Plateau Point

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.

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