Hydros Adventures

Pipe Creek

Vital Statistics                                                                                   

Mileage

Bright Angel Trail to Tonto Trail: 2 miles

Maps

7.5’ Phantom Ranch

15’ Bright Angel

Elevation Change

2275’ to 3680’

Trailhead Access

Bright Angel Trail at the bottom of Devils Corkscrew. Tonto Trail north and west of Pipe Creek about ¼ mile.

Trail Description

From the Bright Angel Trail at the bottom of the Devils Corkscrew, Pipe Creek will emerge through the Granite Gorge on the east. Travel up the drainage through the narrow gorge until ascent is blocked by a huge boulder. Bypass by scrambling up the west side wall, over and down the talus back into the drainage, Be cautious of footing and careful of loose rock and material, especially on the downclimb. Continue up the drainage to the forks. One can continue up the east arm, and will encounter another granite narrows. It may be possible to climb up this rock, over and back into the drainage. The route taken, however, goes up the west and traverses below the Tapeats back over to the east arm and down into the drainage again. Travel up the east arm (Main arm) of Pipe Creek, and notice a break in the Tapeats on the west side, vegetation will be frowning along this break. A rather rough scramble up the break will take you out on top of the Tonto Plateau. Walking due south, one will meet the Tonto Trail. From this point it is easy travel west to Indian Gardens, or easterly toward Tipoff on the South Kaibab Trail

Comments: The Pipe Creek Route is a beautiful day trip from Indian Gardens. The scrambles and climbs are difficult. Once at the Tonto Trail the westerly route back to Indian Gardens is recommended in summer, due to extreme heat and lack of water availability along the easterly route.