Grandview Trail
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Grandview Trail
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The Grandview Trail may not be quite as “epic” as those that hike way down to the river, but nonetheless the steep climbing is easily worth the fantastic views of the eastern section of the Grand Canyon – and it’s typically less crowded, too!
Getting there
To get to the Grandview Trailhead, from Grand Canyon Village drive along route 64 East towards Dessert View. Within 11.0mi there will be a signed turnoff for Grandview Point. Here you will find limited parking and pit toilets, however no water!
About
| When to do | Spring and Fall, avoid summer heat |
| Backcountry Campsites | Yes, permits required |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Grandview Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Grandview Trail Description
The Grandview Trail begins to descend to the right of the scenic viewpoint. For the first few switchbacks it will most likely be relatively crowded — typically by people with tripods trying to get a better shot. By the third or fourth switchback, however, the crowds really die down. This trail is far less travelled than the Bright Angel orthe Kaibab trail.
Once considered to be the best way down to the river, the path now has a few scary sections. There are several spots with steep, unguarded cliffs right beside the trail. Coupled with the trail’s steepness and the slick cobblestones that it’s composed of, this hike may be a bit precarious for some.
You will switchback down the face of the canyon for a few hundred meters, then veer right and go around a few points. These all offer fantastic views almost all the way to the Colorado River.
The first half of the Grandview Trail (approximately the first 3/5 of the elevation change) has pretty good shade coverage for most of the day. However, as you round the final bend and hike out along the side of one of the canyons, the shade disappears. Coupled with the lack of water, this can make the last section of the hike miserable. It doesn’t have to be, however, if you hike early and bring plenty of water to drink (and to pour on yourself).
Visible early on in the hike, Horseshoe Mesa is the plateau that juts out into the canyon. It was once a mine, though with falling copper prices and the pure difficulty of bringing it to the rim, it was quickly shut down. Those who started the mine wisely switched to the obvious tourism potential of the Grand Canyon instead! The remnants of one of the shacks that assisted in the operation of the tiny mine still remain, however.
The last three quarters of a mile on the trail are the least steep, leading out towards the mesa itself. Upon arrival, there will be several signs for other paths leading down to the Colorado River, and other trans-canyon trails. Follow the signs for Horseshoe Mesa and within a few minutes you will be at your destination. There is only minimal shade to be found while resting for the way up!
Find even more great hikes in Grand Canyon National Park:
Insider Hints
Leave early to avoid descending and ascending the last section in direct sunlight.
There is a backcountry campground at Horseshoe Mesa, offering a great place for a first backpack trip! Talk to the people at the backcountry office for more information.
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Suzy TQ 4 years ago
We found this trail quite demanding, especially the first part. The views are just amazing and some of the best you’ll see in the South Rim.
RockJumper 4 years ago
Grandview is a steep and challenging half day hike, with some difficult sections but with the fantastic views, It's really worth it.
Grace Wilk. 4 years ago
Really nice and challenging trail in Grand Canyon. Not so much crowd. The views are stunning!
TwoBoots 4 years ago
A set of superb panoramic views. Challenging but beautiful and uncrowded.
Anabelle Clyde 4 years ago
The view from the top of the south rim brought tears to my eyes.
Sina f. 5 years ago
Very windy trail. Lots of dust particles in the air but pretty cool views.
Caitlin F. 5 years ago
Very nice trail. There were some dangerous sections so better pay attention!
Lisa M. 5 years ago
Great challenging trail. Finished 2 chicken sandwich during the hike.
mandywheel 5 years ago
It's a truly wonderful hike. It gives breathtaking views of the eastern section of the park. Definitely recommended.
Wyatt Thomas 5 years ago
Grandview Trail was an enjoyable hike, definitely glad to be an early riser to avoid the hottest part of the day.