Little Colorado River via Beamer Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

There's no place quite like the confluence of the Little Colorado and the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The Little Colorado River (LCR) carves its own canyon of 4000-foot-high walls, and the water flows an extraordinary color of turquoise, mixing spectacularly with the green or brown of the main Colorado. That is true, at least, when the blue is not turned brown by rain or snowmelt runoff. No matter what color you find the river, however, this location is sure to amaze.

The Confluence is a must-see stop for every raft trip in the Grand Canyon, but comparatively few people ever get here by foot. That's because the trek is a long one, and the trail is difficult. The best way to get here is in a 2-4 day backpacking trip, taking Tanner Trail down from the South Rim, then following Beamer Trail as it traverses, sometimes precariously, above the Colorado River for several miles to the mouth of the Little Colorado.

A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays within the canyon, and permits are specific to zones called Backcountry Use Areas. The Beamer Trail falls mostly within "at-large" use area BA9. This is an "at-large" area, meaning there are no designated sites, but you should use existing campsites whenever possible. The best areas to camp are between the Tanner Trail junction and Palisades Creek on beaches along the river. Outside of this stretch there is no access to water. Camping is not allowed within ¼ mile of the confluence.

This makes a very burly run or fastpacking trip, but people do it! Backcountry permits are required for all overnight use.

Starting from Lipan Point (no restrooms or water), the Tanner Trail descends 9 miles and 4,700 feet to the Colorado River near Tanner Rapid. The river will be your first water source, but it can be hard to treat if it's running brown with silt. The at-large camping area at Tanner Beach is popular with backpackers, but you might consider staying here if you can get a permit for this use area (BB9). Otherwise continue on the Beamer Trail into use area BA9.

Beamer Trail begins from the mouth of Tanner Canyon and heads upriver near the shoreline. It's not too difficult yet, and there are some decent camping areas by the river. After crossing the mouth of Palisades Canyon (about 3 miles from Tanner Trail) however, the trail changes character. Tapeats Sandstone cliffs make running along river level impossible past Palisades Creek.

The trail climbs 300 feet on a talus slope to top the Tapeats, then begins a long, undulating traverse along exposed ledges and through steep side drainages. Although it's decent tread and easy navigation much of the time, you'll need to mind the drop off in places, and keep an eye out for cairns to help cross the drainages.

The next place you might access the river is about 1/4 from the confluence, so you'll need to be prepared with plenty of water from Palisades Canyon or before. After running about 9 miles from the bottom of Tanner Trail, you'll finally see the milky blue water of the Little Colorado River. The color is from dissolved calcium carbonate, a mineral introduced in high quantity by the limestone aquifer that feeds the river miles upstream.

The Little Colorado River, and the site of the confluence in particular, is of deep significance to several Native American groups including the Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo. Please treat it with reverence.