Hopefully more of the ice melts in the next few days and the trail wont be too dicey. One of the less traveled trails. Please subscribe to keep reading. The last 6 km are really hard sometimes (up to 90% steep). The Grandview Toll Trail to Horseshoe Mesa was completed in 1893, and by 1897, the rustic Grandview Hotel offered lodging to visitors that made the long, bumpy, dustywagon road journey from Flagstaff. 7.6 miles (12.2 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 2,500 feet (760 m) elevation change Falling always seems to occur slowly. 0000123851 00000 n Tourism at Grandview changed dramatically in 1901when the Santa Fe Railroadcompleted a spur rail line to the canyon rim from the town of Williams, followed byconstruction in 1910 of a fine rail station near El Tovar Hotel in the rapidly developing Grand Canyon Village, 13 miles (20.9 km) west of this location. However it may be, it certainly felt like we walked closer to 19 miles! Use instep crampons in winter. 0000000016 00000 n Much later, my daughter and I ascended Tanner Trail in the same kind of whiteout conditions that killed my acquaintance. A series of sloping ledges at the top of the Coconino Sandstone cliff demands caution, especially when icy or wet. 0000124990 00000 n A few things I don't think have been made clear here: from. downcanyon walker arriving at Hance Rapids could continue west via the Tonto Trail toward Mineral Canyon, the Grandview Trail and points beyond, or ascend to the rim via the bed of Red Canyon on the . The future of the Grand Canyon is in your hands. Trip Length: 6-10 Hours. Embedded in its strata is immutable evidence that life changes sometimes slowly, over eons; often dramatically, in an instant. I was signed up to hike the Grandview trail in the Grand Canyon, an old mining trail that drops 2400 feet in elevation to Horseshoe Mesa, our camping destination. Over-the-shoe traction devices are highly recommended. The baseball cap I had was not enough. Trail was intense but super nice in the middle section. Grand Canyon National Park. Monoclines are unusual step-likefoldsin layers of sedimentary rock, usually (though not always) formed in associationwith movement along faults; think of a carpet or rug draped over a set of stairs. Wearing sun hats and cool, wet clothing will help regulate your core body temperature during warmer hikes. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. / 8.0 km round-trip; 3 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. From the rim to the mesa is fun and beautiful (difficult grade going up, but the challenge is fun). Unfortunately, several of the historic cribs were swept away by landslides during the winter of 2005. But Butcharts message struck home that winter when an acquaintance of mine, an extremely fit and strong hiker, died in a snowstorm on the Tanner Trail. Around 1 mile, you reach Coconino Saddle (named for the contact zone between Coconino Sandstone and Hermit Shale), which offers exceptional views looking south into the upper valley of Hance Creek. Keep in mind that it is substantially hotter at the bottom of the canyon than at the rim. - The steepest, most "technical" part is on the South around Last Chance Mine so I would agree with a counter clockwise loop to go down this section 0000019265 00000 n I am 55 145 lb 35 YOF and my husband is 511 150 lb 44 YOM. 0.2 mi. The cobbled trail leads into tight switchbacks, descending through the Supai Formation and leveling into a gradual descent the rest of the way to Horseshoe Mesa. There is about 5 different perspectives you get to see of the canyon on this trail. At 6:30 p.m. How a California ash embodies new information in a long friendship. Shutterstock Grand Canyon National Park Free Days 2023 December 29, 2022 - 11:20 am; Tusayan Route Shuttle Bus "Park and Ride" begins May 28 May 18, 2022 - 12:09 pm; Backland Victoria Luxury Eco-resort BACKLAND April 20, 2022 - 1:01 pm; Shutterstock Grand Canyon National Park Free Days 2022 January 6, 2022 - 1:53 pm; Kyle Rutten Riversmith Fly Fishing the Grand . Steep cobblestone switchbacks below Coconino Saddle descend through the Hermit Shale to the Supai Formation, where the steepness of the trail lessens as it begins a more gradual traverse out into the canyon and down to Horseshoe Mesa. Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead. 0000005139 00000 n Incredible views. But I keep at it to maintain flexibility and control the ever-present aches and pains. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Be sure to have some sort of a map on you and check your location every mile or so. 0000003286 00000 n On one occasion, I was completely stuck! Follow 89 North to Route 106 North. Three (3) small group sites are located east of the standing masonry structure. Turn north at the signed road for Grandview Point, and drive a short distance to the parking area. Ryan brought gear for the little rappel (no longer permitted) into the Deer Creek narrows. For experienced desert hikers only. In winter and early spring, temperatures can drop below 32F (0C) and upper portions of this steep trail become dangerously icy. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Once you enter the park, you'll head east on the East Rim Drive (Yaki point turnoff). Any organized, non-commercial group of 12-30 participants, or not-for-profit group conducting rim-to-rim, rim-to-rim-to-rim, rim-to-river-to-rim, and/or extended day hikes in the inner canyon must obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP). Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Grand Canyon National Park. Distance: 3-7MI / 5-8KM. The exposure along these sections impresses some hikers to the point of being considered hazardous. 0000003718 00000 n Take the dirt road 1/4 mile/0.4 km south of Cape Royal Road for 1 mile / 1.6 km to the Widforss Trail parking area. We work out 1-2 hours every day and have some hiking experience. When tourism increased, Berry built the Grandview Hotel on the rim and began guiding sightseers into the canyon along his trail. The woman's body was flown to the canyon rim by helicopter via long-line (suspended below the helicopter) and transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's representative. The increased easeof travel offered by the railroad and the more modern services offered by the Sante Fe Railroad and Fred Harvey Companiesluredvisitors away from the more rustic accommodations and facilities at Grandview Point,andbit by bit, the tourism trade at Grandview slowly dwindled away. Recommended. So my five key tips: 1. Do not attempt if ANY concern with knees. More Info. The trail down past Horseshoe Mesa was pretty decent, but below Horseshoe, some loose rocks and pebbles, a few steep parts, some exposure and slippery spots. But I clearly recall waking up in the intensive care unit of the Flagstaff Hospital five days later. Check the Weather (Somehow, my femoral artery wasnt severed.) Eventually, the trail turns right-ish into New Hance Creek Trail. Why Western wildfires are becoming more destructive, The state of the land: Bidens mixed conservation record. Make sure you check a map frequently. I almost died. 0000026890 00000 n Washouts and rockslides require some route-finding skill. A brutal set of switchbacks ensues down sandstone slabs that make for rough walking. Trail is well maintained until you turn off to do the loop at horse shoe Mesa. I wanted to visit Deer Creek and Thunder River with my daughter and son-in-law. Vertical steps were placed by constructing log "cribs" that were chained or pinned to the cliff face to provide a foundation for the trail where nature provided none. / 0.8 km round-trip; 30 minutes approximate round-trip hiking time. 0000063373 00000 n For your safety and the protection of local bat populations, all historic mines are closed to visitation. 0000079725 00000 n A backcountry permit is required for ANYcamping below the rim of Grand Canyon. Made some difference, I think. Mentally and Physically challenging. Follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground. Want to report conditions for this trail? It is more like 14-15 mi in length based on apple watch tracking. The views can't be beat, all the way. Please do not drink the water as it may be contaminated. 0000124405 00000 n I later learned that Ryan sprinted 10 miles to the river to get help, while Ann, a rehabilitation specialist, used all of her medical training to hold my fading body and spirit together. On the mesa itself, don't miss the point beyond the spur to the Tonto Trail, as the panorama is truly stunning. Bring lots of snacks and electrolytes. Hopi Indians gathered mineral paints on Horseshoe Mesa long before Pete Berry began working the Last Chance Mine in 1890. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. (NEWSER) - The last photo Colleen Burns posted to Instagram shows her sitting at the edge of the Grand Canyon. You cross a rock slide around 2.9 miles along a particularly treacherous part of the trail. For those who have not experienced that heat, it is almost impossible to imagine. But we were careful and took our time. 0000094281 00000 n Way better on the way up. 5. Page Spring I agree with previous reviewers, do hike counterclockwise. 0000002629 00000 n Hiking boots recommended. In this descent, you will lose about 2500 ft of elevation. *2.5 L of water used on a cool winter day. Grandview Trail Trail summary Location: South Rim Trails Elevations: 7,400 feet (2,256 m): Grandview trailhead 4,800 feet (1,463 m): Horseshoe Mesa 3,760 feet (1,146 m): Tonto Trail junction Length: 3 miles (4.8 km): Grandview trailhead to Horseshoe Mesa 4.8 miles (7.7 km): Grandview trailhead to Tonto Trail junction via East Horseshoe Mesa Trail Its not worth taking the whole loop. Hiked this loop today with a friend. A 2-mile walk from dirt parking area to Cape Final. You'll drive about 9 miles to the Grandview Point lookout, then another 5.6 miles from the Grandview lookout to the New Hance trail. Viewpoint Fantastic hike, though I do not recommend this hike unless you are a very experienced hiker. My phone counted a bit over 12 miles then - Im guessing actual trail is probably about 15 miles. Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, 300 miles of highway closed in northern Arizona due to winter storm, Flagstaff and Summit Fire crews battle Baderville house fire in a blizzard Thursday night, Flagstaff schools planning to make up instructional time after this winter's snow days, Flagstaff History: Powwow is a 'go' for summer, Extreme wind, snow left thousands without power in Arizona and the storm has just begun, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, Ukraine will join NATO but in 'long- term', says NATO chief Stoltenberg, Finland begins building fence along Russia border, Thousands protest against against Israel judicial reform. 0000066864 00000 n The trail took us 7.5 hours with a 0.5 hour lunch and several breaks for photos on the way down. / 4.8 km round-trip; 1.5 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. Its a little less traveled relative to some of the more popular trails so there is some solitude during the hike. 0000123334 00000 n "PC*(@. 0000060723 00000 n There are also free ways to help out here! Every year, this trail bears witness to accidents resulting in serious injury or death. It spun me around, so my right arm and pole were behind me. Summer temperatures in the shade routinely pass 100F (38C). Preview trail I had told her the story the night before. 0000054752 00000 n 0000066416 00000 n Allow extra hiking time; trail conditions are more difficult than on the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and Hermit Trails . 0000048167 00000 n Coconino Saddle Backpackers camping on Horseshoe Mesa (BF5) must camp in designated sites. 1) Absolutely do not try it unless you are in good shape. [2] Begin from any viewpoint in the Village or along Hermit Road. Trail begins at the southeast side of the Cape Royal parking area. MAPS & ALL INFO: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/grand-canyon-hikes/grandview-trail-to-horseshoe-mesa-hike/GEAR LIST: https://hikingguy.com/best-hiking-. DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially during the months of May to September. 0000034419 00000 n 223 0 obj <>stream 0000040641 00000 n My friend had 1 gallon and I had 1-1/2 gallons, and it wasn't enough even with electrolytes. $114.99. ), only my yaktrax chains - even then it was tricky on descent. The hike out of the canyon will likely take twice as long as the hike down. %PDF-1.5 % This means that during the summer you will end up hiking during the hottest part of the day even if you start early like us (6:30am), unless you plan to make a long stop somewhere along the way. Hiking boots recommended. Directions from Salt Lake City: Travel north on I-15 and take the Woods Cross exit. Upper portion of the trail may be extremely icy in winter or early spring. The original Grandview Trail was created to connect the rim with the copper mines on Horseshoe Mesa. We did 12 miles and down 5,500 feet, up 800, to the river in one day, so the last 300 ft down to the river, (which were steep, pebbly and rocky in spots) really exhausted me. Energy Balance You then will get to a split in the trail for the loop. Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash Dumpster, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible. Seasonal springs below Horseshoe Mesa may offer water (which must be treated or filtered), but are not reliable. Too little water leads to dehydration and heat stroke. That first trip, I bought Harvey Butcharts book, Grand Canyon Treks. The Cave of the Domes is closed to protect roosting bats and other sensitive cave resources. It offers incredible views, fantastic natural and cultural history (including a 19th-century mine and miner's cabin), great camping with plenty of solitude, and the opportunity (not guaranteed) to reach the Colorado River via a historic trail that is rarely used today. 0000066148 00000 n Bring poles or hiking sticks for sure! Bats are particularly sensitive to human disturbance and will abandon roost sites. Make sure you do have something with electrolytes, I had a crust of salt on my face, arms, and clothing when I finished. An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service in cooperation with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. 0000124710 00000 n 7.4 miles (11.9 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 3,040 feet (925 m) elevation change. The two other people, one a relative of the woman who fell, reported being unable to find a pulse. And don't plan on finding water on the trail. We did it in 6 hours. Consult with rangers at the Backcountry Information Center for the most recent updates on water availability below the rim. There is no parking at the New Hance . In 1897 when Berry realized that tourism was the way to go, he built the Grandview Hotel at was is now Grandview Point. Old decomposing mines are inherently unsafe. I was worried that Ryan might have gotten hurt rushing out for help or that he just wasnt able to find anyone. %%EOF It is not a recommended first hike into the canyon. I took a couple wrong turns, got off trail and had to backtrack a bit. And I still deal with the aftermath. Under no circumstances should you attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day! HW]o}G(. I yelled, We are too high. Ryan nodded, pointing downward toward some trees as a better route. Great trail. Coconino Saddle If you get off trail, the price is costly on your energy levels and time. Hike Smart. Bats are particularly sensitive to human disturbance and will abandon roost sites. While a summer morning temperature on the rim may be a pleasant 70f it can get to 120f in the Inner Canyon a little later on the same day. She wrote in her diary: As the hours passed, I became more and more terrified. There are no maintained water sources along Grandview Trail. Listen. On another hike, in the boiling heat of the summer, my son badly sprained his ankle at Sapphire Canyon, nearly 20 miles from either the South Bass or Hermits Rest trailheads, at a place one guidebook author called no mans land. Looking into his anxious and pain-filled eyes, I recalled the words of the driver whod taken us to the trailhead the day before: I dont go down there this time of year. 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