Grandview Trail

A rocky trail leads down into the depths of Grand Canyon along the side of a steep slope.

Grandview Trail is a 6-mile roundtrip into the Grand Canyon on terrain steeper and more exposed than the park's premier routes. Built by copper miners over 100 years ago, this rocky, stepped descent demands expert canyon fitness and unflinching grit. You'll face extreme pitch, cliff-edge exposure, zero water sources, and conditions that injure hikers annually. Only experienced desert hikers with strong ankles, fear management, and 3-4 liters of water need apply.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 6
Route Type: Out-and-back to Horseshoe Mesa
Difficulty Level: Strenuous / Expert only
Elevation Gain Feet: 2500

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 6
Route Type: Out-and-back to Horseshoe Mesa
Difficulty Level: Strenuous / Expert only
Elevation Gain Feet: 2500
Estimated Time: 6-9 hours
Trail Surface: Rocky, stepped (historic log cribs and cobblestone construction). Big steps and extreme pitches. Ledges are sloping and demand caution when wet or icy.
Trail Features: Historic copper mine trail
Horseshoe Mesa campground
Coconino Saddle overlook
Canyon vistas
Mining artifacts and structures
Rocky switchbacks
Cliff-edge exposure
Hance Creek valley views
Trail Highlights: Historic copper mining route with dramatic canyon access. Horseshoe Mesa offers 360-degree views and protected camping; Coconino Saddle (2.2 mi) is a safe exposure checkpoint.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Grandview Point, Desert View Drive, South Rim
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle. Self-drive to Grandview Point via Desert View Drive (23 miles from South Rim Village).

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: Day hiking requires no permit. Camping below the rim requires a backcountry permit. Horseshoe Mesa (BF5) has 3 small group sites and 1 large group site in designated areas with vault toilets. Apply at nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm or in person at Backcountry Information Center.
Fees: $35 Entrance - Private Vehicle; $30 Motorcycle; $20 per person (bicyclists, hikers, pedestrians). Valid 7 days. Non-US residents aged 16+ pay additional $100 nonresident fee.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Winter ice (December-March) makes upper sections hazardous. Summer heat (July-September) poses dehydration and heat stroke risk. Monsoon storms July-September can produce violent lightning.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No drinking water to Horseshoe Mesa. Springs below the mesa are unreliable. Page Spring contains high arsenic levels. Assume dry; carry 3-4 liters minimum. Filter/treat any water you find below the mesa.
Accessibility: Extremely rocky and stepped with big steps and extreme pitches throughout. Exposed terrain demands surefootedness and fear management. Not wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for those with vertigo or mobility limitations.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Extreme exposure
Steep drop-offs (potential fatal falls)
Winter ice on upper sections
No water sources
Loose/eroded rock
Landslides (2005 event removed historic cribs)
Dehydration risk
Heat exhaustion in summer
Monsoon lightning July-September
Hazard Details: Vertical cliff sections with historic log cribs chained to cliff face create exposure comparable to climbing. Falls could be catastrophic. Winter ice conceals hazardous passages—hard ice is common December-March. Trail eroded in sections; loose rock and ankle-rolling steps throughout. Landslides in 2005 removed sections of historic cribs. Summer heat exceeds 100°F with zero shade. NPS data confirms several accidents annually result in serious injury or death on this trail.
Best Season: April-May (spring) and October-November (fall)
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6 AM in April-May or October-November when temps are cool and ice is absent. Avoid July-September (100°F+ heat and monsoon lightning). Skip December-March (hard ice on exposed sections). Eat and hydrate constantly; energy balance is critical on the way out.
Tips Advice: Carry minimum 3-4 liters of water; springs below Horseshoe Mesa are unreliable or contain arsenic. Filter/treat any water you find.
Bring trekking poles for the rocky descent; your knees will thank you.
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and light long sleeves; sun exposure is total and relentless.
Carry a detailed topo map (USGS Cape Royal/Grandview Point quads); trail is marked but eroded.
Eat high-calorie/salt snacks constantly; canyon hiking burns 2x normal calories.
Avoid hiking 10 AM–4 PM in summer; this is when heat stroke kills.
Make a detailed trip plan, tell someone your route, and check in when you return.
Bring Over-the-Shoe traction devices in winter; ice is hard and deadly.

More details

Park Area: South Rim, Desert View Drive
Trail Markers: Trail is eroded in sections; some portions lack signs or markers. Carry a detailed topographic map. Bring a compass.
Shade Level: Full sun exposure. No shade on the exposed ridge and switchback sections. Hat and sunscreen mandatory.
Emergency Contacts: Backcountry Information Center (call ahead for trail updates and water status). Emergency: 911. Consult rangers before descending.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: December-March (winter ice hazard on upper sections)
Insider Tips: Coconino Saddle (2.2 mi roundtrip) is a safe checkpoint to test your fitness and exposure tolerance before committing to Horseshoe Mesa.
No signs at junctions; consult your map constantly.
Historic mining artifacts are federally protected archaeological resources; do not touch or remove.
The Cave of the Domes is closed to protect roosting bats.
Mice and ravens will loot your pack at campsites; use animal-proof food containers.
Summer hiking 10 AM–4 PM is when heat kills; start pre-dawn.
Springs below Horseshoe Mesa are seasonal and unreliable; do not count on them.
Recent Updates: 2005 landslides removed several historic log cribs from upper sections. Trail crews restored passage but not the historical wooden structures. Trail remains open as of 2026.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for families with young children. No water, extreme heat, steep drop-offs, and no guardrails. Older teens with backcountry experience and strong ankles may manage the Coconino Saddle checkpoint (2.2 miles roundtrip) with an experienced adult guide.
Nearby Facilities: Backcountry Information Center at South Rim Village (permits, maps, water refill, ranger consultation). Desert View Market & Deli (23 miles via scenic drive). Desert View Campground (23 miles). Nearest reliable water: South Rim Village.
Review Summary: Experienced desert hikers report the exposure and rocky terrain deliver serious grit and self-doubt—especially on the descent with tired legs. Most note the combination of no water, extreme pitch, and exposure is unforgiving. Hikers who underestimate the difficulty often turn back at Coconino Saddle; those who push to Horseshoe Mesa report deep satisfaction but acknowledge the mental and physical toll.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How hard is this compared to other Grand Canyon trails?

Harder. NPS official data says Grandview's conditions are more difficult than Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and Hermit trails combined. Expect loose rock, extreme exposure, and big steps.

Can I do this if I'm fit but haven't hiked in the canyon before?

No. This is not a first-time-in-the-canyon hike. Do Bright Angel or South Kaibab first to test your canyon fitness and acclimate. Grandview will still be there.

What if I just do Coconino Saddle (2.2 miles)?

Smart. This is the exposure checkpoint for experienced desert hikers. Doable in 2-4 hours. Gives you canyon views and lets you bail if the terrain feels wrong.

Is the water situation really that bad?

Yes. Zero drinking water to Horseshoe Mesa. Springs below are unreliable or contain arsenic. Carry 3-4 liters minimum; assume dry.

Do I need a permit for a day hike?

No permit for day hiking. Camping at Horseshoe Mesa requires a backcountry permit; apply at nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm or Backcountry Information Center.

What kills people on this trail?

Dehydration and heat exhaustion in summer; winter ice in upper sections. Most accidents happen when hikers ignore heat/hydration warnings or underestimate exposure. The trail causes serious injuries or death annually.