double clickWhitmore Helicopter Pad and Trail - End of the River Helicopter Pad
Grand Canyon
3 Day Expedition
Whitmore Helicopter Pad and Trail

Mile 187.5 - Whitmore Helicopter Pad and Trail

The Heaton Family operates the Bar 10 Ranch on the Arizona Strip, which services river guests who are lifted out of the canyon by helicopter and flown to the ranch. After enjoying a shower and some delicious food they are then flown by fixed wing aircraft to Las Vegas or Marble Canyon. The helicopter pad is located near river level, but above the old high water line on Hualapai land. Replacing the people flying out of the canyon, new groups of guests are flown into the canyon for 3-day river trips from the helicopter pad to Pearce Ferry on Lake Mead.

Before Helicopters... »

Before use of helicopters, river-runners would hike in and out of the canyon via the Whitmore Trail, often with the assistance of pack animals. The trail switchbacks across the Whitmore Lava Flow and climbs nearly 1,000 feet out of the canyon. From there, it’s possible to reach the Bar 10 Ranch and other parts of the Arizona Strip by 4x4 road.

Upper Gorge Grand Canyon

Upper Grand Canyon Mile by Mile »

The upper Grand Canyon, as traveled by Western's 6 or 7 day expedition begins at Lees Ferry (mile 0) and finishes at Whitmore Wash (mile 188)

See Lower Grand Canyon