Hiking Adventure on Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa
Hiking the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa: A Challenging yet Rewarding Adventure
The Grandview Trail, nestled within the Grand Canyon, offers a unique and challenging hiking experience for those seeking adventure. This trail, built in 1893 by miner Pete Berry and the Cameron brothers, leads to the breathtaking Horseshoe Mesa.
Preparation and Safety
To embark on this rugged journey, hikers are advised to carry essential gear. A daypack filled with at least 3 liters of water, electrolyte replacements, food with salty snacks, hiking boots or sturdy shoes, sun protection gear, layered clothing, trekking poles, a basic first aid kit, whistle, map, headlamp, and navigation aids like a GPS device are all recommended. Safety precautions emphasize physical fitness, staying on authorized trails, carrying enough water and food, avoiding proximity to cliff edges, and being aware of temperature fluctuations. An emergency plan and means of signaling are also crucial.
Trail Features
The route features steep cobbled sections and wood cribs hugging the cliffside, providing a thrilling yet challenging hike. Reliable water sources at Horseshoe Mesa can be found at Hance Creek and Page Spring (aka Miners Spring), but require a steep descent and climb back. However, it's important to note that Page Spring has high arsenic levels, and all water sources should be treated with a water filter.
Camping at Horseshoe Mesa
Overnight camping at Horseshoe Mesa is possible with 3 regular campsites, 1 large group campsite, and primitive toilets. Campers should be aware of the local wildlife, particularly ravens, which may attempt to open unattended packs.
Historical Significance
The Last Chance Mine, located at Horseshoe Mesa, was one of the only profitable mines in the Canyon and won the 1893 World's Fair's top prize for purity. The Grandview Hotel, built by Pete Berry in 1897, was once the "only first-class hotel at the Grand Canyon" and had a regular stagecoach service from Flagstaff. Unfortunately, it closed in 1913 and was torn down in 1929.
Trail Location and Recommendations
The Grandview Trail is located at Grandview Point, approximately a 15-minute drive east from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (South Rim). The trailhead is at the scenic overlook. This trail is not for the faint of heart, being the toughest and most rugged of the Grand Canyon Park Service's recommended day hikes. However, the effort is rewarded with expansive views, natural beauty, and a break from the Grand Canyon crowds.
[1] Grand Canyon National Park Service - Grandview Trail [2] National Geographic - Grandview Trail [3] AllTrails - Grandview Trail [4] Hiking the Grand Canyon - Grandview Trail [5] Outdoor Project - Grandview Trail
- Before setting off on the Grandview Trail, ensure to pack essential gear for safety, such as a map, trekking poles, a first aid kit, and adequate water and food for the challenging hike.
- Horseshoe Mesa, reached via the rugged Grandview Trail, offers camping opportunities with multiple campsites and primitive toilets, but campers should be aware of local wildlife and take necessary precautions.
- As you hike the Grandview Trail, marvel at the historical sites like the Last Chance Mine and the remains of the Grandview Hotel, both significant to the region's mining history.
- Climb the Grand Canyon's toughest and most rugged trail, the Grandview Trail, for a day hike that offers expansive views and a break from the Grand Canyon crowds, but be prepared for steep terrain and challenging sections.
- To learn more about the Grandview Trail, consult reliable resources such as the Grand Canyon National Park Service, National Geographic, AllTrails, Hiking the Grand Canyon, and Outdoor Project for detailed trail information and recommendations.
