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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,200 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
20.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
7-9.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Grandview Trail Loop

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Grandview Trail Loop is a challenging 12.5mi loop hike off the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This trail heads out to Horseshoe Mesa along a ridge, circles the mesa, and returns. The views are sublime and the trail won’t be as crowded as Bright Angel or South Kaibab. That being said, you should prepare for a very strenuous climb with limited access to water and some exposed sections. While this trail can be done in a long day, booking a night at Horseshoe Mesa Camp to break it up is recommended.

Route Description for Grandview Trail Loop

The Grandview Trail Loop is an epic adventure with wide-open views of Sinking Ship, Coronado Butte, Krishna Shrine, Wotans Throne, and much more. Taking place in a bit of a lesser-visited part of the South Rim, this route provides the chance to test your hiking chops Grand Canyon style without needing to contend with as many fellow hikers as Bright Angel or South Kaibab require.

This is a long, strenuous hike. There is only one spring to refill your water at and you’ll be out in the sun nearly the whole way. Lots of water, salty and sweet food, good boots, and poles are essential. While very fit hikers can complete this hike in a day (start early to avoid the heat), we recommend booking a night at Horseshoe Mesa to break it up.

The route heads out from Grandview Point along the Coconino Saddle towards Horseshoe Mesa. This saddle is very exposed with steep dropoffs. Where the trail splits, most choose to go clockwise, keeping left. Keep right at the junction with Tonto Trail and again at Hance Creek. An intense climb leads you back to the main trail to return to the trailhead.

Getting to the Grandview Trail Loop Trailhead

The trailhead for the Grandview Trail Loop is on South Rim Drive on the Grandview Point access road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    Horseshoe Mesa Camp

  • When to do:

    March-November

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Loop

Grandview Trail Loop Elevation Graph

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