Grandview Trail to Coconino Saddle
Grandview Trail to Coconino Saddle is a very steep historic mining trail descending through the Kaibab and Coconino layers to a saddle with wide inner-canyon views. The mileage matters, but the real character of the route comes from high stone steps, narrow switchbacks, loose rock, steep exposure, and rough unmaintained tread. Plan the entire outing—parking, trailhead preparation, movement time, breaks, changing conditions, and the return—rather than treating the destination as the only part of the hike.
The details below turn the route into a usable day plan. They explain the trailhead, major landmarks, permits, likely trouble points, pace, gear, and a shorter objective. Operating rules and conditions can change, so compare the plan with the managing agency's current alert before leaving for Grandview Point on Desert View Drive.
The above image of Grandview Trail to Coconino Saddle was generated and may not accurately represent what it currently looks like.
Trail Conditions and Effort
The route is best understood as out and back, with high stone steps, narrow switchbacks, loose rock, steep exposure, and rough unmaintained tread. Those details affect speed, footwear, balance, water use, and whether every member of the group can complete the same movement on the return. A short trail with chains, deep sand, submerged rocks, ice, or steep stone steps can require more judgment than a longer smooth path.
Route walkthrough
Trailhead and First Section
Descend steep historic stonework immediately below Grandview Point. Pause at the end of this stage to compare actual time, water use, weather, and group condition with the plan. Confirm the next junction before moving, because a familiar-looking trail or a line of footprints can lead away from the intended route.
Main Route
Negotiate large steps and loose switchbacks through the upper rock layers. Pause at the end of this stage to compare actual time, water use, weather, and group condition with the plan. Confirm the next junction before moving, because a familiar-looking trail or a line of footprints can lead away from the intended route.
Turnaround and Return
Stop at Coconino Saddle and preserve most of the day’s energy and water for the climb out. Pause at the end of this stage to compare actual time, water use, weather, and group condition with the plan. Confirm the next junction before moving, because a familiar-looking trail or a line of footprints can lead away from the intended route.
Trailhead access and arrival
The trail starts at Grandview Point. Parking is limited, winter ice is common near the rim, and there is no water on the route.
The starting point is Grandview Point on Desert View Drive. Save the trailhead, route map, and permit proof offline. Arrive with enough time to solve a full lot or shuttle wait without rushing. Never invent roadside parking, cross a closed gate, or start late because the drive was longer than expected. A full access point is a reason to use the backup route selected at home.
Permit, services, and current rules
No backcountry permit is normally required for a same-day hike; overnight use requires a permit.
Plan for the Return Trip
Outward leg
Return leg
Coconino Saddle is the fixed endpoint for this guide. Turn around earlier if the rough descent takes longer than planned or conditions reduce traction. The return can be uphill, hotter, darker, more crowded, harder on tired knees, or slower through water and loose ground. Keep food, water, attention, and daylight in reserve. Make the turnaround decision before anyone is depleted enough to argue for continuing.
Season, weather, and daily timing
Hazards to manage deliberately
The main concerns are loose rock, high steps, exposure, ice, heat, no water, and a return climb that is much slower than the descent. Name the hazards before starting so every person understands what would trigger a turnaround.
- Footing: Slow down on wet rock, loose stone, roots, sand, snow, ice, or submerged surfaces. Use poles or traction only when practiced and appropriate.
- Weather: Leave ridges, open summits, river corridors, and slot canyons before storms arrive. Thunder, rapidly rising water, or sudden wind is an action signal.
- Heat and cold: Protect skin, carry layers, and watch for headache, nausea, confusion, shivering, or declining coordination. Do not wait for collapse.
- Navigation: Confirm every important junction on the return. Crowds, footprints, and a phone dot are not substitutes for an offline map.
- Wildlife: Give animals space, secure food, control pets where allowed, and follow local bear, bison, goat, snake, or nesting-season guidance.
- Group management: Stay together, place a capable adult at the rear, and never leave a struggling person alone so others can reach the destination.
What to carry
- Official route map, offline navigation, charged phone, cable, and backup battery.
- Enough water for the full route, current conditions, and an unexpected delay.
- Food for the planned time plus a reserve portion kept for the return.
- Weather layers, rain or wind shell, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and dry insulation where needed.
- Headlamp, first aid, blister care, personal medication, whistle, and emergency shelter.
- Footwear and route-specific equipment for high stone steps, narrow switchbacks, loose rock, steep exposure, and rough unmaintained tread.
Who should choose another hike
Leave enough margin to handle the part of the day that was not in the itinerary.
Frequently asked planning questions
How hard is Grandview Trail to Coconino Saddle?
The common rating is Strenuous, but practical difficulty depends on high stone steps, narrow switchbacks, loose rock, steep exposure, and rough unmaintained tread, weather, altitude, water, crowding, and the group's pace. Use the numbers and terrain together.
How early should I start?
Is there a shorter version?
Coconino Saddle is the fixed endpoint for this guide. Turn around earlier if the rough descent takes longer than planned or conditions reduce traction.