Grandview Trail to Coconino Saddle
A short but very steep descent on a historic mining trail to the unsigned Coconino Saddle.
Route overview
Descend the Grandview Trail to the unsigned Coconino Saddle and return.
Grandview Trail immediately descends large rock steps beside extreme drop-offs. Coconino Saddle is only 1.1 miles from the rim but demands careful footing and a strenuous return. The route is rougher and more exposed than the maintained corridor trails.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Distance
- 3.5 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 2–4 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- approximately 305 m on return
- Best season
- Spring and autumn; NPS identifies the saddle as the recommended summer day-hike limit
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No for day hiking
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Extreme drop-offs, large steps, no water, ice and difficult self-rescue
Highlights
Grandview Point, historic mining trail, Coconino Saddle, eastern canyon views
Why find a buddy
Valuable for identifying the unsigned turnaround and managing exposed, uneven steps conservatively.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.