Running Out of Water on the Royal Arch Loop in the Grand Canyon

The Royal Arch Loop (also referred to as the Royal Arch Route) is one of the most incredible backpacking routes in the Grand Canyon, but it’s also one of the hardest.
I want to empower you to get out there, but I also would NOT suggest this route for beginners!
It’s exceptionally dangerous and requires the use of ropes. It’s not only very physical and technical but extremely remote.
You should come into the Royal Arch Route with the expectation that if something goes wrong, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.
I would suggest having a high level of fitness and an extensive backpacking knowledge base before heading out. You should also have a few other off-corridor (read: not the Rim to Rim) trips under your belt before attempting this beast.
But for those who are looking for a stunning challenge. This route delivers.
✨Trailhead Access
The traditional route to the trailhead is closed because it travels over closed reservation land.
The park ranger advises walking the boundary road near the gate with the reservation land. This will add 14 miles round-trip to your journey and require a water cache.
The Grand Canyon Hiker’s Association has proposed an alternative driving route. You can learn more about it by joining the Grand Canyon Backpackers and Hikers Facebook group and searching South Bass Trailhead Access.
For exact directions from this proposed route, check out my trip report (play-by-play directions towards the bottom of the post): bit.ly/royalarchgrandcanyon
✨ Shade boulder:
For a direct GPS to the shad boulder in this video, sign up for my newsletter (you’ll get tons of reccos for amazing type 2 adventures). Reply to the first email with “Royal Arch shade please” and I’ll give you the coordinates: bit.ly/outdoornewsletter
✨ Daily Vlog:
Check out my daily vlog in short format on the trail. Simply tap the related video to head to the next day and follow along! • Backpacking the Hardes...
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✨ Additional Resources ✨
Purchase Your America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass and enter Grand Canyon NP at no charge (affiliate link): bit.ly/nationalparkspass2024
Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit info: www.recreation.gov/permits/46...
Top things to do in the Grand Canyon: bit.ly/grandcanyonactivities
Grand Canyon hikes you’ll want to put on your bucket list: bit.ly/grandcanyonhikes
Top Grand Canyon views: bit.ly/grandcanyonviews
✨Safe and responsible hiking
Practice Leave No Trace: bit.ly/leaveitbetterthanufoundit
Hiking Safely in the desert: bit.ly/deserthikingtips
✨Discover more about visiting the Grand Canyon like a pro:
When to visit the Grand Canyon: bit.ly/3WlSQKk
✨Packing Lists and Gear:
Hand-picked, incredible outdoor gear that keeps you moving: bit.ly/outdoorgearthatrocks
Snag the Desert Packing List: bit.ly/desertpackinglist
✨About the Photos and Video:
Transparency is important to me when it comes to photography. There is Instagram and there is reality. And you should be inspired by BOTH.
I intentionally use photos and videos that have been edited for color and lighting, and ones that haven’t.
All the photos and videos you see of the Grand Canyon are taken by me. I rarely edit other people out of photos (and I would make a note here if I did!).
#grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #nationalpark #nationalparkgeek #hikingadventures #hikingroutes #grandcanyonhikes #backpackinggrandcanyon
✨Time stamps:
00:00 - intro
00:16 - Trailhead access
00:26 - required skills and safety info
00:38 - best time to backpack the Royal Arch Loop
00:57 - Ideal trip length
01:02 - Route length, difficulty, and trail facts
01:08 - Day 1: South Bass to Royal Arch
01:55 - Day 2: Royal Arch to Toltec Beach and the Elves Chasm via a rappel
02:54 - Optional Day 3
03:04 - Day 3: Getting lost. Tonto Trail via Garnet Canyon
03:56 - Day 4: Tonto Trail to the South Bass Trailhead
04:30 - Outro
04:36 - Outtake - Canyon tree frog symphony