Horseshoe Mesa
Guided Backpacking Trips
3 Days, 2 Nights 14MI / 23KM
Trip Highlights
If you’re interested in experiencing the wilder side of the Grand Canyon and only have a couple of days or a long weekend to fit it in, this backpacking tour is for you! Starting down the famous Grandview Trail, you will be astonished at the beautiful views of this unique and breathtaking part of the Canyon. This route descends a hiking trail built by one of the Grand Canyon’s most famous miners, Pete Berry, in the late 1800s. His amazing, well-built trail winds its way for three miles down unlikely slopes and cliffs before ending at Horseshoe Mesa and the ancient Last Chance Mine. Once at the mesa, we’ll hike to the edge of the Mesa which extends into the Canyon like the deck of a battleship. The second day features a stunning hike down to Cottonwood Creek, a year-round water source and an incredible desert oasis to explore. The third day sees us hiking back to the South Rim and the Grandview Trailhead.
Important: It is strongly recommended to book your Grand Canyon backpacking trip 5 months in advance due to the Park’s permit system. Backpacking permits are issued on the first of the month 4+ months in advance (see deadlines for each month.) Permits for the most popular trips sell out very quickly during the initial lottery, so registering prior to the deadline of the month you’re interested in is highly beneficial. You can also pick any dates!
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Astounding Views
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Desert Oases
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Mining History & Ruins
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Moderate Distances
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Great Family Trip
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Dramatic Night Skies
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
3 Days, 2 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 7 mi -
Group Size
1-9 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip follows a mix of well maintained and more rugged trails with significant exposure in places, and significant elevation gain/loss. As a 3-day trip our backpacks are moderate weight, hiking distances are moderate, and the second day is with just light daypacks.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to the South Rim: 2-hour drive from Flagstaff
Hiking Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,500 feet
This Grand Canyon backpacking trip begins with a hike down the Grandview Trail to our destination for two nights, Horseshoe Mesa. We hike along a historic Native American route rebuilt by Pete Berry for his Last Chance copper mine. Pete Berry and partners staked the Last Chance claim in 1890 and worked the mine on and off until 1916. The legacy of Grand Canyon mining is abundant here as we explore the remains of the Last Chance mine. Mine shafts and relics are everywhere, as are the walls of Pete Barry’s cabin, and the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: up to 7 miles day hiking
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1000+ feet
The second day will be a layover day to hike and explore Horseshoe Mesa. Your guide will hike the group out to the edge of the mesa to appreciate the incredible views into the Inner Gorge of the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River flows a whopping 2,500 feet below us (that’s nearly double the height of the Sears Tower)! We’ll also hike to Miner’s Spring, where we’ll enjoy more mining ruins and a lush oasis in the Grand Canyon desert. The hike to the spring descends an exciting series of exposed switchbacks with incredible views. We’ll also have the option of heading to Cottonwood Creek, where more exciting hiking exists descending a beautiful canyon to a desert oasis.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Shuttle to Flagstaff: 2-hour drive from the South Rim
A casual morning and delicious breakfast will precede our hike back to the South Rim on the Grandview Trail. Those interested will also have the opportunity to explore some of the previously mentioned features that may not have been seen the day before. We’ll top off at the Grandview Trailhead and say fond farewells to the Grand Canyon before driving back to Flagstaff.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
Scroll horizontally to view all dates
Pre-Permit Trip Dates
| Start | End | |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Apr 2, 2026 | Sat, Apr 4, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Sun, Apr 12, 2026 | Tue, Apr 14, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Wed, Apr 15, 2026 | Fri, Apr 17, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Sun, Apr 19, 2026 | Tue, Apr 21, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Sun, Apr 26, 2026 | Tue, Apr 28, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Thu, Apr 30, 2026 | Sat, May 2, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Start | End | |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, May 1, 2026 | Sun, May 3, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Wed, May 13, 2026 | Fri, May 15, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Start | End | |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Sep 16, 2026 | Fri, Sep 18, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Wed, Sep 23, 2026 | Fri, Sep 25, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Sat, Sep 26, 2026 | Mon, Sep 28, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Start | End | |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | Sat, Oct 3, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Sat, Oct 3, 2026 | Mon, Oct 5, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Wed, Oct 7, 2026 | Fri, Oct 9, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | Mon, Oct 19, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Wed, Oct 21, 2026 | Fri, Oct 23, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Tue, Oct 27, 2026 | Thu, Oct 29, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Start | End | |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Nov 3, 2026 | Thu, Nov 5, 2026 | Request Reservation |
| Wed, Nov 11, 2026 | Fri, Nov 13, 2026 | Request Reservation |
What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles and Microspike Crampons if necessary
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona to the Grand Canyon and back
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Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees and wilderness permits
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Grand Canyon
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
Tent Camping
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
Fresh & Delicious
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
In the Action
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
Unless we tell you otherwise, you will meet your guide and group at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff (use this reservation page for a 10-60% discount at Little America) for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. We’re happy to give you a ride to this meeting if you’re not staying at Little America, but staying at one of our other recommended hotels. Your guide will then pick you up at your hotel the next morning for transport to the trailhead. For Private Grand Canyon Tours your guide will meet you at your hotel in Flagstaff at an agreed upon time.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Flagstaff
WHY WE BASE IN FLAGSTAFF VS. PHOENIX
- Reduced drive time by 3 hours on first day of hiking
- Guide support is only an hour away vs. 4-5 hours away in Phoenix.
- Increased flexibility with unforeseen circumstances
- Flagstaff is a scenic mountain town with great hiking and restaurants!
Groome Shuttle
Groome Transportation operates an Arizona Shuttle that makes 9 dependable trips daily each direction between Phoenix and Flagstaff. The duration is 2.5-3 hours. They pickup/drop off at Sky Harbor Airport and the Metro Center in Phoenix, and in Flagstaff at the Amtrak Station (near downtown) and the NAU campus.
Note: Groome also offers daily transportation (3 trips in each direction) from Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
CAR RENTAL
Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix has a fantastic car rental facility that is easily accessible and hosts a great variety of companies. We recommend checking Priceline.com as well for especially good deals.
ARIZONA EXECUTIVE TRANSPORT
Arizona Executive Transport offers private, reliable SUV service between Phoenix and Flagstaff. This option is best if you’re traveling in a group of 3 or 4. As Wildland Trekking guests, your one-way cost for up to 4 passengers is only $275. Simply type “Wildland Trekking Company” in the Discount Code Box at the bottom of the online registration page. You can go to http://www.arizonaexecutivellc.com to make your reservations online.
Pre and Post-Trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Flagstaff, Arizona as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 4 and 7 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 8 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Devon T
7 months agoAmazing Experience!
This was my first backpacking trip. Our guide, Dani, made this the trip of a lifetime! The food she prepared was delicious and the knowledge she shared regarding the Canyon’s history and wildlife will not soon be forgotten!
Sarah M
2 years agoThis is a trip we will never forget
This trip was amazing. It was beyond anything I could have imagined. The Canyon was mesmerizing in its beauty and I could have stared at it forever. If you ahve the opportunity to go below the rim, do it. This was a hard hike, but well worth it. Chris Young was our guide and he was phenomenal! He is incredibly knowledgeable about the Canyon, backpacking and traveling and was enthusiastic in sharing all he has learned. He kept our minds engaged with fun trivia during difficult parts, which was a neat trick. We have never met someone so passionate and enthusiastic about their job. He has a fantastic balance of patience while pushing and encouraging his guests. And we can't forget about the meals! Chris made absolutely amazing meals that blew our minds. His meals were creative and delicious; from salmon pesto pasta to a whole charcuterie board. we were never disappointed. Thank you Chris and thank you Wildland. This is a trip we will never forget
Eric H
2 years agoVery physically demanding but rewarding.
Great experience. The trail is exhilarating and physically challenging but our guide made it a great t experience through his knowledge and support.
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