Hike to Deer Creek Falls, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Add to My List Check Off

Deer Creek and its waterfall are a popular stopping point for river trips through the Grand Canyon at Colorado Rover Mile 136.9. It's popular for both for the falls themselves and for hikes up to the "narrows" and the "throne room." The Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop is a 21.5-mile clockwise loop in Grand Canyon National Park that put together faint trails and bunch of waterfalls and swimming holes. The outpourings of water from Deer Spring have attracted people since prehistoric times and today this little corner of Grand Canyon is exceedingly popular among seekers of the remarkable. Like a gift, booming streams of crystalline water emerge from mysterious caves to transform the harsh desert of the inner canyon into beautiful green oasis replete with the music of falling water and cool pools. Deer Creek is a stop on most Colorado River Trips through the Grand Canyon. Hiking in is a different story. Trailhead access can be difficult, sometimes impossible, and the approach march is long, hot and dry, but for those making the journey the destination represent something close to canyon perfection. There are two potential trailheads: Monument Point (Bill Hall trail) and Indian Hollow (Thunder River trail). For Indian Hollow take FSR 425 to FSR 232, for Monument Point, take FSR 425 to FSR 292 and then 292A (see the road map for the North Kaibab Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest). Winter and Spring access is unreliable. Get a road update from the Fredonia Forest Service field office or the Backcountry Information Center prior to leaving home. Deer Creek is a stream that flows through the western Grand Canyon to the Colorado River. A series of springs provide a continuous base flow to Deer Creek. During periods of intense rainfall, Deer Creek can experience severe flash flooding. In the final half mile above the Colorado River, Deer Creek flows through a narrow slot canyon before plunging over a 150 feet (46 m) waterfall named Deer Creek Falls. Backpackers also enjoy the hike from the North Rim into the area. The Surprise Valley trail connects the Deer Creek Drainage with the adjacent Thunder River/Tapeats Creek drainage. The Deer Creek Trail provides access to Deer Spring, the Deer Creek camping area, Deer Creek Narrows and Deer Creek Falls at the Colorado River.

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›