Distance: 0.2 miles round-trip
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Effort: Easy
Trailhead: River right, mile 108
There’s lots to explore around Bass Camp, at the foot of the North Bass and South Bass Trails [1], including historic artifacts and a refreshing 15-foot waterfall on Shinumo Creek. For river runners, it’s an easy walk about 200 feet up the creek bed to reach the falls. Depending on the season, the pool at the base of the falls may be a couple of feet deep, a comfortable swimming hole, or Shinumo Canyon may be flooded, making the waterfall inaccessible.
For backpackers who aren’t intimidated by a little rock climbing, or who have been assured beyond doubt by swimmers that the pool is deep enough to dive that day, the falls are accessible from Bass Camp along the North Bass Trail. Weather permitting, it’s possible to head up the creek for a longer hike. Shinumo Creek has the potential for flash flooding during late summer thunderstorms.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/grand-canyon/the-south-rim/recreation/hiking/south-bass-trail