Grand Canyon - Grandview Trail/Horseshoe Mesa

A rewarding hike to a prominent mesa shaped like a horseshoe.  This trail once used by miners and Hopi Indians offers a chance to explore hidden springs, mining relics, caves, and unusual geological formations.  Needless to say, there will be some “Grand” views.       

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates:  Year round
Number of Days: 2 - 4 Days
Total Miles:  10 – 24 Depending on the number of days
Elevation Gain Loss: 3100ft
Difficultly:  Moderately Strenuous 
Orientation Time:  4pm the day before
Orientation Location:  Flagstaff – at our store (1051 S. Milton Ave - Suite F)
Trip Departure: 7am
Trip Return:  4pm

(B) = Breakfast   (L) = Lunch   (D) = Dinner

Cost:
2 Day - $490 per person
3 Day - $785 per person
4 Day - $985 per person

** This trip can be customized around different starting point and times**

Take a step back into time and hike down one of the more historic trails in the canyon.  The Grandview Trail quickly descends through the Kaibab Limestone layer, and with each turn the vistas unfold and reveal spectacular views of the inner canyon.  After 1.5 miles you will reach the Coconino Saddle and take a well-deserved break in the shade of the pinion-junipers.  From here, the trail continues down to Horseshoe Mesa where you will camp.  While on Horseshoe Mesa you will have the opportunity to explore the remains of Peter Berry’s mining cabin, relics of copper mines, the Cave of Domes, and Miner’s Spring.  Each evening spent on Horseshoe Mesa will present you with amazing views of Vishnu Temple, Rama Shrine, Coronado Butte, and the North Rim.  On your last day you will return to the South Rim via the Grandview Trail.

Itinerary - The final itinerary may change due to weather or any unforeseen circumstance(s).

Day 1:
Depart Flagstaff at 7am for an enjoyable drive through the largest Ponderosa Forest in the world before arriving at the South Rim.  We will hike 3.5 miles down to Horseshoe Mesa where we will stay for two nights.  As you eat dinner in camp, you can enjoy one of the best places in the world to see a sunset. (L) (D)
Day 2:
After breakfast prepare for a full day of exploration.  There are many mining relics from the late 1800’s waiting to be rummaged through, but not until you spend a better part of the day circumnavigating the mesa.  Incredible vistas, hanging gardens, and a small creek in the shade of the cottonwood trees await you. (B) (L) (D)
Day 3:
After packing up camp we begin our ascent, 3.5 miles to the South Rim via the Grandview Trail. The views back towards Coronado Butte and the Sinking Ship will be etched in your memories forever. (B) (L)

A fourth day will allow for a night out on the Tonto Plateau as you circumnavigate the mesa making this a great loop hike.