Grand Canyon Trails Award

Sponsoring Council

Grand Canyon

Award Dimensions

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Summary

Backpack a segment of the Grand Canyon.

Map Link (where applicable)

External Reference (where applicable)

Detailed Requirements

The Grand Canyon is so internationally popular that there are more people wishing to camp in the Canyon than there are places for them, especially during the summer months. Plan your trip and get reservations three (3) months in advance! 

ALL HIKES IN THIS SERIES REQUIRE EITHER A HIKING OR CAMPING PERMIT IN ADVANCE. 

Maps: Unless otherwise indicated, USGS topos. Grand Canyon National Park and vicinity, AZ. (1:62,500), or Bright Angel Quadrangle, AZ. (15 min.) 

It takes two to three times longer to hike out of the canyon as it does to hike in. On summer days the temperature can be over 100 degrees (F), requiring a gallon of water per hiker to come out safely. During the summer months you may arrange for your unit to use the Grand Canyon High School to store your extra gear while hiking the canyon. Inquire in advance at the Park Superintendent's office. A fee will be charged for your use of the facility. 

ELEVEN SEGMENT AWARDS: 

BASS, GRANDVIEW, HANCE, HERMIT, THUNDER RIVER Requirements: 

1. These five trails go from the South Rim to the river, with the exception of the Thunder River Trail which starts at the North Rim. 

2. All are unmaintained and require a hiking and camping permit. 

3. Each trail has its own segment award. 

PRIMITIVE TRAILS 

Requirements: 

1. This award may be earned by hiking any trail, not previously named, from either rim to the Colorado river. 

2. The Boucher and Tanner Trails are examples. 

3. A permit is required in all cases. 

SUPAI TO RIVER 

Requirements: 

1. This hike takes you into Havasu Canyon, the home of the Havasupai Indians, ending below the waterfalls of Havasu creek. 

2. Travel down the creekbed to reach the Colorado River. 

3. Allow three days for entire trip. 

4. Advance reservations and fees are required. Write to: Havasupai Tourist Enterprise, Supai, Arizona 86435; phone (602) 448-2121. 

5. This hike is only partly within the Grand Canyon National Park; it starts at Hualapai Hilltop, some 60 miles north of Peach Springs, AZ., and is four hours driving time from the Canyon's South Rim. 

PARIA CANYON 

Requirements: 

1. The canyon is 45 miles long and embraces the Paria River, a perennial stream that begins near Bryce Canyon National Park and runs into the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry. 

2. The hike begins in a shallow wash just below U.S. Highway 89 where it crosses the Colorado River in southern Utah. 

3. Allow four to six days to complete the entire trek to Lee's Ferry, AZ. 

4. Maps: USGS 15 min. topos - Paria, Utah; Paria Plateau, AZ.; Lee's Ferry, AZ.  

RAINBOW BRIDGE 

Requirements: 

1. Two trails may be hiked to earn this segment. 

2. Rainbow Trail around the west side of Navajo Mountain (14 miles), starting at abandoned Rainbow Lodge. or, 

3. Cameron Trail which is longer by several miles but easier. This trail starts near Navajo Mountain School and goes around the east and north sides of Navajo Mountain. 

4. Return by either trail or go out by boat on Lake Powell, or come in by boat and hike out by trail. 

5. Permits are required by the Tribal Government. contact: Director, Recreational Resources Dept., The Navajo Tribe, Window Rock, AZ. 86515. Phone: (602) 871-4941.

RIM TO RIM 

Requirements: 

1. A minimum of two days is recommended. 

2. From South Rim, via Bright Angel Trail (25 miles), or the South Kaibab Trail (21 miles), take the North Kaibab Trail up Bright Angel Creek to the North Rim, or take the reverse route. Campgrounds are along the creek. 

RIM TO RIM TO RIM 

Requirements: 

1. A minimum of 2-1/2 to 3 days is recommended. 

2. The hike is 47 miles. 

3. South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trails from the South Rim and the North Kaibab Trail from the North Rim. 

4. Hike must be completed in one trip.

Requirements:

1. You must be a registered Boy Scout or Scouter.

2. All hikes must be supervised by a minimum of two adults (at least one must be over 21) with at least two adults for each 12 boys.

3. Awards will be denied for misconduct.

4. All of these trails are within the Coronado National Forest. Contact the appropriate office well in advance of your trip for information and details on hiking and/or camping on your trek.

United States Forest Service

Coronado National Forest

300 West Congress

Tucson, AZ. 85701

(602) 629-6483

5. Hikes must be completed. Weather, trail closure, tired boys or leaders who cannot go on, equipment failure, etc., may make it wise to stop short of completing these hikes, but do not justify granting the awards.

6. Individual "Trail Logs" describing what you did and what you saw must be signed by the Trek Leader and submitted with your High Adventure application.

7. Only one Patch or Medal will be issued to each participant.

8. Wearing Awards. Trail award patches may be displayed on the jacket, pack, camping gear or worn as a temporary insignia on the right shirt pocket. Medals may be worn on the left breast pocket to the left of the Eagle Badge on the Scout Uniform. Use Cub Scout Den numerals on trail medals as "repeater" numbers for those earning trail medals more than once.