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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.
1,507 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
20.9 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.
8-11h
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

New Hance Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The New Hance Trail begins from the eastern side of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and descends over rocky, unstable, challenging terrain to the Colorado River below. This hike is demanding, has no shade, and requires careful routefinding. It’s useful as a means to an end to get from the river to the rim or vice versa, but we don’t necessarily recommend choosing it over more enjoyable, safer hikes like the Grandview Trail Loop. Expect moderate traffic on this trail.

Route Description for New Hance Trail

New Hance Trail dips down from the eastern side of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and ends at the bank of the Colorado River. It’s a trail freight with rocks, loose footing, and tough routefinding. If you’re one of those hikers who like to push their limits, this might be the route for you. For the rest of us, we don’t generally recommend this route as more than a means to an end. If you want good views, there are better ones to be found on safer trails. We recommend trying the nearby Grandview Trail.

If you need to use this route, be prepared! It’s not shaded at all and can get extremely hot. The footing is questionable and rocky, and getting off the route can put you in precarious spots. Download a GPS route and practice careful routefinding.

The route drops off from the rim through extremely tight switchbacks before beginning a descent past Coronado Butte. Keep right away from the stream to descend the edge of a mesa and make a still-steep descent to another arm of the creek. Once you’re in the canyon, things get a little more manageable. The route ends where it reaches the river.

Getting to the New Hance Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for New Hance Trail is off E Rim Drive.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    September-May

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

New Hance Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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