Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa

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Features Cave · Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

If you've already done South Kaibab or Bright Angel, the next trail you might consider is Grandview. It's a bit tougher, but every bit as spectacular to reach the sweeping vistas on Horseshoe Mesa. As a bonus for history buffs, the remains of old mines are very visible on the mesa, and the entire trail is itself a historic relic of impressive ingenuity. Go any distance down and back on Grandview Trail for an impressive and strenuous run with fewer people than elsewhere on the South Rim.

The trailhead is at Grandview Point, where public parking is available but limited. There is a vault toilet, but no drinking water here or anywhere along the trail. Horseshoe Mesa has a backcountry camping area that makes a popular overnight destination. Backpackers need a permit from the national park, and should plan on packing all the water they need. Though Grand Canyon maps show a spring just below the mesa, the Park Service warns that it's not reliable and may be toxic.

Grand Canyon runners often complete the out and back to one of the mesa viewpoints, or may do the 13-mile full loop around the mesa with the Tonto Trail.

The full Grandview Trail extends from Grandview Point (7,400 feet) down to Horseshoe Mesa (4,900 feet), then across the mesa and down a gully to meet the Tonto Trail (3,900 feet). As a whole, Grandview Trail is steeper and more rugged than the corridor trails of South Kaibab and Bright Angel. Expect a slower and more strenuous run than you'd imagine for the mileage.

Common day-hike turnaround points are: Coconino Saddle viewpoint (1000 ft down, 2.2-mile roundtrip) / Horseshoe Mesa mines and backcountry camp (2500 ft down, 6-mile roundtrip) / Horseshoe Mesa West Viewpoint (2500 ft down, 7.6-mile roundtrip) / Lower mines and Page Spring (3050 ft down, 7.5-mile roundtrip).

It is also possible to hike a loop around the base of the mesa on the Tonto Platform. This makes a very strenuous full-day hike or a 2nd-day hike on a backpacking trip. For experienced backpackers, spending the night on Horseshoe Mesa is the best way to leave time for exploration (permit required). The side hikes to the mesa viewpoints, the lower mines and Page Spring, or all the way down to the Tonto Trail are very worthwhile but hard to do within one day.

The Grandview Trail was built more than 100 years ago by intrepid miners who discovered copper ore on Horseshoe Mesa. Called the Last Chance Mine, this operation was one of the few profitable mines in the Grand Canyon. While running the surprisingly well-constructed trail, you'll travel in the footsteps of miners and mules that worked the mines. On the mesa you'll see tailing piles from collapsed mine shafts. By continuing down the side trail to Page Spring and Hance Creek, you'll traverse a ledge blasted in solid rock, and pass an intact tunnel with iron machinery left alongside. Enjoy the sight of this history, but remember that these are protected relics. Any old material that you find--even rusty cans and wood planks--are now considered artifacts and should not be disturbed. Stop by the sign kiosks at the trailhead to see pictures and read more about this fascinating history.