Ken Patrick Trail (Point Imperial)

Explore the Ken Patrick Trail for quiet scenic views.

NPS

Quick Facts

Significance:

Hiking Trail

Amenities

1 listed

Trailhead

This scenic, hilly section of trail follows the rim to Cape Royal Road. Many parts are recovering from wildfire, providing vast views and making it quite exposed to sun, wind, and cold. This is a great hike from Point Imperial, whether you hike the whole section or turn around after a few minutes.

Sturdy footwear and comfort with heights is necessary here. Foot placement is key, as portions of this trail section are steep, uneven, narrow, and unstable. Several downed trees block the trail, though navigating around them is not difficult.

Trail Information

Section to Cape Royal Road
One-way Distance: 3 miles (4.9 km)
Elevation change: Hilly
Average Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

This one-way 3.0 mile (4.8 km) section from Point Imperial heads south along the canyon rim before heading into the forest and back out along the rim.

It terminates at a set of steps leading up to Cape Royal Road. Walk back to Point Imperial from here (6.0 mile roundtrip), or have a friend pick you up in a vehicle.

Entire Ken Patrick Trail
One-way Distance: 9.8 miles (15.8 km), Unmaintained, not recommended.
Elevation change: Hilly
Average Hiking Time: 6 hours

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.