South Bass Trail

Route Description for South Bass Trail

South Bass Trail is a challenging 19.3 km out and back trail in the Grand Canyon. This route takes you from the South Rim on the Havasupai reservation to the Colorado River below. While it can be done in a day by very strong hikers, we recommend spending a night on the trail to break it up. The views are incredible and you likely won’t have to share the trail with too many other hikers.

Since this route is on the Havasupai reservation, you’ll need to pay a fee to access it. Expect $25, which is subject to change. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is in poor condition with deep ruts and washouts. A high-clearance vehicle is essential and 4WD may be required if it’s muddy. Close the cattle gates behind you. Bring plenty of water, food, camping gear, poles, good boots, and GPS navigation.

From the trailhead, you’ll descend on a well-defined route. Pass an old fence and hug the rim of the Coconino formation north before heading down through switchbacks to the Esplanade plateau. At the junction with Royal Arch (marked with a cairn), stay right. Traverse for a mile to a steep section dropping off the plateau. Descend into Bass Canyon, hiking above the bed of the canyon before dropping down to the floor at the Tonto Trail junction. You’ll weave across the drainage through the canyon.

At the rockfall, hike west to the large cairn that marks the way through a ravine. If the ravine route is too challenging, you can continue west a few more minutes to a gentler trail. At the river, rest up before retracing your steps.