The Beamer Trail is named after Ben Beamer who was active in the Grand Canyon during the early 1890s. Beamer actually tried to grow crops and live near the mouth of the Little Colorado River, but was unsuccessful. Today the Beamer Trail is part of the Grand Canyon’s network of trails and is most commonly used to access the confluence of the Little Colorado and Colorado Rivers.
To access the Beamer Trail you’ll need to either already be at the bottom of the Grand Canyon via raft trip, or more likely hike the Tanner Trail down from the South Rim (be sure to account for that extra milage and vert when planning your trip). Backcountry permits are required for camping.
The Beamer Trail begins at Tanner Rapid, an impressive drop. It then follows the Colorado River upstream until Lava Canyon Rapid. After this the trail ascends and then stays high above the Colorado on sometimes precarious cliffs with exposure.
The Beamer Trail works its way around several small drainages as it continues paralleling the Colorado. Although the trail consists of decent tread most of the time, you’ll need to keep an eye out for cairns in areas as you work your way around and through these small drainages.
The Beamer Trail then comes to the Little Colorado River where it flows into the Colorado. If unstained by floodwater, the Little Colorado is a beautiful turquoise blue color.
Unless your adventure calls for you to continue, turn around and return the way you came.
Comments
Sign In and share them.