Tonto Trail, Hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
Tonto Trail is a 95-mile hiking trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, running from Garnet Canyon to Red Canyon along the Tonto Platform, the bench between the inner gorge and the upper canyon. It crosses the South Bass, Boucher, Hermit, Monument, Bright Angel, South Kaibab and New Hance trails.
The Tonto Trail is a modern route rather than an ancient one: it was laid out and is maintained by the National Park Service as a connecting path across the Tonto Platform, the bench between the inner gorge and the upper canyon. It links older rim-to-river routes such as the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, Hermit and Grandview trails, and its two ends at Garnet Canyon and Red Canyon tie into the Royal Arch Route and the Escalante Route. Hikers can still see the historic Hermit Trail's stonework where the Tonto meets it.
The Tonto Trail is a route through the Grand Canyon backcountry rather than a heritage path; its name comes from the Tonto Platform, the bench it follows between the inner gorge and the upper canyon. Hikers cross side canyons such as Hermit Creek, Monument Creek and Boucher Creek, where spur trails of about 1.5 miles lead to designated riverside campsites. Overnight use is regulated by the National Park Service through backcountry use areas and permits.
A permit is needed for overnight stays, and hikers must bring sufficient water as natural sources are limited and require treatment before drinking. It is wise to prepare for long hiking days and to watch weather conditions.
The path connects with several other trails such as South Bass and Boucher, allowing hikers to create different loop routes within the canyon system. Experienced hikers use these connections to plan longer and more varied journeys.
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