Home»Photo Galleries»Arizona USA»Grand Canyon»Grand Canyon: Grandview Trail Hike (April 2018)

The Grand Canyon is one of the most recognizable and extraordinary landscapes on earth, an internationally recognized symbol of conservation and protection. It is visited each year by more than five million people, the overwhelming majority of whom see the canyon from the overlooks along the South Rim. About 40,000 hikers enter the backcountry each year, most of whom hike one of the two main trails near the visitor’s center, the Bright Angel trail and the South Kaibab trail.

Less popular is the Grandview trail, which descends into the canyon from Grandview Point, the southernmost lookout on the South Rim. The viewpoint is located halfway (approximately 12 miles) between the Grand Canyon Village and Desert View, which is the first overlook from the east entrance. Grandview Point sits at an elevation of about 7,400 feet, with a dense forest of pine and oak trees that partially obstructs the views.

The Grandview Trail follows a mining route that was built in 1893 to haul copper from mines located in and around Horseshoe Mesa, which is located about 3 miles and 2500 feet below the rim. The trail is a rocky, exposed, and strenuous track that is irregularly maintained. It is characterized by cobblestone pavement, large steps, and steep drop-offs, so extra caution is required to safely navigate the steep descent, and a healthy heart is necessary for the return ascent. The trail is consistently steep as it winds down switchbacks through white layers of Kaibab limestone to Coconino Saddle, a little over a mile from the start. After a short stretch of level path that follows the rim of a narrow mesa, the trail takes you down another set of cobblestone switchbacks, eventually becoming a more gradual but steady descent to the neck of Horseshoe Mesa.

Once on the mesa, there are trails that follow both west and east around the butte to viewpoints about 1.5 miles further on. There is evidence of its mining past, including a small house with its stone walls still standing. There are about 40 campsites on the mesa, and just below the edge are several caves. Large boulders and juniper trees dot the reddish dirt of the mesa and the sides of the large butte that rises from the center of the mesa.

I had the chance to hike the Grandview Trail on a gorgeous day in mid-April. The winds had been blowing across Northern Arizona for 3 days, which cleared the haze and brought cool temperatures. Leaving from the top in mid-morning, I slowly worked my way down the steep trail, stopping often to admire the view and take photos. After reaching the neck of Horseshoe Mesa, which was about 3 miles, 2500 ft elevation drop, and 3+ hours later, I followed the trail around the west side of the butte, looking down on Cottonwood Creek to the west and Hance Creek to the east, both about 1000 feet below. Continuing another 1.5 miles, I climbed out on a point with an amazing view that provides a panoramic overlook of the inner basin of the Grand Canyon. Across from me was Vishnu Temple and Wotan’s Throne, standing just in front of Cape Royal on the North Rim. To the west was Zoraster Temple and Budda Temple, sitting above the deep canyons of the Colorado river. To the east was a glimpse of the river flowing through Tanner Canyon. I decided to settle in for the afternoon, having my lunch and taking photos as the light softened and brought out the colors of the canyon walls and buttes and rock formations.

Although I didn’t want to leave, eventually I headed back up the trail, reaching an overlook of the mesa just before the sun set over the canyon rim. After an hour of steady climbing as darkness settled in, I brought out my headlamp to continue the steepest part of my ascent, stopping occasionally to enjoy the canopy of stars overhead. Venus was shining brightly in the west, while in the south was Sirius following his master Orion, and behind me to the north was a very prominent Great Bear (Big Dipper) spread across the sky. I struggled to make it up the steep incline, taking in a deep breath with every step, but eventually I arrived back at the top, exhausted but exhilarated by the beautiful images floating in my head. The entire day had been a very special gift.

I hope you enjoy some of the views that still fill my mind and are drawing me back for another hike in the Grand Canyon.

Please note that the first 3 images in this gallery are from Navajo Point, which is a bit further to the east along the rim. I stopped there in the early light just after entering the park through the east gate.