Hiking the Grand Canyon: Grandview to New Hance

We began our 4-day hike at the Grand Canyon at the Grandview Trailhead. We had to set up a shuttle since our end-point was further away, so we got a little later start. However, the weather was mild and we weren’t worried about beating the heat. The Grandview Trail descends about 2,500 feet in 3 miles to Horseshoe Mesa. The trail is well maintained featuring a cobblestone arrangement of rock on parts of the trail. After arriving at Horseshoe Mesa, we took the first right on the Tonto Trail towards Page Springs. There are old mines here and I remembered venturing inside one years ago. This time, the mines featured a sturdy metal gate and exploring wasn’t possible. The trail was rough in places and took some careful footing. We found Page Springs soon enough although it only had a small trickle of water and a puddle of cool clear water. We weren’t sure that Hance Creek would have water, so we filled up a couple liters at Page Springs. The trail “flattened” out, so to speak, as it wiggled it’s way towards Hance Creek. The sun was shaded behind the canyon walls as we arrived to Hance Creek. It was late afternoon and we spent some time exploring down Hance Creek enjoying the fall cottonwood trees and amazing reflections in the creek. There was water available and we re-filled our bottles for cooking and for hiking the next day. The night was chilly and the moon was bright. I especially noticed how the moon lit up the canyon walls beneath a star filled night.

We awoke to a calm clear morning and took our time with breakfast and watching the sun light up the canyon. The hike to Hance Creek was just under six miles and we planned to hike six and a half miles to New Hance Rapids for the next two nights before climbing out through Red Canyon (also known as New Hance Trail). We found where the Tonto Trail continued and followed it’s meandering course to the river. The first view of the Colorado River was spectacular! The trail descended through massive boulders and down the last layer of the Grand Canyon to the sand dunes below New Hance Rapids. We found some shade and cooled off in the freezing river.

Our third day in the Grand Canyon was a day to “rest.” I watched the sunrise from above our camp area near the New Hance Rapids and was rewarded with amazing reflections on the river. Later, we decided to explore up river to find the 75-mile canyon (an impressive slot canyon). We followed the trail along the river, and then scampered up a rock slide to a cliff above the river, and then back down again for another stretch along the river to the slot canyon. It was nearly 3 miles away! So much for a day to rest…. The views were unmatched and well worth the trek to see the slot canyon.

I was able to spend some quiet time making a few plein air paintings with a small oil paint set I packed in. It was a joy to try to capture the impression of these amazing views with paint!

The final day of our hike was dedicated to making it out of the Grand Canyon via the Red Canyon trail. The first 2 miles were along the wash where we met some obstacles to navigate around like huge boulders. We found the trail at the final water hole and found it hard to believe that the trail would take us up this steep terrain. The trail was relentless, full of rough spots and rock falls. The trail was steep and swift. We were mostly in the cool shade and made good time, completing the hike out in about 5 hours. Here is a slide show of photos from the hike. Enjoy!