Howard Eaton Trail to Tower Fall; Seven Mile Hole—Park at the Glacial Boulder. Until its juncture with the Howard Eaton Trail, this trail follows the Canyon rim past a good view of Silver Cord Cascade, at 1½ miles. At almost 2 miles this rim trail joins the Howard Eaton. Continue north at this junction.
At 3 miles the Seven Mile Hole Trail drops off to the right, 1250 vertical feet in about 2 miles. Hike it carefully, watch your footing, and conserve your energy. Depending on your condition and the weather, it can be a long climb back out of Seven Mile Hole.
If you continue north past the Seven Mile Hole Trail junction you will approach Washburn Hot Springs at about 5¼ miles, and come to another junction at 6¾ miles.
This is the Mt. Washburn Spur Trail, a secondary trail which climbs about 2000 feet in a little more than 2¼ miles. This, too, is a long climb even if you are in good condition. From the top it is 3½ miles down the other side of the mountain to Dunraven Pass, on the Tower-Canyon road.
If you continue north from the Mt. Washburn Spur Trail junction you eventually reach Tower Junction, 20 miles from Glacial Boulder.
Uncle Tom’s Trail—A short walk into the Canyon at the base of the Lower Falls. Because this is a very strenuous walk, dropping about 500 feet over a series of stairways and paved inclines, it is not recommended for people with heart and lung conditions. Much of the walk is constructed of perforated steel sheeting, so you should wear comfortable, flat-heeled walking shoes which will not get caught in the mesh. Portions of the walk are often wet, which in the spring or fall, or in the early morning, may be a film of ice. For those in good condition this is a very rewarding walk.
Artist Point Trail—A very short walk from the parking area at the north end of the South Rim Drive. Many people consider this the best view of the Lower Falls and much of the Canyon.
Clear Lake Trail—From the Uncle Tom’s Trail parking area this trail takes the hiker through large rolling meadows and forested areas to Clear Lake. It is about 2¼ miles roundtrip. Bison and elk may be seen in these meadows in the early mornings and late afternoons, especially in the fall. Large ground squirrel populations and an abundance of succulent grasses and plant roots often attract bears to these meadows in the spring, where they spend hours digging and grazing.
South Rim Trail—Park at the large lot near Chittenden Bridge. This partly paved trail parallels the Canyon for 3¼ miles to Sublime Point. Many striking viewpoints of both falls and the Canyon can be reached on this trail, as well as access to Uncle Tom’s Trail, Artist Point, Lilypad Lake (about ¾ of a mile from Artist Point), and Sublime Point (about 1¼ miles from Artist Point).