South Kaibab Trail Restoration near Ooh Ahh Point
Restoring and maintaining one of Grand Canyon's most iconic trails.
Ooh Aah point was a section of trail that was hazardous to mule riders and hikers alike due to failing trail structures, excessive erosion, and poorly designed trail. Ooh Aah Point was fully rehabilitated in 2021. This popular spot was hazardous to mule riders and hikers alike due to failing trail structures, excessive erosion, and poor design. This project had major challenges from the vast number of visitors going to Ooh Aah point everyday, to the number of mule strings passing by, to the number of hiker assists encountered.
From June to October 2021, an all-woman NPS trail crew with the help from Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) and NPS Packers lugged heavy equipment and tools into the canyon near Ooh Aah Point to restore part of the South Kaibab Trail. The trail is now pathed with beautiful, handmade stonework and hikers are now able to enjoy their adventure with improved safety. Rock was harvested and shaped to maintain 1.55 miles of trail near Ooh Aah Point on the South Kaibab Trail.
Trail crews will continue to restore part of the South Kaibab Trail beyond Ooh Ahh Point, conducting cyclical maintenance below Tipoff. Cyclical maintenance is the continuing treatment, restoration, and repair of all corridor trails at Grand Canyon.