Near Tonto Trail West
Near Tonto Trail West
Near Tonto Trail West
Near Tonto Trail West
Near Tonto Trail West

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Hike Route

Tonto Trail West

No rating
Grand Canyon, Arizona
46.5
mi
Distance
8,135
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
ViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
46.47mi
Distance
8,135ft
Elevation Gain
7,707ft
Elevation Loss
80%
Max Grade
3,824ft
High Point
2,659ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Tonto Trail West is a 46.4-mile point-to-point section of the 95-mile Tonto Trail (accessing the Tonto Trail requires an additional 7.5 mile hike via the South Bass Trail). Located within Grand Canyon National Park, the trail traverses across the Tonto Plateau from the junction of the South Bass Trail to the junction with the Bright Angel Trail. The Tonto Trail follows a singletrack trail across a gently rolling terrain. The trail dips in and out of canyon drainages, and across plateaus with incredible views of the Colorado River. Hiking along the Tonto Plateau is an exciting adventure like no other, with awe-inspiring canyon views, expansive lookouts, and a chance to camp underneath a star filled desert sky. Every step of the way, you will view a breathtaking landscape as you hike across a plateau rich in cultural and geological history. The Tonto Trail is very exposed and best explored in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. The springtime is especially beautiful with the chance to see the trail lined with colorful wildflowers. This is a journey that must be explored to full grasp the epic beauty. For more information and planning resources please contact the national park: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm .ACCESS TRAILS TO THE SOUTH RIM: South Bass Trail, Boucher Trail, Hermit Trail, Monument Trail, Bright Angel Trail. ACCESS TRAILS TO THE COLORADO RIVER: Bright Angel Trail. WATERAll water must be treated. Common reliable water sources include: Hermit Creek, Monument Creek, and Garden Creek.CAMPINGBackcountry camping is allowed with an appropriate backcountry permit. For more information regarding camping and permits, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/backcountry-information-center.htm TRANSPORTATIONParking is available at the South Bass Trailhead and the Bright Angel Trailhead. For more information about shuttles please visit: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Lani Advokat