Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail
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Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail
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The Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail is a challenging 12.2mi 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. Note that this follows a slightly different trail than the Grandview Trail Loop, so we recommend referring to a GPS track if you’re unsure which loop you’re following.
Getting there
The trailhead for the Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail is on South Rim Drive on the Grandview Point access road.
About
| 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 |
Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail
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Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail Description
The Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail 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, good nutrition, sturdy 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 then left at Hance Creek. Head around the northeastern arm of the mesa and then go right where Tonto Trail splits back to the trailhead.
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