Tonto Trail: New Hance to Grandview

Have a long weekend? Hike a section of the Tonto Trail in the Grand Canyon

Link this section of the Tonto Trail with the New Hance and Grandview trails for a 3-day Grand Canyon backpacking trip.

This three-day backpacking trip requires a backcountry permit. Need help figuring out how to get one? We can help

Be sure to ask the Backcountry Office for the most recent water source reports before starting your hike — springs are few and far between and may be dry in hot weather.

Hike the Tonto Trail: New Hance to Grandview

Starting from the New Hance Trail on the South Rim, hike all the way down to the Colorado River. From there you can hike the Tonto Trail in either direction, but the following describes the route starting at Hance Rapid and traveling west toward the Grandview Trail.

Leaving Hance Rapid

On the banks of the Colorado River near Hance Rapid, several footpaths lead downstream. Choose one and walk along the beach for about a quarter of a mile before starting the climb up the red Supergroup slopes. The route up and through the Hakatai Shale is rough and rocky. Keep an eye out for cairns. In another mile, the trail turns south and works its way back into Mineral Canyon. Cross the dry creekbed, and continue up the other side through the Tapeats Sandstone.

When you reach the Tonto bench around 3 miles, the trail flattens out and contours around the rock promontory called Ayer Point. Though weaving in and out of small gully is a bit tedious, relatively easy walking continues as you traverse into and out of Hance Creek.

Around 7 miles, the Tonto Trail splits. To hike out on the Grandview Trail, stay left and begin the steep climb up to Horseshoe Mesa. The other branch of the Tonto Trail continues west contouring around the bottom of the mesa.

As you ascend the Redwall Limestone, the trail is steep, exposed, and rough. Mining relics sit along the side of the trail, hinting at the Last Chance Copper Mine on Horseshoe Mesa that operated in the late 1800s. Be sure to take the short detour (signed) to the delightful Page Spring (formerly called Miner’s Spring). Ferns line the back of this lush alcove, and water drips into a small pool.

Towards the top, the trail crosses an interesting quartz vein. Just past this, you crest the top of Horseshoe Mesa and intersect the Grandview Trail.

Hike out on the Grandview Trail

From Horseshoe Mesa, you have less than 3 miles of climbing to reach the South Rim. See more details in the Grandview trail guide.

Directions

Since this section of the Tonto Trail starts 5,000 feet below the rim, driving to the trailhead is not an option. You must get there by foot. See the New Hance and Grandview trails for more information.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1: Hike down New Hance, camp at river (BD9)
Day 2: Hike the Tonto Trail west and camp at Hance Creek (BE9) or Horseshoe Mesa (BF5)
Day 3: Hike out via Grandview Trail

Need help figuring out permits? We can help