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This steep trail
involves multiple scrambles and short down climbs as it traverses a series
of ledges from the rim to the base of the Coconino. At a grassy
saddle, the character of the trail suddenly changes as it plunges into a dry
wash through the Supai. Route finding skills are required through the
Supai section; a braided network of trails wander in and out of the wash.
Any of these trails will take hikers to the top of the Redwall Limestone
(Red Canyon Overlook), where it leaves the creek bed and starts a difficult
traverse to the east, about one mile in length, through the lower part of
the Supai layer. The trail has been obliterated by rockslides in
shallow ravines through which the trail meanders during this traverse.
A knob at the top of the Redwall Limestone marks the top of the descent.
Once through
the Redwall, the trail runs down the nose of a rounded ridgeline that
parallels the creek bed far below. Though the terrain appears gentle
from above, don't be deceived; the trail angles down sharply with very few
switchbacks until the crumbly rock layers allow access into the bottom of
Red Canyon. It is very easy in this stretch to lose footing by
slipping on the loose rocks.
From the
intersection with the creek bed to the Colorado River the dry creek bottom
is the trail, with minor spur trails bypassing short pour-offs in a few
places (all bypasses are on the east side of the creek). The creek bed
terrain is a mix of gravel and boulders. A few yards before reaching
the river, the Tonto Trail heading west intersects the New Hance Trail at
the base of a large sand dune. The Escalante Route begins at the east
side of the camping area. Both intersections are unmarked and can be difficult to
find. |