Backpacking: Horseshoe Mesa
$1055
per person
Grand Views and Pioneer History.
Explore mining ruins and historic trails!
Built by one of the canyon’s earliest pioneer prospectors, the Grandview Trail was established to provide access to a productive copper mine in the 1890s. This is our route to the appropriately named Horseshoe Mesa, the arms of which jut far out into the canyon. We will set up base camp on the mesa and spend our time exploring the region with lighter day packs.
Ruins of the nearby Last Chance Copper Mine beckon us to investigate. We will peer into the dark recesses of abandoned mine shafts, examine old equipment and buildings, and reflect on the backbreaking labor that went into this crude operation.
Don’t let the shorter distances on this trip fool you. The hike is physically challenging. Though a lot of work went into developing the trail more than a century ago, it is considered primitive by today’s standards. The path is narrow and steep with areas of heights exposure that may prove challenging for some. The reward for our efforts is solitude and unmatched vistas!
Be sure to click the tabs above for additional trip details and information.
Trip Type: Backpacking
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 8-14 miles
Origin: Flagstaff, AZ
Cost: 2024 – $1,055 | 2025 – $1,105
Difficulty: 
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Solitude: 
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Questions? Send us an email or give us a call at 928-251-3000
| Unbelievable vistas | Towering canyon walls | Hike to the river |
| Wildflowers | Starlit skies | Historic trails |
| Desert oasis camping | Pioneer history |
Horseshoe Mesa |
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Departure/Return Location
Flagstaff, AZ
From our gallery
Tour Plan
1
DAY 1
- Shuttle to South Rim: 1.5 hours
- Hiking distance: 3 miles
- Elevation loss: 2,500’
- Destination: Horseshoe Mesa
2
DAY 2
- Hiking distance: Up to 6 mile day-hike
- Elevation change: Up to 1,500’
3
DAY 3
- Hiking distance: 3 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,500’
- Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5 hours
DETAILS
What we provide
- A professional guide with wilderness medical training and a passion for the biblical message of the canyon
- All necessary equipment: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, crampons/microspikes in winter
- All cooking and eating equipment: bowls, cups, utensils
- Seven meals, starting with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day, all prepared by your guide (We can generally accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.)
- Snacks
- Entrance fees and backcountry permits
- A complimentary copy of Your Guide to the Grand Canyon, an excellent book on the geology of the Grand Canyon from a creation perspective
- Emergency equipment: first-aid kit and satellite phone
What we do not provide
- Transportation to and from Flagstaff
- Lodging before or after the scheduled dates of your trip
- Clothing, including raingear and footwear
- Personal items, including toiletries and sunscreen
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
- Headlamp or flashlight
What you should bring
- Clothing: we will provide a detailed list of recommended items when you register
- Toiletries, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Water bottles
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Personal items such as a Bible, book, writing or sketching materials
- Camera
LOGISTICS
Meeting location
The evening before your trip we will meet for orientation at a convenient location in Flagstaff. The following morning we will pick you up at a predetermined location for the shuttle trip to the South Rim.Orientation
The orientation is an important time of preparation for our journey. We will check all equipment for proper fit, review important safety information, and discuss logistics. We will also examine some important passages of scripture to set the stage for what we will be seeing over the coming days.Starting and ending time
At orientation, your guide will inform you of your start time for the next morning. This may vary depending upon several factors, but we generally will get started on the first day between 5 am and 7 am.
End time will also vary based upon hiking speed, weather conditions, and other factors. We will typically be back to the rim on the final day by mid-afternoon.
Safety
It is impossible to eliminate all risk from any outdoor adventure. The Grand Canyon, in particular, is an extreme environment with many opportunities for illness and injury. Our guides are all certified Wilderness First Responders, which means they have gone through intensive training to prepare for a wide variety of emergency scenarios in a backcountry context. If you have specific questions about safety, medical conditions, or fitness requirements, please give us a call.Group size
A typical trip will consist of up to 5 guests and 1 guide. Larger groups of up to 9 guests can be accommodated, but may require more advanced planning.Age restrictions
Children must be at least 12 years old to participate in most backpacking trips. This may be negotiable for private trips or in special circumstances. Please contact us with any questions regarding this restriction.Weather
Temperatures vary greatly at the Grand Canyon, and popular weather apps can often be misleading. When looking up a weather forecast, be careful to determine whether your source is providing information for the top of the canyon or the bottom; it is not always clear at first glance. The temperature at the bottom of the canyon is typically 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than at the top.
When you register, we will provide a list of recommended clothing, and your guide will address season-specific weather expectations with you ahead of time.
For detailed weather information, please visit the park service’s weather page: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/weather-condition.htm
Travel
Flagstaff is the closest large town to the Grand Canyon and offers many hotels if needed, as well as outfitter shops for last-minute gear purchases. The drive from Flagstaff to the canyon is approximately 1.5 hours. An airport is available in Flagstaff; however, many guests find it more economical to fly into Phoenix.
From the Phoenix airport, you can rent a car and drive approximately 2 hours to Flagstaff. Alternatively, Groome Transportation offers daily shuttle service from the Phoenix airport to Flagstaff and from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.
