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Spectacular views of Pipe Cr. Canyon, Granite Gorge & Monument Canyon reward Plateau Point visitors


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Map Key

1.5

Miles

2.4

KM

Point to Point

3,787' 1,154 m

High

3,696' 1,126 m

Low

102' 31 m

Up

93' 28 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

Description

The 1.5 mile long Plateau Point Trail itself is not strenuous, but if you want to reach the breathtaking viewpoint as a day trip from the rim, the whole adventure is 12 miles round trip via the Plateau Point from the South Rim Trail.

The Plateau Point Trail starts from the north end of Indian Garden, just past the ranger station and mule corrals. Head west on the Plateau Point Trail, crossing Garden Creek and leaving the shade behind. Contour around a series of ravines and across a parched plateau formed by Tapeats sandstone. There is no shade here, instead the mostly level desert landscape is covered by cacti and scrub.

At the fork junction with the West Tonto Trail take a right, heading northeast. From here it is a nearly straight shot to the viewpoint, ascending gently across the Tonto Platform. Pass a water tank and mule hitching post to reach a flat top rock and viewing platform. Take in the amazing views and see if you can spy rafters braving Horn Rapid (so called by the two huge protruding rocks at the beginning of the rapid, making this an easy place to get stuck).

Keep kids away from the edge! Mules are allowed on this trail so beware of their droppings.

Flora & Fauna

Prickly pear cactus, California condor, deer, bighorn sheep.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 7 votes

#9

in South Rim

#7080

Overall
  4.6 from 7 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
43%
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Trail Rankings

#9

in South Rim

#178

in Arizona

#7,080

Overall
34 Views Last Month
4,516 Since Jun 15, 2015
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Photos

To the NNE, Bright Angel Creek Canyon beyond.
Jan 15, 2016 near Grand C…, AZ
View from Plateau Point.
Jun 11, 2016 near Grand C…, AZ
The sun sets on Zoroaster Temple.
Jun 29, 2017 near Grand C…, AZ
The Raven at Plateau Point.
May 22, 2018 near Grand C…, AZ
Sunset at Plateau Point is not to be missed!
Jun 27, 2022 near Grand C…, AZ
West view of Plateau Point.
May 22, 2018 near Grand C…, AZ

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