Grand Canyon - Grandview/New Hance Loop

Venture down the historic Grandview Trail in the footsteps of Peter Berry, and then to the east. Pass by mines and secret springs, and into the depths below the Tonto platform. Explore seldom seen creeks, and lush riparian ecosystems. Sleep on the banks of the Colorado River, where sand dunes dominate, and listen to the roaring of Hance Rapid. Travel where strenuous hiking is rewarded with breathtaking vistas and cool shady retreats, and achieve an unsurpassed feeling of accomplishment..

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates:  March - May, September - December
Number of Days: 4 - 6 Days
Total Miles:  18-30 miles depending on the number of days
Elevation Gain Loss: 5240ft
Difficultly:  Strenuous 
Orientation Time:  4pm the day before
Orientation Location:  Flagstaff – at our store (1051 S. Milton Ave - Suite F)
Trip Departure: 6am
Trip Return:  4pm

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

Cost:
4 Day - $975 per person
5 Day - $1250 per person
6 Day - $1450 per person

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

Hiking down the Grandview Trail is like going back in history. Follow the same path forged by miners and their burros in the 1880’s in search of copper buried on Horseshoe Mesa. The Grandview trail offers ‘grand’ views of the river, and monumental geologic formations including Vishnu Temple and Angels Gate. Enjoy the big views while you can, soon you’ll be within the depths of the Colorado River gorge- surrounded by the oldest rock layer found in Grand Canyon. Get ready for a strenuous hiking adventure with amazing variety.

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

Day 1:
Depart Flagstaff at 6am for an enjoyable drive through the largest Ponderosa Forest in the world before arriving at the South Rim. The hike begins on The Grandview Trail- a 3.5 mile hike takes us down to Horseshoe Mesa. After food and rest we’ll continue down to Hance Creek. Leaving Horseshoe Mesa we will pass abandoned mines, enjoy the secret oasis of miner’s spring, and connect with the Tonto Trail. Our first night below the rim will find us along the banks of refreshing Hance Creek where we will have the opportunity to soak our feet in its cool waters, and relax under cottonwood trees. 5 miles (L) (D)

Day 2:
After breakfast prepare for a full day of hiking. We will pack up camp and travel on the Tonto Trail down to the beach at Red Canyon, and the Colorado River. Along the way the formations tower above, but are eventually swallowed by the inner gorge. Once at Red Canyon, the colors are vivid. The canyon glows a crimson red. As the sun gets lower in the sky, relax among the dunes on the river’s edge, and watch powerful Hance Rapid. The stars are plentiful here; enjoy the silhouette of the canyon against the night sky while you’re serenaded by the roar of the river. 5 miles (B) (L) (D)

Day 3:
Day break brings a leisurely start with breakfast at the river. After packing up camp we will hike in the pebbled creek bed of Red Canyon, which eventually gives way to slickrock- polished by the peaceful waters of the creek. Eventually our climb begins, out of the creek bed and up through the Hance fault. Our camp will be about ½ way out of the canyon on the Redwall formation. Here, the views return. The Sinking Ship towers to the west, and monuments glow in the setting sun. 4 miles (B) (L) (D)

Day 4:
The ascent to the South Rim continues today. Our hike is steep, but rewarding as we look back into the canyon observing the many formations behind us. We will enjoy a picnic lunch once we are finished hiking, and motor back to Flagstaff. 3.5 miles (B) (L)

Add a fifth day and spend your first night on Horseshoe Mesa. Explore the Cave of the Domes, check out inspiring view points and take in an amazing sunset. Add a sixth day and enjoy a layover camp at Hance Rapid. Take a side hike along the river corridor to Papago Canyon, and beyond