Winter Conditions now - initial part of the trail (which I thought was also the toughest both for ascent and descent) was very steep, narrow and icy. Horseshoe Mesa Meanders down a forested ravine and ends where a chest-high boulder rests under a large overhang. 0000005139 00000 n Hard ice often conceals potentially hazardous passages. Only, however, if they were removed from the depths of the canyon. A quieter less frequented part of the canyon with amazing views. Energy Balance The backcountry rangers really tried to scare us off this loop, and we're glad that we did it anyway, but there are a few high-stakes moves on the hike down where a fall could be fatal, and you want to know what you're doing re: route finding, and also be fit to take this on in 1 day, especially with a winter overnight pack. 7.6 miles (12.2 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 2,500 feet (760 m) elevation change Trail map says 5-8 hours. 0000066298 00000 n Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus (Kaibab Trail Route). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. I walked down the slope to a lesser cliff, maybe 15 or 20 feet high. Excessive hydration and insufficient salt intake causes hyponatremia,a seizure-producing electrolyte disorder. I veered off and went to the last chance mine but didn't make it to the mine. Many options are available for day hikers. The trail, if you havent heard, is steeeeeep. Yet, when I finally got my first glimpse of it, in 1973, it was like coming home to a place Id never been before, as John Denver sang on the radio that Memorial Day weekend, while two friends and I drove through the night toward the park. In this section, you will go around Horseshoe Mesa and end up in New Hance Canyon. If you're really lucky, you might even see one of the canyon's occasionaltransient black bears. Campsites and toilet facilities are available to the north. The exposure along these sections impresses some hikers to the point of being considered hazardous. It took me a little over 8 hours and I did this on November 13, 2021. 3) Carry LOTS of water, 2 gallons per person minimum. Wear pants (no shorts). This trail is also used by mules. Offers benches for relaxed enjoyment of the canyon. Markers along the trail interpret the area's natural history. Great trail. But a few years ago, everything changed. I felt so small looking out at the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon. View is amazing and for more skilled tourist it is perfect way how to get to know whole canyon! Are the feds risking endangered salmon for fries and potato chips? Before You Go Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Do not hike during the hottest part of the day. A backcountry permit is required for ANYcamping below the rim of Grand Canyon. Make sure you do have something with electrolytes, I had a crust of salt on my face, arms, and clothing when I finished. For me, it was starting to get dark! Pack Properly The two other people, one a relative of the woman who fell, reported being unable to find a pulse. Follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground. The hike out of the canyon will likely take twice as long as the hike down. 0000067159 00000 n A series of sloping ledges at the top of the Coconino Sandstone cliff demands caution, especially when icy or wet. 0000075068 00000 n I went left. Steep! from $339.00. Miraculously, my internal organs were spared. Seasonal springs below Horseshoe Mesa may offer water (which must be treated or filtered), but are not reliable. Eager to hike below the rim and sleep under a ribbon of stars in Grand Canyon National Park? 0000126784 00000 n But I clearly recall waking up in the intensive care unit of the Flagstaff Hospital five days later. Over-the-shoe traction devices are highly recommended. downcanyon walker arriving at Hance Rapids could continue west via the Tonto Trail toward Mineral Canyon, the Grandview Trail and points beyond, or ascend to the rim via the bed of Red Canyon on the . Water contains high arsenic levels This is going to be a long post because there is not information about this route. Excessive hydration and insufficient salt intake causes hyponatremia,a seizure-producing electrolyte disorder. Prepare for steep climbs and loose rocks. Roosevelt Point Trail "PC*(@. We just did this today at the end of October. He just kept shivering and his vital signs were weakening. Make a Plan You'll drive about 9 miles to the Grandview Point lookout, then another 5.6 miles from the Grandview lookout to the New Hance trail. Keep in mind that it is substantially hotter at the bottom of the canyon than at the rim. The views can't be beat, all the way. By the time we made 75-Mile Saddle, the fog had lifted enough for us to climb out. Horseshoe Mesa (lower left) on the Grandview Trail. According to a National Park Service news release, the incident occurred about 1:20 p.m. Rangers arrived to find the woman and two other people approximately 300 feet below where she had fallen from the trail. Water is available (year-round) on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center in the lobby. I took a couple wrong turns, got off trail and had to backtrack a bit. Be physically and mentally fit! Page Spring A short walk on a paved trail to a spectacular view of the canyon. You may see artifacts scattered about-these are protected by federal antiquities laws. What happened? Flagstaffs K-12 schools are starting to plan how to make up instructional time. 0000066565 00000 n It took me 10 hours to complete with breaks and the couple accidental detours. Pack Properly This wasnt the way either. This essay is excerpted from a longer piece published inOn Foot: Grand Canyon Backpacking Stories, published by the Vishnu Temple Press. Two days later, we hiked over to Thunder River and then up Tapeats Creek. Take hiking poles. It took us 6 hours round trip. 4) Wear a wide-brimmed hat. But it is worth it! But Butcharts message struck home that winter when an acquaintance of mine, an extremely fit and strong hiker, died in a snowstorm on the Tanner Trail. Too little water leads to dehydration and heat stroke. One of the less traveled trails. This trail follows the road as it connects the Grand Canyon Lodge with the North Kaibab Trailhead, a distance of 1.2 miles / 2 km one-way. Be very careful to follow the trail which is hard to see (especially in the New Hance Canyon area, on the Tonto Trail and while circling the Horseshoe Mesa). There are also free ways to help out here! Groups may not break into smaller groups on different permits to accommodate group size. Turning around may be your best option. Utah Travel Council, Council Hall, P.O. But when the railroad was built to the Bright Angel Trail, visitors by stagecoach stopped and the hotel closed in 1913. Several times a month, I go to physical and muscle therapists. 5.0 mi. Large slabs of sandstone placed edgewise provided a durable andlabor intensivewalking surface. The trail descends to the right of the established Grandview Point overlook. Contact the Backcountry Information Center for information. Be sure to check the Backcountry Updates and Closures page for current information on trail conditions and situations affecting the backcountry. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Hiking boots recommended. You are not allowed to enter any of the (very dangerous) mines without a permit, and you have to leave any miner gear where you find it. I think hike is true to distance, about 12.5. This trail is also used by mules. I instinctively tucked my left arm to my side to protect my multi-surgeried, inflexible left wrist. Mining interests (mainly copper) on Horseshoe Mesa, far below Grandview Point, generated even more interest in this area by 1892, spurring the initial improvement of the Grandview Trail. Don't forget to listen to the Hike Smart Podcasts! We did electrolyte replacement tabs. Generally considered a challenging route. Once you have researched your trip and are confident in what to expect on the trail, communicate your plan to someone who will notice if you are overdue and report it to 911. - The steepest, most "technical" part is on the South around Last Chance Mine so I would agree with a counter clockwise loop to go down this section We decided to wait until the fog lifted enough for us to see at least 10 feet ahead, and to camp at 75-Mile Saddle, which we could reach even without a trail as long as we didnt climb the butte on the right, or fall in the canyon on the left. Best part is, its a dedicated hiking trail without any mule trains or donkey poop/urine on the trail. The Park Service warns hikers not to drink out of several creeks along the Tonto Trail because of contamination from a uranium mine that closed in 1969. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Hikers should carry a map and have a detailed plan before entering Grand Canyon's backcountry. 7,400 feet (2,256 m): Grandview trailhead4,800 feet (1,463 m): Horseshoe Mesa3,760 feet (1,146 m): Tonto Trail junction, 3 miles (4.8 km): Grandview trailhead to Horseshoe Mesa4.8 miles (7.7 km): Grandview trailhead to Tonto Trail junction via East Horseshoe Mesa Trail. Switchbacks on switchbacks. 1.0 mi. It was very difficult as a day hike due to the heat, full sun exposure, elevation gain, poorly marked trail and lacknof water source. Grandview Trail: Grandview Trail to Coconino Saddle - See 46 traveler reviews, 64 candid photos, and great deals for Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Allow extra hiking time; trail conditions are more difficult than on the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and Hermit Trails . Page Spring 0000170046 00000 n This isnt a nightmare, is it? I asked the nurse. It came with an official warning in stern capital letters: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK HAS DETERMINED THAT HIKING IN MANY PARTS OF THE GRAND CANYON CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH. Vertical steps were placed by constructing log "cribs" that were chained or pinned to the cliff face to provide a foundation for the trail where nature provided none. The trail is not well marked on the ground and there are no signs. Trip Length: 6-10 Hours. After you turn onto the loop heading counterclockwise, you will run into a little mine shaft within the next .5 miles. My reflexes havent adjusted to the loss of agility in my new left hip. Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) Death of Canyon Runner On Thursday, July 8th, Chicago resident Margaret L. Bradley, 24, and a companion began a day run from the South Rim on the Grandview Trail with the objective of crossing the Tonto Plateau and returning to the rim via the South Kaibab Trail - a 27-mile circuit. First used by Native Americanswho gathered mineral paints on Horseshoe Mesaand later by copper miners, the Grandview Trail is a rocky, exposed, strenuous trail requiring experience and caution. I always liked Stephen Cranes famous poem: I used to go to the Grand Canyon believing that, every time I went, I could possess it a little more. You can access it from either entrance station. Receive action alerts, updates, and conservation news. Seek shelter immediately. Please leave these objects as you found them, where you found them. The baseball cap I had was not enough. I wanted to visit Deer Creek and Thunder River with my daughter and son-in-law. We're in our early 30s, pretty fit and it took us 7.5 hours with a couple of short breaks - we added on the extra walk out to the point on the tip of Horseshoe Mesa which was really worth it for a full panorama. from. Beautiful weather and perfect day to hike. Be safe and plan well! Ryan and Ann were both experienced climbers, and I had done my due diligence, gathering trip reports, studying maps and talking to people who had hiked the area. Don't forget that the canyon rim is above 7000 feet, which can easily make those who aren't used to it short of breath. Soon after, you reach the Last Chance Mine. Permits are not required for non-commercial day hikes. Started at about 9:15am and returned around 4:30. I had 3 liters and wish that I had more. Ryan brought gear for the little rappel (no longer permitted) into the Deer Creek narrows. hb```a`tA2@8Mqxy1-,{g0V2012M]/LqXD 240A!!Z3&? 0000079385 00000 n I followed a faint path to the head of the canyon and reached a cliff. Avoid hiking between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, the hottest times of day. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. A little bit of snow/ice at the top, but it can be avoided. Going up was certainly less treacherous than going down. He flung himself down and he wallowed.. A few inches to my right, and I would have cracked my head on a ragged piece of rock. Located on the South Rim, access is by vehicle to Grandview Point, 12 miles east of the village along the Desert View Drive. There are no maintained water sources along Grandview Trail. Turn right at the sign and rusty wheelbarrow, following the trail across a drainage to hanging gardens and dripping springs at the base of the cliffs. 0000005551 00000 n There are a few Rock scrambles which can be tricky but overall not too bad. My surgeons warn me that their fixes are only temporary. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Trail was great, some washout from rains a few nights ago. A truly spectacular hike. Radon levels in the mines register many times above normal levels. My phone counted a bit over 12 miles then - Im guessing actual trail is probably about 15 miles. Also one with very little traffic, we walked all day without seeing anyone (which may have been because it was July). The trail itself is not maintained and has no water . The Arizona Trail is an ambitious project that traverses the length of Arizona from the Utah border to Mexico. Do not hike during the hottest part of the day. Grandview Trail is steep, rarely maintained, and does not provide access to the Colorado River. Monoclines are a relatively common feature in Grand Canyon geology, largely thanks to the uplift of the Kaibab Plateau and movement along the canyon's many faults. Coconino Saddle Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash Dumpster, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible. The trail begins about 3 miles to Rudy's Flat where Grandview Trail begins. Horseshoe Mesa 6.0 miles (9.6 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 2,500 feet (760 m) elevation change Its a little less traveled relative to some of the more popular trails so there is some solitude during the hike. The inner canyon is defined as the area below the Tonto Platform from the South Rim and below Manzanita Resthouse from the North Rim. For experienced desert hikers. About 9 miles on the East Rim Drive will get you to the Grandview Point. Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead. ? @iz{FAQ8MQcT];;KhRf$~9s>-uZo.b2{5xVNfOfnA%sX&7=wXyN#bGf C'? The large group site is further north and east of the little butte that caps Horseshoe Mesa. The last part upwards after 16 kilometers of hiking is pretty intense. Try this 8.0-mile out-and-back trail near Grand Canyon, Arizona. Box 147420 , Salt Lake City, UT, 84114, Phone: 801-538-1030. Trail begins directly across the road from a small pullout on a curve 0.3 miles / 0.5 km down the road from Cape Royal. The Grandview Toll Trail to Horseshoe Mesa was completed in 1893, and by 1897, the rustic Grandview Hotel offered lodging to visitors that made the long, bumpy, dustywagon road journey from Flagstaff. Bring sun protection. Water contains high arsenic levels 4.0 mi. Any organized, non-commercial group of 12-30 participants, or not-for-profit group conducting rim-to-rim, rim-to-rim-to-rim, rim-to-river-to-rim, and/or extended day hikes in the inner canyon must obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP). You want to bring enough water that you don't feel pressured to make the mistake of trying to conserve it like I did. Amazing trail down the canyon and not a tone of people and we were there over Memorial Day weekend! And suddenly there, behind the gift shop, was the canyon, overwhelming all my senses. 1) Absolutely do not try it unless you are in good shape. 0000003286 00000 n The woman's body was flown to the canyon rim by helicopter via long-line (suspended below the helicopter) and transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's representative. Extremely challenging. Cape Royal Trail I grew up in a small Illinois town, where my mom knew before Saturday morning which girl Id sat with at the Friday night football game. For experienced desert hikers only. Use instep crampons in winter. Interstate 40 is closed from US 93 to the New Mexico border. Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead. 0000005700 00000 n Rim Trail (Destinations, distances and services shown in a table) Philip Higuera, Jennifer Balch, Maxwell Cook & Natasha Stavros, Public-lands visitation and recreation, by the numbers, A demonstration of Black bodies in nature, Green colonialism is flooding the Pacific Northwest, Inside the EPAs close relationship with a Montana mining company. Pets on leash and bicycles are permitted on this hard-packed trail. <]/Prev 445982/XRefStm 2228>> Consult with rangers at the Backcountry Information Center for the most recent updates on water availability below the rim. $114.99. Over 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year. 0 The views were fantastic all day and we met a few backpacking groups. The Rim Trail offers excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike. Vertical steps were placed by constructing log "cribs" that were chained or pinned to the cliff face to provide a foundation for the trail where nature provided none. A day hike beyond Roaring Springs is not recommended. Turn north at the signed road for Grandview Point, and drive a short distance to the parking area. Grandview and Tonto Trail Loop. On a backpacking trip below Horseshoe Mesa, Nic Korte stops to bury the pins and metal rods that had held his arm together for two years. Camping in the Cottonwood (BG9) and Hance Creek (BE9) use areas is "at-large". Old decomposing mines are inherently unsafe. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer rim trail hikes that have spectacular views of the inner canyon, some on paved trails. 7.6 miles (12.2 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 2,500 feet (760 m) elevation change Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. We couldnt continue west. A series of sloping ledges at the top of the Coconino Sandstone cliff demands caution, especially when icy or wet. - I also added the short, mostly flat walk on the top of the mesa. No drinking water is available on the trail to Horseshoe Mesa; springs below the mesa are not reliable . Listen. This trail offers a view of the canyon. On one occasion, I was completely stuck! All Rights Reserved. A hike to Roaring Springs and back is extremely strenuous and takes a full day (7-8 hours) - begin your hike before 7 a.m. Roaring Springs lies 3,050 feet / 930 m below the canyon rim and is 9.4 miles / 15 km round-trip. Grandview Trail is steep, rarely maintained, and does not provide access to the Colorado River. It spun me around, so my right arm and pole were behind me. Trail is hard to find at times, especially after horsehoe mesa - it was actually a little frustrating. Backpackers camping on Horseshoe Mesa (BF5) must camp in designated sites. Uncle Jim Trail My bookshelves sag with the weight of more than 40 volumes on its history, geology, biology and trails; my childrens heads are filled with the bedtime stories I told (and embellished) of John Wesley Powells epic first trip down the Colorado River; and my own brain is stuffed with the memories of dozens of trips made with family and friends. Once I got to the loop I decided to go towards Mesa first which ended up being wise since going back up towards the start of the loop on the east side would have been incredibly challenging to go down (it's very rocky and steep). Upper portions can be extremely icy in winter and early springuse over-the- shoe traction devices. Flowers in bloom gave it a nice pop of color. What ignited my obsession with the canyon? Post hike discussion led to us to prefer clockwise as the East side trail to Hance Creek is very loose and steep - we would prefer ascending this trail. Once on the Tonto Trail, you will be mostly flat for about 3.4 miles. I finish backpacking trips with a sense of relief, rather than exhilaration. The cobbled trail leads into tight switchbacks, descending through the Supai Formation and leveling into a gradual descent the rest of the way to Horseshoe Mesa. We took 1.25 gal of water (5 L) and it was enough. It came with an official warning in stern capital letters: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK HAS DETERMINED THAT HIKING IN MANY PARTS OF THE GRAND CANYON CAN BE DANGEROUS TO. Grand Canyon Conservancy has been the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park since 1932. The Grandview-Phantom Monocline formed as a result of the Laramide Orogeny, a tectonic event from about 70-40 million years ago thatuplifted the Colorado Plateau and formed the modern Rocky Mountains. After reading reviews on here we took the counterclockwise direction. Trail Description . The large group site is further north and east of the little butte that caps Horseshoe Mesa. 0000124159 00000 n Only shards of memories of what followed remain. Large slabs of sandstone placed edgewise provided a durable andlabor intensivewalking surface. Turn east on 2600 South to Route 89. Do not attempt if ANY concern with knees. Loved the constant switchbacks at the beginning. A stop to consult with park rangers at the Backcountry Information Center is highly recommended before attempting a hike down this trail. Cliff Springs Trail 0000083924 00000 n 0000094281 00000 n per adult. These objects are actually protected as archaeological resources. Consult with rangers at the Backcountry Information Center for the most recent updates on water availability below the rim. Begins on canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of village). Know the trail well before going. Warnings: Do not enter the mine shafts. 0.5 mi. Blends forest and canyon scenery. Looking to the east from Grandview Point provides a splendid view of one of Grand Canyon's most recognizable rock formations:the Sinking Ship. There are instances where the trail is unstable with rocks so just tread carefully! This is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim. In winter and early spring, temperatures can drop below 32F (0C) and upper portions of this steep trail become dangerously icy. Luckily, a park ranger passed me and was able to help. 5. Sometimes, my brain tells me everything feels right when it isnt right at all. The historic Grandview Trail begins here. It was only about three steps across, I thought. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Many years of experience have shown that hikers who proceed beyond this point during the hottest parts of the day have a much greater probability of suffering from heat-related illness, injury, or death. The trail down past Horseshoe Mesa was pretty decent, but below Horseshoe, some loose rocks and pebbles, a few steep parts, some exposure and slippery spots. My friend had 1 gallon and I had 1-1/2 gallons, and it wasn't enough even with electrolytes. The spring is on the cliff side of the boulder. I was so focused on my footing that I had to remind myself to look up every so often. This means that during the summer you will end up hiking during the hottest part of the day even if you start early like us (6:30am), unless you plan to make a long stop somewhere along the way. This is the only reliable water source between the rim and Hance Creek; it and all other water should be treated. All hikers should bring animal-proof food containers; mice and ravens are skilled at opening and looting packs or bags in this area. Hopi Indians gathered mineral paints on Horseshoe Mesa long before Pete Berry began working the Last Chance Mine in 1890. Old decomposing mines are inherently unsafe. We found a third way: We rigged two walking sticks, and I carried my sons gear while he hobbled to the end of the trail. South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail, Rim-to-Rim: South Kaibab to North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail, and Bright Angel Trail, Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview, Cottonwood Creek, and Tonto Trail, New Hance Trail, Tonto Trail, and Grandview Trail, Horseshoe Mesa Camp to Cottonwood Creek Trail, Grandview Trail, Tonto Trail, and South Kaibab Trail, Arizona Trail: Passage 37 - Grand Canyon - South Rim. / 8.0 km round-trip; 3 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. The trail starts at Grandview Point, one of the scenic overlooks along Desert View Drive (Hwy 64) on the parks South Rim. Steep cobblestone switchbacks below Coconino Saddle descend through the Hermit Shale to the Supai Formation, where the steepness of the trail lessens as it begins a more gradual traverse out into the canyon and down to Horseshoe Mesa. 0000123334 00000 n Physical evidence, including low stone walls and construction debris, suggests that several . Grand Canyon National Park rangers report that an older woman appears to have fallen to her death from Grandview Trail Thursday. 10 mi. Please be respectful of campers Did it counterclockwise as mentioned here. Hikers should carry a map and have a detailed plan before entering Grand Canyon's backcountry. The exposure along these sections impresses some hikers to the point of being considered hazardous. %PDF-1.5 % Recommended. Day Hiking the Grandview Trail Built in 1893 as a mining route, this rocky, exposed, and strenuous trail requires caution. 0000054752 00000 n Settle in to see one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world transform under an expansive, colorful sky. My pelvis was separated and had multiple fractures. Last couple miles are a killer! Do not forget that this hike has a ton of elevation gain; I was exhausted by the end. After climbing to the top of a small hill, bend around to the south and begin a steep descent of the Redwall Limestone. Relatively undamaged segments of the original miner trail remain in the upper portion of Grandview Trail, testifying to the engineering prowess of the builders as they devised creative solutions to the problems that the landscape presented. My dad was becoming so cold that I climbed under the vegetation with him and tried to lie over his chest.