Location and surroundings
Isis Temple lies in Coconino County, Arizona, in the Grand Canyon section of the Colorado Plateau. It sits within the wider chain of the North American Cordillera and is one of the named temple formations of the canyon country. At 2,037 m, it is a high point in the area, though not the highest; within the Grand Canyon it ranks 47th of 157 named peaks.
The mountain is surrounded by broken canyon terrain, with nearby buttes, temples and saddles separated by dry drainages and cliff bands. The landscape is typical of the Grand Canyon’s north-side mesas and escarpments: steep rock walls, broad benches, and narrow creek cuts that make direct travel difficult even over short distances.
Neighbouring peaks
- Schellbach Butte — 1,809 m, 2.4 km E
- The Colonnade — 2,162 m, 2.8 km NE
- Cheops Pyramid — 1,646 m, 2.8 km SE
- Shiva Temple — 2,321 m, 3.4 km NW
- Buddha Cloister — 1,463 m, 3.4 km E
- Buddha Temple — 2,175 m, 3.6 km E
- Horus Temple — 1,862 m, 3.9 km W
- Tower of Set — 1,823 m, 4.3 km SW
Isis Temple sits among a dense cluster of named Grand Canyon summits. Its nearest higher peak is The Colonnade, only 2.8 km to the northeast, while Shiva Temple is higher still and lies to the northwest. Several lower temples and buttes ring the mountain on all sides, showing how closely packed the canyon’s isolated high points are.
The view from the summit
From Isis Temple, the highest peaks within 25 km are part of the broader Grand Canyon high country. To the north, Lindbergh Hill rises to 2,718 m, 17.9 km away. Farther northeast are Tritle Peak at 2,505 m, Sullivan Peak at 2,469 m, and Brady Peak at 2,440 m. To the east, Siegfried Pyre reaches 2,362 m, while Dragon Head lies 7.4 km to the northwest at 2,362 m.
These summits frame the skyline around Isis Temple, but the view is shaped as much by canyon depth and intervening rims as by distance alone. In clear weather, the higher north- and northeast-side peaks define the far horizon, while closer temples and buttes fill the middle distance.
The range
Isis Temple belongs to the Grand Canyon range, the narrowest part of the mountain hierarchy given for it. The highest peak in that range is Saddle Mountain at 2,566 m, about 25 km northeast of Isis Temple. Within the Grand Canyon there are 157 named peaks, and Isis Temple ranks 47th by elevation.
The Grand Canyon range sits inside the Colorado Plateau and the wider Intermountain West of the North American Cordillera. Isis Temple is one of the better-known named summits in this group, but it is lower than the main high points on the north side of the canyon.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is warmest in July, at about 23 °C, and coldest in January, at about 0 °C. Mean temperatures at the summit are above freezing from February through November. The surrounding area receives about 300 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in August at about 50 mm and the driest in June at about 5 mm.
In this part of Arizona, weather can change quickly with summer heat, dry air, and occasional monsoon storms. Thunderstorms bring lightning risk, short-lived heavy rain, and slick rock. In cooler months, cold nights and wind exposure are common on open ridges and rims.
Best time to visit
For Isis Temple, the most comfortable period is usually the warmer part of the year, when the summit is above freezing and daylight is long. Based on the climate figures, February to November are the months with mean temperatures above freezing at the summit. The drier stretch is early summer, especially June, though heat then can be strong.
Late spring and early autumn often offer the best balance of temperature and stability for travel in the Grand Canyon region. Summer visits need an early start because of heat and storm exposure, while winter and early spring can bring cold mornings and more difficult footing on shaded slopes.
Nature and wildlife
The terrain around Isis Temple is a dry canyon landscape with cliffs, benches, talus slopes and sparse desert vegetation. At this elevation and in this part of Arizona, plants are typically adapted to thin soils and limited water, with scrub, grasses and scattered pinyon-juniper type woodland on more sheltered ground. Rock faces and ledges dominate the summit area.
Wildlife in the Grand Canyon region can include mule deer, ravens, lizards and a range of small desert birds and mammals. On exposed slopes, animals are often seen early or late in the day, when temperatures are lower. The open terrain also means little shade and limited natural water.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Isis Temple, a certified guide is usually only needed if you plan a technical or off-trail objective, or if you are unfamiliar with Grand Canyon terrain. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club or federation is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides.
Guided trips in the United States commonly include route planning, safety management, and equipment advice, with cost depending on trip length, group size, and whether ropework or overnight logistics are involved. Some peaks require permits or registration with the land agency, so checking local rules before setting out is important.
Safety and preparation
Isis Temple demands preparation for heat, loose rock, long approaches and complex canyon navigation. Even in cooler months, the dry air and open slopes can lead to dehydration, while summer storms add lightning and flash-flood risk in drainages. Good footwear, sun protection, and enough water for the full outing are essential.
For mountain rescue in the United States, the emergency number is 911. Dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system. Carry a map, know your route, and be ready for limited shade and slow travel over broken ground.
History and name
Isis Temple is one of the Grand Canyon’s named temple formations, part of a group of summits whose names follow an Egyptian theme. It is described as a prominent remnant of resistant rock in the canyon’s layered geology, with nearby features such as Cheops Pyramid and Shiva Temple forming part of the same landscape.
The mountain’s name reflects that naming pattern rather than a settlement or local village. In older descriptions, the feature is treated as a prominent canyon landmark below the North Rim and near the Granite Gorge corridor.
Interesting facts
Isis Temple is the 47th highest of 157 named peaks in the Grand Canyon. Its nearest higher peak is The Colonnade, 2.8 km to the northeast, and the Grand Canyon high point, Saddle Mountain, lies about 25 km away. The mountain’s summit elevation is 2,037 m.
Geologically, it is a cliff-forming summit built on resistant sandstone, with the canyon’s layered rocks exposed below it. The mountain also sits in a compact cluster of named peaks, which makes it a useful reference point for understanding the north-side Grand Canyon skyline.
FAQ
How high is Isis Temple? It rises to 2,037 m above sea level.
Where is Isis Temple? It is in Coconino County, Arizona, in the Grand Canyon area of the United States.
What range does Isis Temple belong to? It is part of the Grand Canyon range within the Colorado Plateau and the wider North American Cordillera.
What are the nearest peaks to Isis Temple? The closest listed summits are Schellbach Butte to the east, The Colonnade to the northeast, and Cheops Pyramid to the southeast.
Is there water on the way to Isis Temple? Travel here is through dry canyon country, so plan to carry your own supply. For a day outing, 1.5–3 litres per person is a sensible range, more in hot weather or on a longer route.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On open ground you may get a signal, but it often fails in deep valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you go.
When is the best time to visit Isis Temple? The most comfortable period is usually spring and autumn. The summit is above freezing from February to November, while the driest month around it is June.