The trail is accessible by use of U.S. Forest Service roads along the south rim of Grand Canyon.

It generally takes 1½ to 2 hours to negotiate the 29 mile (47 km) trip from Grand Canyon Village, Arizona.

From this junction, to the west is Elves Chasm and the terminus of the Royal Arch Route, and to the east is the Boucher Trail and Hermit Trail, which provide access to the south rim via Hermit's Rest.

No services are available, and the only reliable water is at the Colorado River, which must be treated before consuming.

The tramway no longer exists, and river crossing can only be made by raft.