Tanner Trail

Route Description for Tanner Trail

Tanner Trail is one of the lesser-used routes in the Grand Canyon, so you can go rim to river without the crowds that flock to Bright Angel or South Kaibab. The views are awesome and there aren’t any demanding technical sections on this route. We recommend the day trip for very strong hikers who can get an early start. If you don’t consider yourself a very fit hiker, you’ll probably want to split this up over two days.

There is no water on this route until you reach the Colorado River. Bring a filter to refill your reservoir at the river since the return trip is the most demanding part of the route and you won’t want to run out on the way back up. Additionally, poles will be very helpful for the steep descents and ascents on this route. Watch your footing where the trail gets rocky or a bit loose.

From the trailhead at Lipan Point, the route dips down over the rim over a series of steep switchbacks. Round the eastern arm of Escalante Butte, then hike around the eastern side of Cardenas Butte. Another steep descent takes you alongside the ridge that leads to the river. Rest up here before retracing your steps back to the trailhead.