Hike and Camp at Nankoweap Granaries

Hiking to the Nankoweap Granaries can be done in a few ways but the two most popular routes is by boat along the Colorado River or the unmaintained Nankoweap trail, which is considered by most and the park services the most difficult named trail. Nankoweap Creek drains into the Colorado creating the largest delta in the canyon, which makes this a popular spot not only to stop for a break but also to camp. 

I was lucky enough to have been on a private river trip through the GC and this was one of the stops we made along the way to set up camp. The campground area is very large so no problem finding a spot to set up camp, and like all the campsites along the river you will be sleeping on sand. A few of us on the trip decided to wake up early next morning to watch the sunrise from the Nankoweap Granaries. To get to the Granaries from the beach simply follow a route westward across the sand dunes to the cliffs above. Once you reach the trailhead you will see the Granaries above you, from there the trail climbs steeply and directly with switchbacks. The trail is pretty rocky but noting to extreme, you will see large slabs that were placed for much of the hike. Once you reach about 600 feet above the river you'll have a nice flat overlook of the river, this is one of those WOW moments where you can see miles down the river with towering red canyon walls in the east. Once you're done taking in that amazing view you'll have about another 100 feet up till you reach the Granaries. When you arrive to the Granarie you'll have about 20 more feet of slight scrambling to be right next to them. This is another spot to just sit and take it all in, but please be sure to respect the area by not going into the Granaries or removing any rocks. 

This Ancient site is a real treasure in the canyon, and in my opinion one of the most amazing views in the GC. Once you've taken in all the beauty of this site you'll return the same way you came up, making this about a 1 mile roundtrip hike.