Last updated: May 14, 2026
Place
Ken Patrick Trail - West (North Kaibab Trailhead)
Quick Facts
This section of the Ken Patrick Trail, from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Cape Royal Road, is closed, due to damage from the 2025 Dragon Bravo wildfire.
However, the 3 mile (4.9 km) eastern section of Ken Patrick Trail from Point Imperial to Cape Royal Road is open for the 2026 season. This scenic trail has great views of the canyon and a recovering section of North Rim forest which has experienced several fires in the area over the last few years.
Services on the North Rim in 2026 are limited, due to fire recovery efforts. The 2026 season will focus primarily on day use and limited backcountry opportunities, with access to select scenic drives, viewpoints, and trails.
These scenic drives to Cape Royal, and Point Imperial are open and provide access to many of the North Rim’s iconic viewpoints, including Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook, and Angels Window.
However, visitors should be prepared for a remote, limited-services environment, with no potable water, fuel, lodging, or other visitor services available on the North Rim in 2026. Note: Post-fire hazards and weather events may result in a temporary closure of these locations.
Ken Patrick Trail - West
NOTE: The Ken Patrick Trail between North Kaibab Trailhead and Cape Royal Road IS NOW COMPLETELY CLOSED DUE TO THE DRAGON BRAVO FIRE DAMAGE.
History
Born in 1933, Ken Patrick was an accomplished hiker and park ranger who grew up in the Grand Canyon area. His father was a manager at Phantom Ranch, and Ken had the luxury of growing up a world wonder and exploring as much of it as possible.
In his twenties, he began a career that started in Grand Canyon, followed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Point Reyes National Seashore.
On the morning of August 5, 1973, Ken approached three individuals while on duty at Point Reyes. One of them fired shots at the park ranger, who was found dead at the scene by a colleague later that day. His gun was holstered and concealed under his uniform jacket. The individuals, apparently members of The Black Panther organization, were later apprehended and convicted on evidence of deer poaching, stolen checks, drug possession, and the murder of Ken Patrick.
Ken Patrick was laid to rest at the South Rim in Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery on August 9, 1973.