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| | S. Kaibab Tonto Grandview Loop, AZ | | | |
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S. Kaibab Tonto Grandview Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 28.00 Miles |
5,200 AEG |
| | Hiking | 28.00 Miles | | | |
| 5,200 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I decided it was time to hike the Tonto between S. Kaibab and Grandview despite lacking a shuttle, which would force me to do a ~7 mile road walk back to my car parked near S. Kaibab TH. Best choice ever, and probably my favorite day in the Canyon.
I got an early start and did the entirety of the S. Kaibab down to the Tonto in the dark. While I've gone up that trail plenty in the daylight, I don't think I've gone down it during the day more than once. Not fair to that beautiful trail, but I always find a reason for an early start.
Part of leaving early was reading some trail descriptions that indicated the Tonto could be challenging between Grandview and Kaibab, with route finding sometimes tough. With some very minor exceptions easily solved by RouteScout, I didn't find that to be the case.
The weather was perfect and the trail serene for the duration of the Tonto. I passed two groups of tents early enough that my footfall probably ruined their well-earned rest (sorry!).
While route finding wasn't an issue, the east side of Grapevine has some angled, thin, and exposed trail that had me pleased I had trekking poles. Long way down!
There was no water on the trail until Cottonwood, but you could have hiked down Grapevine to water if needed. Given cool temps, I only drank about 2.5 liters between Kaibab and Cottonwood, and had water to spare upon arrival. Cottonwood was flowing nicely.
Rather than going up Cottonwood to get to the Mesa, I continued around south to take that trail up Grandview.
The view up from Horseshoe Mesa knocked my socks off. Just magical. For views alone, Grandview would be my new favorite trail in the park were it not for how damned steep that ascent is. Cut a guy some slack!
Once at the top, I steeled myself for what I knew was going to be a dreary and cold road walk. And it was for about the first 2.5 miles when a trail angel stopped and offered me a ride. Thank you, wonderful lady in the (self-described) hippie bus! |
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Grapevine Creek |
Dry |
Dry |
| | | Dry at the Tonto crossing. Could see water further downstream. Continued on to Cottonwood for good flow. | | _____________________
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