Tanner Trail
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The Tanner Trail is a hiking trail located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, located in the U.S. state of Arizona.
Access
Entrance to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon can be accessed by two points: the south entrance via Route 64 North (AZ) from Williams, AZ, and the east entrance via the AZ-64 West from Interstate-89. The trailhead for the Tanner Trail is located near the parking area at Lipan Point, which can be accessed by the Desert View Drive. Hikers are advised to park at Lipan Point, as the trailhead is located just before the parking lot at Lipan Point. [1]
Description
The trail makes some sharp, steep switchbacks in the upper rock layers (Kaibab Limestone and Toroweap Formation), before heading north along the ridgeline below Escalante Butte and Cardenas Butte. At the end of the ridge, the trail descends the angular break in the Redwall Limestone. The trail heads north and crosses the Mauv Limestone, Bright Angel Shale, and Grand Canyon Supergroup layers before reaching the Colorado River at Tanner Rapids. The rapids also marks the eastern terminus of the Escalante Route (which connects to the Tonto Trail and Red Canyon Trail at Hance Rapids), and the southern terminus of the Beamer Trail (which continues north to the confluence of the Colorado River and the Little Colorado River).
Condition
The trail is categorized as a primitive trail and receives little maintenance by trail crews and very few patrols by park rangers. This trail is only recommended for seasoned hikers, as it is very steep, rocky, has very little shade, and the only water source is the Colorado River. The trail is farely well worn, and mostly easy to follow, although it is one of the longer trails in the Canyon. Extreme care and preparation should always be taken in attempting a trail in the Grand Canyon (Pg. 79)[2].
Water Availability
The only reliable source of water along the Tanner Trail is the Colorado River. Seasonal water may be found in the Tanner Canyon. All water in the Grand Canyon must be treated before consumption. The National Park Service recommends boiling, iodine tablets, or filters in order to purify the water. If water is taken from the Colorado River, the Park recommends letting the water sit so the sediment will settle. [3]
Camping
Camping in the Tanner Trail area is at-large. There are multiple "campsites" along the trail, but the main camp area is located at Tanner Rapids, a spot that is popular to rafters. The camp area is located at the end of the Trail, situated between the dunes to west and the river to the east. The camp area has a pit toilet located in the middle of the campsites. Please remember that the sand dunes to west are off-limits to camping and foot-travel, as the Park is attempting to revegetate and stabilize the area (Pg. 85) [2].
| Area | Name | Type | Group(s) | Parties | Max People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB9 | Tanner Rapids | Primitive | 1 | and | 3 | 29 |
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace[5] ethics ask that all hikers abide by the following nine principles:
- All hikers should be prepared for the hike before them. Know the trail and know your limits.
- Do not create your own campsites. Only use existing sites and do not alter them.
- Stay on the trail as much as possible. No shortcuts.
- Pack out everything you bring in the canyon. This includes trash and toilet paper.
- Do not make any fires.
- Bury any solid human waste at least 200 ft away from any water source. It should be buried in a hole 4 to 6 in deep and wide.
- Do not wash your dishes in a water source. Carry water 200 ft away and scatter the dish water.
- Please refrain from using loud noises unless absolutely needed.
- Do not interfere with wildlife or items with cultural significance. Taking any items out of the Grand Canyon, including rocks, is prohibited.
Hazards
Hazards hikers can encounter along the Tanner Trail include dehydration, heat stroke, exhaustion, sudden rainstorms, flash flooding, loose footing, rockfall, encounters with wildlife, extreme heat, and getting lost. At the Colorado River, additional hazards include hypothermia (due to the river's consistently cold temperatures), trauma (due to collisions with boulders in rapids), and drowning. Extreme care, caution, and preparation should always be used when entering the Grand Canyon.[6]
History
References
- ^ Directions to South Rim
- ^ a b
Adkinson, Ron (2006). A Falcon Guide:Hiking Grand Canyon National Park. Morris Book Publishing. ISBN 0-7627-3657-7.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Hiking FAQ's
- ^ Use Areas
- ^ Leave No Trace
- ^ Grand Canyon National Park Summer Hiking
See Also
External links
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