Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa
A serious full-day descent on the historic Grandview Trail to broad Horseshoe Mesa.
Route overview
Descend Grandview Trail through Coconino Saddle to Horseshoe Mesa and return to Grandview Point.
Horseshoe Mesa is reached after three steep miles on one of the South Rim's roughest established trails. The route loses 2,500 feet through exposed mining-era construction and provides no drinking water. It is significantly harder than Bright Angel, South Kaibab and Hermit Trail alternatives and is intended for experienced desert hikers.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Distance
- 9.7 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 6–9 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- approximately 762 m on return
- Best season
- Cool months and mild shoulder-season weather
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No for a day hike; camping requires a backcountry permit
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
No water, extreme drop-offs, rough trail, heat, ice, arsenic in spring water and delayed rescue
Highlights
Horseshoe Mesa, historic Last Chance Mine landscape, eastern Grand Canyon panorama
Why find a buddy
Demands partners with comparable desert experience, pace, exposure tolerance and self-rescue judgment.
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.