Ken Patrick Trail,
Grand Canyon National Park
The Ken Patrick Trail is accessible from the mule stable at the far side of the North Kaibab parking area, or from the parking area at Point Imperial. The trail is classified as primitive — many people hike one way and arrange for a ride to return. There is no water available on this trail, so it's important to pack plenty considering the distance.
There are several very steep sections along the trail and you will occasionally hear noise from the tourist airplanes, which can be a distraction from the peace and quiet of the area.
Elevation
The Ken Patrick Trail has a maximum elevation of 8,833 ft., a minimum elevation of 8,135 ft. and an elevation range of 698 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 9.7 mi | 8,135 ft | 8,833 ft | 698 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 4.4 hrs | 3.4 | 41 ft | 620 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 4.6 hrs | 51.7 | 620 ft | 41 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Ken Patrick Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Dog Point, AZ
- North Topo Map: Buffalo Ranch, AZ
- Northeast Topo Map: Tatahatso Point, AZ
- West Topo Map: Little Park Lake, AZ
- Topo Map: Point Imperial, AZ
- East Topo Map: Nankoweap Mesa, AZ
- Southwest Topo Map: Bright Angel Point, AZ
- South Topo Map: Walhalla Plateau, AZ
- Southeast Topo Map: Cape Solitude, AZ
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Ken Patrick Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
What is the length of the Ken Patrick Trail?
The length of the trail is 9.7 miles (15.7 km) or 21,471 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Ken Patrick Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 4.4 hours in one direction and in 4.6 hours in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.