Check the Weather Over the next two years, I had shoulder and knee surgery and six wrist surgeries. I felt so small looking out at the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon. This essay is excerpted from a longer piece published inOn Foot: Grand Canyon Backpacking Stories, published by the Vishnu Temple Press. The trail comes to the top of a dramatic east-facing gully at the contact between the Coconino Sandstone and Hermit Shale (known locally as Coconino Saddle), which offers tantalizing views into the upper valley of Hance Creek. Backpackers camping on Horseshoe Mesa (BF5) must camp in designated sites. Quick View. Be safe and plan well! I went left. We only did a mile down and back which alone is 1,000 ft. Elevation change. It was torn down in 1929. I still dont know what made me think to do that when it wasnt even dark. 0000086586 00000 n 0000170046 00000 n 0000003286 00000 n 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. All hikers should bring animal-proof food containers; mice and ravens are skilled at opening and looting packs or bags in this area. Grandview Trail (Very Steep) The Grandview Trail offers hikes to Coconino Saddle, 2.2 miles (round trip), and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles (round trip). *2.5 L of water used on a cool winter day. With bright sun in your face, easy to lose trail in the surrounding desert landscape. But Grand Canyon National Park encompasses nearly 2,000 square miles, and I could explore every square inch. Great trail but you have to have respect for it. Cliff Springs Trail Recommended summer day hike; no signs present 0000123702 00000 n I know AllTrails says the loop is only 11.6 miles long, but the friend I hiked with has a fitness app on his phone that says we walked 19.1 miles. Energy Balance You have permission to edit this article. For your safety and the protection of local bat populations, all historic mines are closed to visitation. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Best part is, its a dedicated hiking trail without any mule trains or donkey poop/urine on the trail. If you do not feel well: seek shade, get wet, cool off, eat, and rest. Grand Canyon Helicopter 45-Minute Flight with. We work out 1-2 hours every day and have some hiking experience. I also started .7 miles from the trailhead due to construction. Meanders down a forested ravine and ends where a chest-high boulder rests under a large overhang. Grandview Trail is steep, rarely maintained, and does not provide access to the Colorado River. We fool ourselves if we think inanimate objects care about us. The Grandview Trail was one of the most prominent trails used for mining in the late 1800's. Miners spread out and combed through much of the canyon, before finding what they were looking for on Horseshoe Mesa. I think 6 hours will be pushing it for anybody with an average fitness level/hiking experience. It took us 6 hours round trip. Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead. Big steps and extreme pitches intensify this hike. Difficulty Level: Solitude Level: Group Size: 1-9 Guests. Make sure you do have something with electrolytes, I had a crust of salt on my face, arms, and clothing when I finished. Horseshoe Mesa Avoid hiking between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, the hottest times of day. From July to September, monsoons can build large, violent lightning storms. Hot and dry in summer. Trails Illustrated Map, Grand Canyon National Park (National Geographic), Download the official NPS app before your next visit. It spun me around, so my right arm and pole were behind me. Viewpoint Incredible views. This trail is a short, secluded woodland loop with spectacular views. 0000002629 00000 n It is more like 14-15 mi in length based on apple watch tracking. We slept for a few hours in a U.S. Forest Service campground in Williams, Arizona, and then drove in early to obtain a permit for the Grandview Trail. 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. There is no water anywhere on this route so bring too much! High level review: It was very difficult as a day hike due to the heat, full sun exposure, elevation gain, poorly marked trail and lacknof water source. Be sure to check the Backcountry Updates and Closures page for current information on trail conditions and situations affecting the backcountry. 0000123563 00000 n Hiking boots recommended. 0000076212 00000 n Fantastic hike, though I do not recommend this hike unless you are a very experienced hiker. 7.6 miles (12.2 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 2,500 feet (760 m) elevation change This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Can such things be? Trip Length: 6-10 Hours. Recommended summer day hike; no signs present 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. Radon levels in the mines register many times above normal levels. Some areas on the loop were poorly marked. All mining ended on the mesa in 1908. Return Guests get a 10% discount on all Trips! Large steps and extreme dropoffs intensify the steepness of the trail. Once on the Tonto Trail, you will be mostly flat for about 3.4 miles. from $339.00. Hermit 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. $114.99. The views can't be beat, all the way. The Grandview Trail leaves the rim at Grandview Point, located about 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village via the Desert View Drive. Too little water leads to dehydration and heat stroke. Even a short walk can be very satisfying. My dad was becoming so cold that I climbed under the vegetation with him and tried to lie over his chest. It took us 10, but that's because we made a very slow ascent with lots of stops to keep off my heat exhaustion. Viewpoint A stop to consult with park rangers at the Backcountry Information Center is highly recommended before attempting a hike down this trail. ), only my yaktrax chains - even then it was tricky on descent. 0000080145 00000 n Hikers should carry a map and have a detailed plan before entering Grand Canyon's backcountry. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer rim trail hikes that have spectacular views of the inner canyon, some on paved trails. Trail Courtesy Practices That Leave No Trace webpage, Hiking the Corridor? Still totally worth it! The middle part of this trail is a little boring in my opinion. Turn north at the signed road for Grandview Point, and drive a short distance to the parking area. It was an oddly empowering experience. 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. 4.0 mi. Bats are particularly sensitive to human disturbance and will abandon roost sites. 0000004696 00000 n Once you enter the park, you'll head east on the East Rim Drive (Yaki point turnoff). There was water at Hance Creek. The trail begins on the canyon side of a retaining wall at Grandview Point. 0000048626 00000 n There are also free ways to help out here! The Rim Trail extends from the village area to Hermits Rest. An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service in cooperation with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. 0000124214 00000 n Going up was certainly less treacherous than going down. Grand Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter. These folded, dipping rock layers are evidence of a dramatic geologic feature which passes directly below Grandview Point: the Grandview-Phantom Monocline. (928) 638-2822); grandcanyonlodges.com. Took us 3 hours and 20 minutes there and back. The Yakama Nation is fighting a pumped hydro storage development near Goldendale, Washington but its just one of many. The Grand Canyon is neither my friend nor my nemesis. 0000066073 00000 n You cross a rock slide around 2.9 miles along a particularly treacherous part of the trail. But don't forget that the Grand Canyon is also a very dangerous place where people die every year. You arrive at a trail junction at the bend of Horseshoe Mesa around 2.5 miles, from which you can embark on extended trips along several inner canyon trails. It was my fourth time there, so I thought Id spice up the itinerary with a visit to Tapeats Cave and Spring a major source of water to Tapeats Creek and then make a cross-country exit at Crazy Jug Point. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. *Trail is not 11 miles, I didnt complete the loop - I turned back a third of the way into the loop (*didnt want to be caught in the dark on the way up) and went out the same way I came in. Several times a month, I go to physical and muscle therapists. Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Permits are not required for non-commercial day hikes. ]JwrksX#K;kr@,,r`ar!7wN-&>bb}sAi9.b9nCO#L1$,ow bJ("dae5`| N&]{q{qD>g&]MfcJ2Bayb|n,9nmh(R)(` F_)~&"w6nd]@RN4""y VW[p[)!O0LoP# >p GDW:pmOVR^1EiZ;ZK"i|"Pb(k2\eL=K:qZweO}RF%0&04y 2@YuVyC Washouts and rockslides require some route-finding skill. For your safety and the protection of local bat populations, all historic mines are closed to visitation. I took a couple wrong turns, got off trail and had to backtrack a bit. face down on the trail. Bring lots of snacks and electrolytes. This popular viewpoint offers panoramic views of Grand Canyon from east to west, including several bends of the Colorado River to the east. On the New Hance Creek trail, elevation gain is about 1500 ft across 1.5 miles. Experience trail navigation somewhat required. Water is available (year-round) on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center in the lobby. The trail descends to the right of the established Grandview Point overlook. We camped at Red Canyon and had the whole place to ourselves. Don't forget to listen to the Hike Smart Podcasts! / 1.6 km round-trip; 1 hour approximate round-trip hiking time. Along the trail, you might notice what appears to be trash or remnants of past mining operations, including rusty cans, nails, tools and structures. This trail follows the western side of a . 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. The Iditarod changes alongside Alaskas climate. Support Grand Canyon Conservancy during Membership Month and preserve this inspiring and important ecological marvel for generations to come. The trail descends to the right of the established Grandview Point overlook. Once you enter the park, you'll head east on the East Rim Drive (Yaki point turnoff). Amazing trail down the canyon and not a tone of people and we were there over Memorial Day weekend! 3.0 mi. Two days later, we hiked over to Thunder River and then up Tapeats Creek. - 3 liters of water at this time of year was plenty Once you get down to the loop, it isnt too hard but still be watchful of your footing. This point is on the very northern edge of the western arm of Horseshoe Mesa. Pack Properly The weather was perfect and the trail was in good shape 0000047796 00000 n Pets on leash and bicycles are permitted on this hard-packed trail. However if you're a diehard, or just an idiot like me, I would make the following recommendations for those wishing to attempt it during the summer: Turn east on 2600 South to Route 89. 0000123851 00000 n It took me 10 hours to complete with breaks and the couple accidental detours. The views were fantastic all day and we met a few backpacking groups. trailer The rock layers of the Sinking Ship are noticeably dipping down to the north, making the entire formation look like a ship perched on the rim of the canyon that is about to sink down into its very depths. Bridle Trail A trail with spectacular views, as all the other reviews say. The Grandview Trail is located at Grandview Point, approximately 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. I veered off and went to the last chance mine but didn't make it to the mine. Grandview Trail is steep, rarely maintained, and does not provide access to the Colorado River. Day Hiking the Grandview Trail Built in 1893 as a mining route, this rocky, exposed, and strenuous trail requires caution. The well-built trail eventually provided access to more tourists than miners, as Grandview Point provided one of the best access routes into the canyon at that time. 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. Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Make a Plan The original cobblestone "riprap" trail construction remains throughout most of the Coconino section. I went counterclockwise and I would totally recommend this route. 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. 0000124330 00000 n The well-built trail eventually provided access to more tourists than miners, as Grandview Point provided one of the best access routes into the canyon at that time. Generally considered a challenging route. I finish backpacking trips with a sense of relief, rather than exhilaration. There is about 5 different perspectives you get to see of the canyon on this trail. Be careful in this section to not continue on Tonto Trail (which is what I did and did an extra accidental mile in full sun which draunrd my energy). Even if 11.6 miles is correct, don't forget you're going nearly 4000ft down and then 4000ft back up. Trail was intense but super nice in the middle section. Download the official NPS app before your next visit Canyon Conservancy during Membership month and this! 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