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A route from Horseshoe Mesa to East Tonto Trail can be extended with canyoneering to the Colorado R.


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

Point to Point

4,893' 1,491 m

High

3,682' 1,122 m

Low

13' 4 m

Up

1,224' 373 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

65%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views

Description

This infrequently utilized trail is another way to connect the Horseshoe Mesa Area to the East Tonto trail. From the approximate mid-point of the Grandview Trail, near the Horseshoe Mesa campsites, head west and downhill through several switchbacks. This descent off the mesa has two very steep sections before reaching Cottonwood Creek itself. Here there is more vegetation and some shade. After crossing the wash, the trail stays on the western bank of the creek on a more gentle gradient until intersecting with the East Tonto where Tonto crosses Cottonwood Creek.

There are reports of hikers continuing the rest of the way down to the Colorado River following the Cottonwood Creek drainage, but this is ONLY for people with canyoneering skills and equipment. There are 3 dropoffs that must be bypassed involving steep scrambles on loose rock above exposed cliffsides.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 2 votes

#26

in South Rim

#45178

Overall
  2.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#26

in South Rim

#1,285

in Arizona

#45,178

Overall
20 Views Last Month
2,034 Since Jun 22, 2015
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Photos

Looking towards Cottonwood Creek (photo by Erik Cleves Kristensen)
Jul 8, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ
View from Cottonwood Creek (photo by Erik Cleves Kristensen)
Jul 8, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ
Ruins
Oct 17, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ
Ruins
Oct 17, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ

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Check-Ins

Apr 11, 2019
Chris McCloud
Done as part of Bright Angel-Tonto-Grandview backpacking route.
Apr 10, 2019
Chris McCloud
Done as part of three day trip from Bright Angel to Grandview Point on the BA, Tonto, Cottonwood Creek, and Grandview Trails
Apr 8, 2019
Lindsey S
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