Ken Patrick Trail

Distance: 20 miles round-trip
Duration: 5 hours one-way
Elevation change: 300 feet, with 1,090 feet of up-and-down
Effort: Moderate
Trailheads: Point Imperial [1] overlook and the North Kaibab Trail [2] parking lot

Most of this trail’s 10 miles lead through the mixed forest of the Kaibab Plateau [3], a shady alternative on hot days. Day hikers can walk part of the trail, or leave a car at the North Kaibab parking lot to hike the trail one-way.

The section of the trail nearest Point Imperial [1] has the most dramatic panoramas. At three miles from Point Imperial, the trail crosses the Cape Royal Road, a good turnaround point for a day hike.

The trail starts at the west end of the Point Imperial parking lot, edging the rim and offering views of Mount Hayden and the eastern canyon to the Painted Desert. As the trail continues in a generally southwest direction, you’ll go up and down gently rolling terrain with occasional views into Nankoweap Canyon.

At three miles, the trail ascends a rocky stair to the Cape Royal Road, and then continues through the forest seven miles to the North Kaibab parking lot.