Badger Canyon (South Fork)
Vital Statistics
Mileages
Chief Tank to Apache Point: 3 miles
Apache Point to Esplanade Route: 1 mile
Maps
7.5’ Quadrants: Explorers Monument
15’ Quadrants: Havasupai Pt, Bright Angel
Area Maps
Trails Illustrated: Topographical Map to Grand Canyon
Elevations
Apache Point: 6240
Esplanade: 5000’
Trailhead Access
Access to descend Apache Point is by way of Havasupai Reservation. Drive out to Chief Tank and then shoot a bearing from your topo map to cover the final 2-3 miles to Apache Point. Remember, you are on tribal lands and you need to get a permit to be on the Great Thumb. Access from below is via the Esplanade Route from Royal Arch drainage (See Royal Arch route description).
Trail Description
If you are approaching from above, the first challenge is to get to Apache Point itself. This description will begin as it you have accomplished this. At Apache Point, you will note a fin of Toroweap fin. Once through the Kaibab, you will be able to follow a faint trail along the base of the Toroweap. This trail contours around the fin so that you circumnavigate Apache Point and deposits you at the top of a steep, loose and somewhat exposed scree slope on the opposite (south) side of the fin. There are several braided trails that descend this slope. Use good judgment and exercise extreme caution while descending. This slope will get you all of the way throughout he Coconino layer and into the Hermit shale. At this point, you have competed the Apache Point route and can continue either to the south (towards Royal Arch drainage) or north (towards Apache Terrace).
Unlike many of the rugged, remote, and less frequently used routes in the canyon, this route is not difficult to follow. It is actually quite obvious from above or below. However, this route is very physically demanding and there is a relatively high danger of rockfall due to the steepness of the slope throughout he canyon.
Water Sources There is no water available on the Apache Point route or on the approach. Water MAY be found in potholes in the Supai layer at the base of Apache Point, but definitely do not rely on this alone. See the Esplanade Route description for water availability if you are approaching Apache Point from below the rim, to the south.
Campsites There are no camping opportunities on the Apache Point Route. You could camp on the Havasupai lands on the approach (you must obtain permits). Or, you can camp at the base of the Apache Point Tour on the Supai later. This is an “at large” camping use area.
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