Powell Plateau
Vital Statistics
Mileage
Swamp Point to Powell Plateau: 1.5 miles
Swamp Point to Dutton Point: 7.0 miles
Maps
7.5’ Powell Plateau, King Arthur Castle
15’ Powell Plateau
Trails Illustrated: Grand Canyon National Park
Elevations
Swamp Point: 7600’
Muav Saddle: 6700’
Powell Plateau: 7640’
Trailhead Access
The trailhead for Powell Plateau and North Bass begins at Swamp Point. Swamp Point is at the end of Swamp Ridge Road, which is accessed at the end of FS 268B and Grand Canyon National Park boundary
Trail Description
The Powell Plateau trailhead is located at Swamp Point. Vehicles can be parked ¼ mile north of the trailhead. The trail drops down to Muav Saddle through a series of switchbacks. At the saddle is a trail junction. The middle trail continues south and up to Powell Plateau. The trail to the right leads to the Muav cabin. The North Bass Trail is to the left. Once on the plateau the trail runs south along the east side. The trail is evident and is also marked by blazes on the trees. Dutton Canyon is where the trail ends.
Sections of Powell Plateau are classic examples of old growth Ponderosa forests. Human impacts from logging, grazing and fire suppression have not occurred here and the forest is in a pristine state. The plateau is extremely susceptible to wildfire from lightning which occur here every summer. Grand Canyon National Park does not suppress fires on the plateau. The area is subject to closure during fire activity.
Water
The only available water is the Muav Saddle spring located ¼ mile east of Muav Saddle at the base of the Coconino. It is intermittent.
Campsites
Numerous campsites are available on the Plateau. There are not any good campsites between Swamp Point and the Plateau.
|
