Nankoweap: Granaries and Superb Views

Nankoweap Granaries and Grand Canyon: iconic landscape photo of the Grand Canyon

Nankoweap Granaries are a classic, iconic image of the Grand Canyon.  I knew we'd stop there on our 12-day river trip because it's a great hike and I signed up for the hiking trip.  Lots of camps dot the river at this location and this is the first place we found neighbors:  two other groups were camped here.  A fourth group came in late in the day.

We hiked here in the afternoon.  We set up camp, ate lunch, got lots of water and took off.  Ascending steep steps, I was thankful it was April and 70 degrees instead of July at 112 degrees.  Our group came across a beautiful but very threatening rattlesnake.

Rattlesnake on the trail. Do not disturb.

As we ascended further, the ruins came in sight.  These are beautiful in such a spectacular setting.  I will let the photographs do the talking.

The group enjoying the scenery.

Wildflowers and Nankoweap

Spectacular views of the Grand Canyon from the Nankoweap Granaries

Yoga in the Grand Canyon

Gordon's hike rating:

Hike Difficulty:                   ★★★★ Hard: steep breathless climb to the top

Trail Condition:                   ★★★★ Good, mostly easy to follow

Trail Hazards:                      ★★★ Moderate:  uneven surfaces, Class 3 scrambling, long dropoffs

Trailhead:                             Colorado River mile 53

Time Required:                     2-3 hours

Distance round trip:              2 miles

Off the Beaten Path:             ★★★ Most rafting trips stop here, but it's worth it

Scenery:                                ★★★★★ World-class!  

Photographic Potential:        ★★★★★ Outstanding:  amazing photo opportunities