<p><b>Hike:</b> Nankoweap Trail<br> <b>When to Go:</b> September to May<br> <b>Round-Trip: </b>28 Miles, Three to Four Days<br> <b>Level: </b>Challenging Backpacking Trip</p> <p>Of all the <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/grand-canyon-national-park/" target="_blank">Grand Canyon</a> rim-to-river routes, the Nankoweap is the most challenging and the most rewarding. In the miles after the North Rim trailhead on the Kaibab Plateau, the trail plummets 6,000 feet. Allow one to two days to hike down and two to hike out. All the glories of the canyon are on view—buttes and hoodoos, cliffs of sandstone, and redwall limestone. But the real reward is a solitary camp beside the Colorado River near the echoing roar of Nankoweap Rapids and a chance to explore ancient granaries of the Ancestral Puebloan people.</p> <p><b>Insider Tip: </b>On the way out, lay over at Nankoweap Creek, and be sure to top off your water bottles—the final 14 miles are bone dry.</p>

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Hike: Nankoweap Trail
When to Go: September to May
Round-Trip: 28 Miles, Three to Four Days
Level: Challenging Backpacking Trip

Of all the Grand Canyon rim-to-river routes, the Nankoweap is the most challenging and the most rewarding. In the miles after the North Rim trailhead on the Kaibab Plateau, the trail plummets 6,000 feet. Allow one to two days to hike down and two to hike out. All the glories of the canyon are on view—buttes and hoodoos, cliffs of sandstone, and redwall limestone. But the real reward is a solitary camp beside the Colorado River near the echoing roar of Nankoweap Rapids and a chance to explore ancient granaries of the Ancestral Puebloan people.

Insider Tip: On the way out, lay over at Nankoweap Creek, and be sure to top off your water bottles—the final 14 miles are bone dry.

Photograph by Mauritius Images/Alamy

10 Best Multi-Day Hikes in the National Parks

U.S. national parks are packed with overnight treks that offer epic views and impressive climbs. These ten are the best of the best.

Read This Next

SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet