Prospector Trail

The Prospector Trail is a stunning hiking trail that takes hikers through the heart of the canyon underneath the first cliff line. The trail offers breathtaking views of colossal sandstone cliffs, jungles of rhododendron, and towering hardwoods. While the trail is beautiful throughout the year, it is recommended that hikers visit during early spring, late fall, or winter to appreciate the vastness of the Breaks Canyon.

To access the Prospector Trail, hikers should start at the Towers Tunnel Parking lot and take the Towers Tunnel trail to the trailhead. The initial quarter-mile descent down a rocky set of switchbacks is steep, but the trail becomes easier to traverse afterward. However, the latter half of the trail is extremely rocky, so hikers must exercise caution and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

The Prospector Trail can be combined with the Bottom of the Breaks Trail or the Laurel Branch Trail to extend the length of the hike and connect to other trails. The most popular route is to take Prospector to Laurel Branch Trail, Laurel Branch to Geological Trail, Geological to Overlook Trail, and Overlook Trail back to the Towers Tunnel Parking lot. This route offers hikers the chance to experience the heart of the canyon while also viewing a variety of astonishing vistas.

While experienced hikers should have no problems with the trail, the canyon's landscape can be challenging for those who are not accustomed to hiking in steep, rocky terrain. A mile in the Breaks Canyon can feel like three miles, so hikers must prepare accordingly by bringing plenty of water, a few snacks, and taking rest when tired.