Grandview Trail Grand Canyon

Grandview Trail Grand Canyon

The Grandview Trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers one of the most historic and rugged routes into the park’s remote backcountry. While most visitors head for the well-known Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails, this lesser-traveled path leads hikers into a quieter, more adventurous corner of the canyon — one originally carved not for tourism, but for mining.

A Trail Born from Mining History

Long before modern hikers explored Grandview, the Hopi Tribe gathered copper ores from the canyon walls and collected salt that naturally leached from ancient sandstone near the Colorado River. By the late 1800s, miners discovered valuable copper veins and began developing routes deep into the canyon to extract ore.

The Grandview Trail was constructed in the 1890s by miner Pete Berry, who used it to reach his Last Chance Mine on Horseshoe Mesa. Over 14 years, pack mules carried hundreds of tons of copper up to the rim. Remnants of this mining era — from rusted equipment to old crockery and shafts — still line the trail today, offering a tangible glimpse into a time before Grand Canyon became the world-renowned destination it is now.



Though steep and challenging, this historic path rewards those who take it with solitude, beauty, and a sense of timelessness found nowhere else in the park.

Trail Overview

Building the Grandview Trail in the 19th century was an impressive engineering feat. Following natural fault lines and contours, the trail was reinforced with cobblestone ramps and log cribbing that still cling to the canyon walls today.

However, this rugged terrain demands respect. Heavy monsoon rains in 2021  and rockslides from 2005  left several sections rough and uneven. While much of the trail has been repaired, hikers should still expect areas requiring careful navigation.

Because of its exposure and steep grade, the Grandview Trail is best suited for confident hikers — or those traveling with an experienced Grand Canyon guide.

For a supportive and adventurous guided experience, our women’s Grandview Loop backpacking trip is an excellent choice.

Incredible views are achieved on the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa. A sliver of the distant Colorado River is glimpsed near the top, jaw-dropping depths are witnessed from Coconino Saddle, and inner canyon vistas from Horseshoe Mesa are unbeatable.

Unforgettable Views

Panoramic vistas unfold at every turn. Near the trailhead, hikers catch a glimpse of the Colorado River shimmering far below. At Coconino Saddle, the canyon opens in breathtaking depth and color. And from Horseshoe Mesa, the sweeping inner canyon views are unmatched — a true reward for the effort it takes to get there.

Exploring Horseshoe Mesa

Perched dramatically within the canyon, Horseshoe Mesa is both a scenic and historic destination. Campsites are available here, surrounded by the remains of mining cabins and shafts that tell stories of the canyon’s industrious past.

Short, scenic walks along the mesa’s east and west arms reveal endless views — ideal for sunrise photography or quiet reflection.

From the mesa, seasoned backpackers can continue deeper into the canyon via three connecting trails leading to the Tonto Trail, roughly 1,200 vertical feet below. These routes are extremely rugged and suitable only for experienced hikers with a backcountry permit.

Water and Preparation

There are no reliable water sources along the Grandview Trail. Hikers must carry all their water for the trip. Seasonal sources, such as Cottonwood Creek (to the west) and Miner’s Spring (also known as Page Spring, to the east) and may occasionally hold water, but they cannot be depended upon and are difficult to access.

Before your hike, consult the Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center for the most up-to-date water conditions and trail advisories.

Why Hike the Grandview Trail

For those seeking a more challenging and less-traveled adventure, the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa is an extraordinary experience.

It’s a journey through both natural wonder and human history, a place where rugged beauty, solitude, and the legacy of the Grand Canyon’s mining past come together.

Whether you explore it as a demanding day hike or as part of a guided backpacking trip, Grandview Trail promises a deeper connection to the canyon and a perspective few visitors ever see. For those who prefer comfort with adventure, our Basecamp Adventures combine day hikes with cozy camp settings at the canyon’s edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the Grandview Trail — a historic, rugged route descending from the South Rim into the Grand Canyon’s remote backcountry, offering solitude, mining relics, and breathtaking views.