Last updated: October 16, 2026
Place
Ken Patrick Trail - East (Point Imperial)
NPS
Quick Facts
Significance:
Hiking Trail
Amenities
1 listed
Trailhead
Ken Patrick Trail (East - Point Imperial) is reached via the North Rim Scenic Roads.
The North Rim Scenic Roads (Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road) are closed from sunset October 15 through sunrise November. 3, 2026, to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work.
Limited fall day-use operations are in place on the North Rim, between October 15, and November 30, 2026 - unless the North Rim is closed by a major snow storm before November 30.
- The North Rim Campground, General Store and Backcountry Information Office have closed for the 2026 season.
- DRINKING WATER and FOOD are not available on the North Rim between October 16 and November 30, 2026. We encourage everyone planning a North Rim visit to check current conditions, carry adequate food, water, fuel, and emergency supplies, and use extra caution as winter weather arrives.
The section of the Ken Patrick Trail from Point Imperial to Cape Royal Road is 3 miles (4.9 km) and is open during the 2026 North Rim season.
Note: Post-fire hazards and weather events may result in a temporary closure of this location.
The section from Cape Royal Road to the South Kaibab Trailhead is CLOSED during the 2026 season, due to damage from the Dragon Bravo wildfire.
Ken Patrick Trail East - from Point Imperial to Cape Royal Road
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
Point Imperial to Cape Royal Road section
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.
Cape Royal Road to South Kaibab Trailhead - CLOSED
The section from Cape Royal Road to the South Kaibab Trailhead is closed, due to damage from the Dragon Bravo wildfire.
One-way Distance: 6.8 miles (10.9 km), CLOSED for the 2026 Season
Elevation change: Hilly
Average Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
NOTE: RVs over 22 feet long, and vehicle-trailer combinations with a total length over 22 feet, are not permitted on Cape Royal Road and the Scenic Drive due to narrow, windy roads with blind corners.
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.