Uncle Jim Trail

NOTE: the entire Uncle Jim Trail is CLOSED this season Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for a more remote experience this year, with limited services available as the park continues recovery and restoration work. The 2026 season will focus mainly on day use and limited backcountry access, with some scenic drives, viewpoints, and trails open to visitors. Please keep in mind that potable water will not be available on the North Rim, so be sure to bring plenty of water and food for your visit. North Rim - Current Status and Closures Uncle Jim Trail From the parking area for North Kaibab Trailhead, the Uncle Jim Trail was accessed by following the Ken Patrick Trail for 0.9 miles (1.5 km). Both the Uncle Jim Trail and the Ken Patrick Trail west of Cape Royal Road are CLOSED during the 2026 season due to extensive damage from last year's Dragon Bravo fire. Trail Information Roundtrip Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km) Elevation change: ~730 feet (~223 m) Average Hiking Time: 3 hours Grand Canyon Day Hike Preparation Make a Plan Once you have researched your trip and are confident in what to expect on the trail, leave your plan with someone who will notice if you are overdue and report it to 911. Check the Weather Summer temperatures within the canyon, in the shade, routinely pass 100 degF (38 degC). Avoid hiking between 10 am and 4 pm, the hottest times of day. From July to September, monsoons can build large, violent lightning storms. Seek shelter immediately. In winter and early spring, temperatures can drop below 32 degF (0 degC) and upper portions of this steep trail become dangerously icy. Hard ice often conceals potentially hazardous passages. Over-the-shoe traction devices are highly recommended. Pack Properly It is critical to determine before your hike your needs for fluids and for snacks high in calories and salts. Consuming twice as many calories as during normal exercise is realistic for summer canyon hikes. The return hike will likely take twice as long as the hike down. Wearing sun hats and cool, wet clothing will help regulate your core body temperature during warmer hikes. Energy Balance Your body needs energy-balancing proper nutrition and hydration are critical to your hiking success! Eat and drink while resting-sip fluids only when thirsty. Too little water leads to dehydration and heat stroke. Excessive hydration and insufficient salt intake causes hyponatremia -a seizure-producing electrolyte disorder. If you do not feel well: seek shade, get wet, cool off, eat, and rest. Turning around may be your best option. History Before it was a park, Grand Canyon was set aside and managed as a Game Reserve by the USFS in 1906. At that time, the wildlife management plan sought to protect grazing animals by removing the predators. James T. "Uncle Jim" Owens was a warden for the US Forest Service (USFS) who lived in a cabin on the rim while carrying out his duties in the reserve. Uncle Jim is credited with killing 532 mountain lions on the North Rim.