is not suitable for mule traffic.
This is a trail for experienced hikers who want to access the Escalante Route or explore the eastern canyon in solitude. The trail is remote, the descent is long, and the return climb is brutal. But the views are exceptional, and the solitude is unmatched.
Trail Milestones
| Mile | Elevation | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 6,680 ft | Trailhead - Lipan Point |
| 2.5 | 5,600 ft | Tanner Saddle - composting toilet, first flattening |
| 5.0 | 4,400 ft | Tanner Canyon junction - steep descent continues |
| 7.5 | 3,200 ft | Last water source (seasonal seep) - unreliable |
| 10.0 | 2,480 ft | Colorado River - river access, Escalante Route junction |
What It's Really Like
The Tanner Trail is consistently described by hikers as "long, hot, and worth it" and "the gateway to the Escalante." The trail sees a fraction of the traffic of the corridor trails, so you'll often have long stretches to yourself. The most common review refrain: "Brutal descent, even worse climb back, but the solitude is incredible."
The descent starts with a long, exposed traverse across the Tonto Platform. The trail is rough and rocky, with limited shade. The first 5 miles drop over 2,200 feet, with views of the eastern canyon and the Colorado River in the distance.
The middle section from Tanner Canyon to the river is steep and remote. The trail drops through the inner gorge, with loose rock and steep switchbacks. There's a seasonal seep at Mile 7.5, but it's unreliable - don't count on it.
The river section is where the Tanner Trail connects to the Escalante Route. The river access is remote and rarely visited - you'll likely have the river to yourself. This is the starting point for the Escalante Route traverse.
Insider tip from reviewers: This trail is long and hot - start before 5 AM in summer. Bring all the water you need (none reliable until the river). Trekking poles are essential for the steep descent. And if you're doing the Escalante Route, this is your gateway - prepare for a multi-day off-trail adventure.
Day Hike vs. Overnight
Day Hike Options
- To Tanner Saddle: 5.0 mi RT, ~1,080 ft elevation. Short warm-up with composting toilet.
- To Tanner Canyon junction: 10.0 mi RT, ~2,280 ft elevation. Good half-day hike. Steep descent.
The NPS strongly discourages rim-to-river day hikes on this trail. The return climb is extremely dangerous in a single day.
Overnight Options
- Colorado River campsites: 10.0 miles in. River access. Designated campsites along the river. Starting point for Escalante Route.
Overnight trips require a backcountry permit. Apply through the NPS lottery or walk-in permits.
Water & Safety
Drinking Water: There is NO reliable water between the rim and the Colorado River (10 miles). There's a seasonal seep at Mile 7.5, but it's unreliable - don't count on it. You must carry all water needed - at least 1 gallon (4 liters) per person per day.
Heat Danger: The trail is long and exposed. In summer, temperatures at the bottom can exceed 120°F. Hike early (start before 5 AM), hydrate constantly, and eat salty snacks.
Trail Condition: The Tanner Trail is rough and rocky in places. Expect loose rock, steep switchbacks, and exposed ledges. The trail is not suitable for mule traffic. Trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Emergency: No cell service on most of the trail. Composting toilet at Tanner Saddle. Ranger patrols are infrequent - this is a remote trail. Consider carrying a satellite communicator.
Permits & Regulations
Day Hiking: No permit required for day hiking. Just show up and hike. Trailhead is at Lipan Point, accessible by private vehicle.
Overnight Permits: Required for all overnight stays along the Colorado River. Apply through the Grand Canyon backcountry permit system.
- Applications accepted beginning the 1st of the month, up to 4 months in advance
- Walk-in permits available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Backcountry Information Center
- Maximum group sizes enforced (1-6 people per party, 7-11 per group)
Escalante Route: If you're continuing on the Escalante Route, you'll need a separate backcountry permit for that route. Specify "Escalante Route" in your permit application.
History & Lore
The Tanner Trail was built in the early 1900s by Seth Tanner, a local rancher and prospector. The trail was used to access the Colorado River for cattle watering and to reach the eastern canyon for prospecting.
The trail was never developed for tourism like the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. It remained a rough, foot-only route used by prospectors, ranchers, and later, by adventurous backpackers seeking solitude in the eastern canyon.
Today, the Tanner Trail is the primary access point for the Escalante Route - one of the Grand Canyon's most challenging and rewarding backcountry traverses. The trail is a gateway to the eastern canyon's remote and wild country.
External Resources
- NPS Grand Canyon Backcountry Hiking - Trail conditions, safety, and closures
- NPS Backcountry Trail Distances - Official trail distances and elevation data
- Grand Canyon Backcountry Permits - Apply for overnight permits
- Tanner Trail - Wikipedia - Detailed history and references
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