Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
8,241.00 ft (2,511.86 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
46.40 mi (74.67 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Tonto Trail West is a 46.4-mile point-to-point section of the 95-mile Tonto Trail (accessing the Tonto Trail requires an additional 7.5 mile hike via the South Bass Trail). Located within Grand Canyon National Park, the trail traverses across the Tonto Plateau from the junction of the South Bass Trail to the junction with the Bright Angel Trail. 

The Tonto Trail follows a singletrack trail across a gently rolling terrain. The trail dips in and out of canyon drainages, and across plateaus with incredible views of the Colorado River. Hiking along the Tonto Plateau is an exciting adventure like no other, with awe-inspiring canyon views, expansive lookouts, and a chance to camp underneath a star filled desert sky. Every step of the way, you will view a breathtaking landscape as you hike across a plateau rich in cultural and geological history. 

The Tonto Trail is very exposed and best explored in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. The springtime is especially beautiful with the chance to see the trail lined with colorful wildflowers. This is a journey that must be explored to full grasp the epic beauty. For more information and planning resources please contact the national park: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm .

ACCESS TRAILS TO THE SOUTH RIM: South Bass Trail, Boucher Trail, Hermit Trail, Monument Trail, Bright Angel Trail. 

ACCESS TRAILS TO THE COLORADO RIVER: Bright Angel Trail. 

WATER
All water must be treated. Common reliable water sources include: Hermit Creek, Monument Creek, and Garden Creek.

CAMPING
Backcountry camping is allowed with an appropriate backcountry permit. For more information regarding camping and permits, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/backcountry-information-center.htm 

TRANSPORTATION
Parking is available at the South Bass Trailhead and the Bright Angel Trailhead. For more information about shuttles please visit: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

4

Pros

Wildflowers. Canyon Views. Singletrack Trail.

Cons

Difficult Water access. Exposed.

Trailhead Elevation

3,223.00 ft (982.37 m)

Highest point

3,887.00 ft (1,184.76 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Historically significant
Geologically significant
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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