Tonto Trail (Grand Canyon)

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The Tonto Trail is a transcanyon route that crosses the Tonto Platform approximately 3900 ft (1200m) below the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The trail is unique because it does not descend from rim to river but runs parallel to the course of the River Colorado. With a length of 95 miles (150 km), the Tonto Trail is usually done as a multi-day trek, broken down into several sections.

Be aware that the trail is a rough wilderness route. The major part of it unmaintained, not signed and reliable water sources are extremely rare. However, don't be intimidated by these conditions because on the other hand the Tonto Trail offers an unbeatable perspective on the Grand Canyon's geological magic off the beaten track and far away from the notorious "Rim Trail Tourists".

Below is a suggestion how to approach the trail in eight sections. Depending on the hiker's physical condition, some of the sections can of course be merged:

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Section 1:
Bass Trailhead to Bass Rapid (7.8 miles/12.6 km)

Section 2:
Bass Rapids to Serpentine Canyon (3.7 miles/6 km)

Section 3:
Serpentine Canyon to Turquoise Canyon (10.5 miles/17 km)

Section 4:
Turquoise Canyon to Slate Canyon (9.3 miles/15 km)

Section 5:
Slate Canyon to Boucher Rapids (4.9 miles/7.9 km)

Section 6:
Boucher Rapids to Hermit Camp (7.5 miles/12 km)

Section 7:
Hermit Camp to Horn Creek (11.9 miles/19.2 km)

Section 8:
Horn Creek to Grand Canyon Village (7.5 miles/12 km)