Hydros Adventures

Eminence Break Route

Vital Statistics                                                                                   

Mileage

App. 2 miles one-way

Maps

7’ Explorers Monument

15’ Havasupai Point Quad

Elevation Change

2825’ to 5600’

Trailhead Access

From Cedar Ridge along Hwy 89 there are approximately 20 miles of dirt roads. Depending on the conditions this may require four wheel drive. Also accessible from Colorado River at President Harding Rapids.

Trail Description

This route begins at the top of a large break on the south side of Tatahatso Point. The road passes very near this break and obviously turns to four wheel drive at this point. The top of this break is broken into a few gullies. The route goes down the one furthest to the east and there is a fairly large cairn at the top of it. This gully and most of the route is loose, steep and care must be taken not to know rocks onto other members of the party. About 2000 feet down this gully the route passes underneath a very large limestone block jammed in the walls of the narrow gully. This requires a bit of climbing but is not especially difficult. Continue down this gully staying for the most part on the right side through the Coconino. As the route enters the top of the Supai formation you will encounter a small cliff that can be bypassed on the right. Immediately below this look for cairns and a faint trail leading way on the left side of the gully. (Although it is apparently possible to remain in the gully to the top of the Redwall formation, it is probably better to take this trail.) This trial generally parallels the gully while working its while working its way through the cliffs in the Supai. Care should be taken to follow the trail. This eventually ends up at the top of the Redwall formation and about three small drainages to the Southeast of the original gully. (This is where the route that stays in the gully would apparently join). From this point continue along the top of the Redwall for about half a mile until it is possible to descend several hundred feet to the top of a ridge (promontory) that has a good view of the river and President Harding Rapids. This also has a view of the remainder of the trail. The trail continues down a gully on the south (left) side of the ridge and traverses some distance before descending the steep slope to the beach at the River. This trail reaches the river at the up-river end of the beach.

Water Availability

Usually only the Colorado River though sometimes potholes in the Redwall.

Notes

This is a very steep route (not a trail) and care should be taken not to knock loose rocks onto other members of the party. Route finding skills are essential. This route should not be attempted during the summer months since it faces south and there is no water or shade along the way. A short tope may be useful to lower packs.