Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail
Table of contents
Route Description for Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail
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.
Getting to the Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Horseshoe Mesa Loop via Grandview Trail is on South Rim Drive on the Grandview Point access road.Route Information
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 Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!