Buddha Temple Rock Climbing

The approach to Buddha, like many Grand Canyon summits could be described as downright brutal. As with many Grand Canyon summits, the approach could easily be the crux of this climb. There are two ways to reach the base of Buddha. One can undertake an ambitious trek of approximately 16 miles from the south rim, down South Kaibab, up and across the informal Utah Flats route and then a cross country route to the saddles of Buddha Temple and Schellbach Butte. From the saddle, more traversing, scrambling and a lower fifth class climb are necessary to reach the base of the southeast face of Buddha and the beginning of the climb. Another option involves rapping off the north rim of the Grand Canyon and leaving behind fixed lines to ascend back up to the rim. This approach is far more direct, but more technical in nature due to the need for fix lines and a means to ascend them on your return.