| Rank: #2 | Canyon Depth: 3,360 ft. |
| Rim Elevation: 5,960 ft. | Stream Elevation: 2,600 ft. |
| Vegetation: Semi-arid and desert | Frequently Seen Animals: deer, snakes, bighorn sheep. |
| Hiking Season: Access open
year round (NOTE: summer is toughest time to hike in Park because of extreme heat compounded by lack of water). |
| Name: Schmutz Spring Trail to Tuckup Trail | Difficulty: Very Difficult |
| Length of Hike (r/t): 17.8 miles. | Trail Elevation Change: 1,720 ft. |
| Trail Lowpoint: 4,000 ft. | Trail Highpoint: 5,720 ft. |
| Water: None | |
| Tips: No water at Toroweap Ranger Station. | |
| Hiking Permit Needed: None | Maximum Group Size: No restrictions for day hikes, but a Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit IS required to camp at the trailhead or in the canyon (in this case, maximum group size is 11) |
| Dogs Permitted: No | Horses Permitted: No |
| Cross-Country Skiing Permitted: | Mountain Bikes Permitted: No |
| Swimming: None | |
| Safety Tips:
The trailhead
is in a very remote and arid location that is difficult to reach. Make sure
you have a working spare tire and jack in the car, several gallons of extra
water, extra food, and a blanket in case your car breaks down. For the hike, be prepared for anything and hike in a group. There is a steep scramble at one point on this trail that requires extreme caution. Also, the trail is extremely faint at times, described more as a “route” than a “trail” by some hikers (http://www.grandcanyontreks.org/tuckup.htm). It is essential to bring good USGS topo maps and compass, and know how to use them. Grand Canyon averages 400 search and rescues annually - the Park Service stresses the importance of educating the hiker/visitor before entering canyon. |
|
| General Location: North Rim | Trailhead Accessible
to Low-Clearance Vehicles: In most cases, yes. However, during wet weather, high-clearance four-wheel drive is best. |
| Nearest Town: Fredonia | |
| Directions: Drive South on Mount Trumbull Loop Rd. (off of HWY 389) about 7 miles west of Fredonia, AZ; follow signs to Toroweap Ranger Station; turn left at sign for *Schmutz Spring; trailhead is at end of road. *NOTE: As of November 2003, Schmutz Spring sign was missing - for this reason, trailhead is difficult to find. | |
| U.S.G.S. Quad Name(s): Fern Glen, SB Point | Office of Tourism Region: Grand Canyon Country |
| County: Coconino | Managing Agency: Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Office (928) 638-7875. |
| Web Sites: http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/dayhike/ http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/tuweep/index.htm |
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