Trails Forever
Blazing paths to the future
When you step onto a trail below the rim of Grand Canyon, you are walking in the footsteps of ancient people on a path that reveals the Earth's history. More than 400 miles of trails lead visitors through a geological and ecological marvel, on a journey of connection, escape, and perspective.
Tens of thousands of hikers travel from around the world each year to test their endurance and skill on Grand Canyon's steep terrain. Each year, wind, water, and time take their toll on these historic trails.
Your gift to trails protects natural habitats and improves hiker safety, ensuring that our trails remain world-class forever.
What's been completed
- Clear Creek Trail, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps so visitors at Phantom Ranch could hike scenic side canyons, has been stabilized for improved hiker safety and enjoyment.
- Grandview Trail, built in the late 1880s to haul raw ore to the canyon rim, was restored, overgrown vegetation was removed, and historic stonework was rebuilt.
- A permanent endowment fund was established by park donors to ensure that future generations are able to care for these historic and beloved passageways into the canyon.
What's planned
- Trail crews recently completed work on the upper portions of Hermit Trail.
- Mules haul equipment and materials to work sites and often our only tools are pickaxes and shovels. Because trail restoration is so challenging, it’s estimated that a single mile of trail restoration work costs $250,000.
- A Trails Forever endowment will support a full season of Youth Conservation Corps workers dedicated to trail restoration and will allow the park to plan a comprehensive program for trail restoration.
Improvements and projects in Grand Canyon National Park are only possible because of the generous support from people like you.
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The Grand Canyon cannot take care of itself. With over six million visitors to the park each year, trails are impacted and the park needs help to maintain them. The Trails Forever endowment fund is a powerful and secure way to support the canyon trails we love in perpetuity.
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Laura and Arch Brown
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Words cannot describe all Grand Canyon has to offer: amazing vistas, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, spectacular hiking and rafting. We contribute to trail preservation and educational programs, which are not always funded by federal dollars. Yet, they are important because they allow everyone to stay connected to Grand Canyon. We will continue to support GCA to afford other families the same opportunity.
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Howard Theile & Family
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Current Priorities
Dark Skies
Grand Canyon has some of the best night skies on the planet. We're working to become a "Dark Sky Park" to keep it that way.
Desert View Watchtower
Members of American Indian tribes are working with the park to create a heritage area to share their art and culture.
Grand Canyon Trail Restoration
More than 350 miles of historic trails lead into the canyon. Each year, crews restore popular trails to keep them welcoming and safe.