Grand Canyon - Grandview Trail to South Kaibab

Venture below the South Rim on the scenic Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa, and beyond. This memorable hike provides incredible views of the Grand Canyon’s eastern monuments while exploring delicate side canyons along the Tonto Trail. Discover hidden springs, and archeological wonders. This area is rich in history, prehistory, secret alcoves, unrivaled vistas, and spectacular hiking.

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates:  April-May, October-November
Number of Days: 4 - 6 Days
Total Miles:  28 + optional side hikes
Elevation Gain Loss: 5000ft
Difficultly:  Moderately 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**

This memorable hike begins and ends on trails marking historical travel in Grand Canyon. The Tonto Trail links the Grandview and the South Kaibab Trails, traveling across the picturesque Tonto Plateau. Hiking down the Grandview Trail opens your eyes to monuments in the east, including Vishnu Temple dominating the eastern skyline. This historic trail ends on Horseshoe Mesa where Peter Berry ran his copper mines in the 1880’s. We continue down to Cottonwood Creek and head west on the Tonto Trail. The Tonto Trail is the longest trail in Grand Canyon stretching east-west for 90 miles. Days will be spent hiking along the Tonto, taking in supreme vistas, and exploring passing side canyons. Our camps will offer exploring opportunities, rich in archeology. In the evening, we will relax under a star filled sky, enjoying the wondrous silence.

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. We will hike 3.5 miles down to Horseshoe Mesa where we will eat our lunch, and enjoy a well earned rest. We will then continue down to Cottonwood Creek on the west side of Horseshoe Mesa. This is where we will spend our first night below the rim. Cottonwood Creek provides a refreshing place to rest up. The creek polishes beautiful slick rock into narrows downstream and presents excellent afternoon exploration. This area was also home to ancient life; as you scan the cliffs with your eyes- see if you can pick out any of the stacked rocks. 6 miles (L) (D)

Day 2:
After breakfast prepare for a full day of views, walking along the Tonto Trail. We will skirt the rim of Grapevine Canyon, contouring the cliffs, and gazing into the amazing depths. Ever-so-often the sweet sound of water makes its way to our ears from far below. The day progresses to the back of Grapevine Canyon, and to the spring near our next camp. There is plenty to explore once we arrive at camp, including evidence of the miners and the much farther past. 6+miles (B) (L) (D)

Day 3:
After a quick breakfast we are on the Tonto Trail. Today’s views will be of the Colorado River, and the Inner Gorge of the Grand Canyon. The monuments downstream are bold, and command attention as we work our way across the plateau. We will cross Boulder Canyon today, and lay our heads to rest in Lonetree Canyon. The sunset glows here, and the stars follow. 8 miles (B) (L) (D)

Day 4:
Relax, and enjoy the morning. We will hike to Cremation Canyon, not far, and drop our backpacks for some afternoon exploration. This enormous canyon was home to many before us. There are nooks and crannies to explore regardless of where you turn. The canyon walls leave amazing silhouettes against Arizona’s clear skies. 4+ miles (B)(L)(D)

Day 5:
Today we will climb out of Cremation Canyon and leave the Tonto Trail. We join the South Kaibab Trail at the Tip-off, and hike to the rim. This rewarding hike looks back on incredible vistas of Zoroaster and Brahma Temples, and across the canyon to the North Rim. Everyone will enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking much of the terrain covered, and will be rewarded with a well earned feeling of accomplishment. 7 miles (B)(L)

Add a sixth day, and spend the night on Horseshoe Mesa. Explore the Cave of the Domes, take in the vast skyline, and discover relics left behind by Peter Berry in the mining days.