Escalante Route (Grand Canyon)
~3 days · 11.4 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Escalante Route (Grand Canyon) is known for
A rugged off-corridor backpacking route in Grand Canyon National Park, traversing the Tonto Platform above the Colorado River between the Tanner and New Hance trails, typically linked with them into a loop or point-to-point through the eastern canyon. The route passes Cardenas and Escalante creeks and involves route-finding, exposed scrambling, and a long stretch without reliable water. It is one of the classic strenuous non-corridor traverses in the inner gorge.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,598 ft to 3,862 ft over 11.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.5 mi · 31%
- Downhill 4.7 mi · 41%
- Flat 3.1 mi · 28%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Escalante Route (Grand Canyon)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Escalante Route (Grand Canyon) scores 25/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November); summer brings dangerous inner-canyon heat and winter can ice the rim approaches.
Permits: A Grand Canyon backcountry permit is required for overnight trips, issued for specific use areas in the eastern canyon.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Escalante Route (Grand Canyon) take?
Most backpackers hike the Escalante Route (Grand Canyon) in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 11.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Escalante Route (Grand Canyon)?
The Escalante Route (Grand Canyon) climbs roughly 3,104 ft total — about 272 ft per mile, topping out near 3,881 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Escalante Route (Grand Canyon)?
Best in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November); summer brings dangerous inner-canyon heat and winter can ice the rim approaches.
Do you need a permit for the Escalante Route (Grand Canyon)?
A Grand Canyon backcountry permit is required for overnight trips, issued for specific use areas in the eastern canyon.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.