Uncle Jim Trail
A North Rim overlook loop, closed for 2026 fire recovery
About
Uncle Jim Trail is currently closed for the 2026 season due to damage from the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, along with the western stretch of the Ken Patrick Trail that leads to it. When open, this North Rim loop starts at the North Kaibab Trailhead parking area, follows the Ken Patrick Trail through ponderosa and aspen forest for about 0.9 miles, then splits into a 2.1-mile loop out to Uncle Jim Point — a roundtrip of 4.7 miles with roughly 730 feet of elevation change, typically a three-hour hike.
What's at the point
Uncle Jim Point looks down on the North Kaibab Trail's switchbacks and into Roaring Springs and Bright Angel canyons, with Deva, Zoroaster, and Brahma temples visible across the gorge along with the South Rim in the distance. The trail is named for James T. "Uncle Jim" Owens, an early-1900s game warden on the North Rim.
- Check the park's North Rim status page before planning around this trail — it remains closed for 2026
- The North Rim itself is open for day use and camping, with no overnight lodging this season
Planning Around the Closure
Check the park's North Rim status page before planning around this trail — it remains closed for 2026, though the North Rim itself is open for day use and camping.
What to Know
- Deva, Zoroaster, and Brahma temples are visible from the point across the gorge along with the South Rim in the distance — worth returning for once the trail reopens.
- The trail is named for James T. "Uncle Jim" Owens, an early-1900s game warden on the North Rim.
- No overnight lodging on the North Rim this season regardless of trail status.
Current Status
Uncle Jim Trail is currently closed for the 2026 season due to damage from the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, along with the western stretch of the Ken Patrick Trail that leads to it.
What Uncle Jim Trail Normally Offers
When open, this North Rim loop starts at the North Kaibab Trailhead parking area, follows the Ken Patrick Trail through ponderosa and aspen forest for about 0.9 miles, then splits into a 2.1-mile loop out to Uncle Jim Point — a roundtrip of 4.7 miles with roughly 730 feet of elevation change, typically a three-hour hike. Uncle Jim Point looks down on the North Kaibab Trail's switchbacks and into Roaring Springs and Bright Angel canyons.
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