Transept Trail

In practically any other park in the world, the Transept Trail (named for the canyon it parallels) would be the highlight; in Grand Canyon National Park, it is a bit of a ho-hum affair. Very popular because it connects the North Rim Campground with the Grand Canyon Lodge and Visitor Center, the trail pales in comparison to several others such as the Cape Final Trail, Widforss Trail and North Kaibab Trail, all of which outshine Transept. But for visitors without a lot of time who don't want to brave the ups and downs of Widforss and who may not be driving out the Cape Royal road, the Transespt is a great way to get beyond the view at the lodge and see a beautiful side canyon up close.

The trail can be done as an out-and-back either from the campground near site 15 or from the overlook just below the lodge's west patio. Winding in and out of several drainages but staying mostly level the whole way, the trail keeps coming back out to shoulders overlooking the canyon. There are short spur trails that provide better views, or you can climb on some rocks for a bit more adrenaline. One could return by the bridle trail that runs between the Transept Trail and the park road, but it is better to return along the canyon and take in the views once again.