Guided Grandview Trail backpacking

Grandview Loop Adventure

  • Location: Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
  • Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Season: March – May, September – November
  • Price and dates: coming soon

A rugged eastern canyon loop featuring historic mining trails, expansive Tonto Plateau traverses, hidden creek corridors, and dramatic Colorado River scenery.

Approximate mileage: 30–34 miles. Route: Grandview Trail → Cottonwood Creek → Hance Creek → Hance Rapids → Grandview Trail Exit.

Trip highlights

  • Historic Grandview mining trail
  • Horseshoe Mesa traverse
  • Tonto Plateau remote backcountry
  • Hance Rapids on the Colorado River

Itinerary

  1. Descent via Grandview Trail to Cottonwood Creek Guests meet at the Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center at 8:00 AM before caravanning to the Grandview Trailhead. Guests must have their own vehicles. The historic Grandview Trail descends steeply through dramatic canyon layers and exposed switchbacks originally constructed by miners in the late 1800s. The route passes Horseshoe Mesa before continuing deeper into the canyon toward Cottonwood Creek. Camp is established at Cottonwood Campground beneath towering canyon walls.
  2. Traverse Across the Tonto Plateau to Hance Creek The route follows sections of the Tonto Trail westward through expansive desert terrain with sweeping views across the inner canyon. This quieter stretch of trail offers a remote backcountry experience far from the busier corridor routes. Camp is established at Hance Creek for a two-night stay beneath cottonwood trees.
  3. Hance Rapids Exploration Day Guests spend the day exploring farther down canyon toward Hance Rapids and the Colorado River corridor. This lighter day allows additional time to photograph, explore, and experience one of the canyon's most dramatic river environments.
  4. Climb Out via Grandview Trail The final day begins early for the climb back up the historic Grandview Trail. The ascent offers constantly changing canyon views and a final opportunity to appreciate the immense terrain traveled throughout the adventure.

Included

  • Professional licensed guides
  • Backcountry permits
  • Group camping gear & cooking equipment
  • Three meals per day on trail

Not included

  • Personal backpacking pack & sleeping system
  • Personal vehicle to trailhead
  • Lodging before & after the trip
  • Gratuities
  • Park entrance fees

Meeting point

Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center, 8:00 AM (personal vehicle required to reach trailhead)

Trail maps for this trip