The Ken
Patrick Trail begins on the east end of the North Kaibab Trail parking
lot. It is named for a long time Canyon Ranger killed in the line
of duty. The first half-mile is identical to the Uncle Jim Trail
and heads east overlooking Roaring Springs Canyon. The trail is
easy walking and has a few ups and downs. When you reach the Uncle
Jim - Ken Patrick Trail branch sign, turn left. The trail gets a
little easier walking as the mule rides to not go on this section.
You proceed to the east through a section where numerous trees have
fallen. You then pass through a meadow and sections with many
flowers. There is a little bit of mild bush-whacking just before
reaching Bright Angle Canyon and the Old Bright Angle trailhead.
Turn north at the sign. The trail is not for the faint of heart
from this point on. Proceed north along the top of the ridge.
The trail is very indistinct and easy to lose in this section. Be
prepared to travel by dead reckoning. You have to head downhill to
the east shortly and this is where the going gets extremely nasty with
steep inclines, fallen trees everywhere, bushes with large thorns, and
generally very serious bushwhacking. Eventually, you will reach
the bottom and Ice Box Meadow. However, don't think the hard part
is over. On the east side of Ice Box Meadow, you come to some very
steep, zigzagging switchbacks that seem to go on forever. After reaching
the top, proceed the last mile to the northeast and Cape Royal Road. The
trail continues three miles to Point Imperial. Only serious Canyon hikers
should be on the section between the Old Bright Angel trailhead and Cape Royal
Road.
Click here for a trip report on this trail.
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