This trail is located within the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. In 1881, J.W. Powell and C.D. Walcott blazed a horse trail into Nankoweap Basin by following an old Indian path. This is now the Grand Canyon National Park Nankoweap Trail that joins with Trail #57 on the Forest. Trail #57 off FR 445, climbs to Nankoweap Saddle, passing through big ponderosa pine, red and white cliffs, and steep canyons. At the saddle, the hiker can view a multitude of jagged peaks and the drainage of Marble Canyon. The trail is heavily used in the fall and spring by hikers going down the GCNP Nankoweap Trail.

As a result of the 1960 Saddle Mountain fire, locust and aspen have invaded the first mile of the trail off FR 610, leaving this section in poor condition. Because of the steep terrain and narrow pathway, riders should use only experienced trail horses.

Directions: From North Kaibab Visitor Center, Travel about 20 miles east on US 89A turn south on FR 445: go 27 miles to the trailhead. (Stay on right-hand fork of FR 445.)About 2 hours from North Kaibab Visitor Center. Suitable for sedans in dry weather.

Elevation: 6,480 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,320 feet

Distance: 4 miles

Usage: Heavy in Season

Difficulty: Strenuous

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