East of Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trail are several other overlooks along the South Rim Drive before the next hiking path into the canyon - Grandview Trail, which begins at Grandview Point, reached by a short spur road. This 7,400 foot promontory has fine views in all directions over many side ravines and cliffs around the Colorado River. The narrow, unmaintained trail is quite popular, especially for the first half mile or so but rather fewer people progress further.
Maps: Grandview Trail topographic map, South Rim location map.
Photographs: 6 views of the Grandview Trail.
Overview: After 3.2 miles and a descent of 2,600 feet the Grandview Trail reaches a plateau beneath Horseshoe Mesa, location of several old mine workings. From here, three separate branches lead further into the main canyon, each intersecting different parts of the Tonto Trail which follows east-west above the river for over 100 miles. There is no easy route down to the Colorado until the New Hance Trail, 8 miles further east, but the 3 paths allow for a loop hike around the mesa and there is a steep, difficult way to reach the river by climbing down Cottonwood Canyon, west of the mesa. The following description is for the hike to the plateau, which takes from 3.5 hours, there and back.
The Trail: The trail is consistently steep for the first mile, curving round the end of several small ridges and down via many switchbacks to a point between the head of a canyon leading west (Grapevine Creek) and a window in the cliffs allowing views eastwards over upper Hance Creek. Here a multilingual notice warns of the dangers of proceeding further if not adequately prepared. Beyond, the path is still steep and becomes gradually less shaded by trees, while following beneath a long sandstone ridge. Landslides have made some parts of the path rather precarious and further rock falls seem likely. Much of the foundations and supports of the path are unaltered since its construction in 1890, by a copper prospector named Peter Berry.
Horseshoe Mesa: The gradient becomes less over a long straight section through the Supai Formation as the path approaches the flat area on the south side of Horseshoe Mesa. A 40 site primitive camping site is available for those on overnight trips. The plateau to the left falls away to the canyon formed by Cottonwood Creek and one branch of the trail descends here, while to the east, the land is more steep and another branch switchbacks down the side of Hance Creek past Page Spring, a pretty tree-lined location and a reliable source of water. Around here is a mine shaft and various pieces of old rusting equipment.
Rocks: Relics on the plateau include an old stone cabin, several mine shafts and assorted machinery. In some places the rocks exhibit interesting colors, in places bright turquoise - evidence of the copper ore that was excavated in this area at the end of the nineteenth century. Further up the path are many small bands of chalcedony, the same mineral that is found in petrified wood.
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Grandview Trail
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Unmaintained path from Grandview Point that descends a steep ridge to Horseshoe Mesa, site of some old copper mines and primitive camping areas; great views up and down the canyon
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Length: 3 miles
Elevation change: 2,600 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous; no water sources along the trail
Type: One way; meets the Tonto Trail for continuation hikes east or west
Usage: Light to moderate
Season: Accessible all year but the upper section may be snow-covered in winter
Trailhead: Grandview Point, half way along the East Rim Drive; 35.997235,-111.987891
Rating (1-5): 
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