Grandview Trail, AZ :: Grandview to Yaki Point

[LuckyPierre]

Several friends and I who are seasoned Grand Canyon hikers (though not in the last 25 years) need some guidance about a Grandview to Yaki Point hike planned for October. Specifically, if none of the drainages and springs are running and October temps are normal, how much water should we carry? We also plan a detour down the Old Grandview Trail (OGV) to the river so any advice on that leg is welcome too. Two other questions: has anyone tried fishing at the bottom of the OGV and, for geezers in good shape, how many days for a leisurely hike given water availability--we're thinking four days/three nights.
Thanks,
Lucky

[toddak]

That route is around 32 miles total. The OGV trail down to the river is steep but fairly easy to follow. No idea about fishing at the bottom. Number of days and how much water to carry are very subjective, your pace and fitness and the weather conditions during your hike are something you'll have to determine. At that time of year you can probably count on water in Cottonwood and Grapevine Creeks.

[LuckyPierre]

@toddak Thanks much!

[nonot]

There is no reliable water between Grapevine and Yaki, though Lonetree may have water. Grapevine will often have water although if it hasn't rained in months it could take some searching. I would suggest checking the backcountry desk water report a week or so before your trip.

4 days seems reasonable for your itinerary for experienced canyon backpackers. However, if you haven't backpacked in 25 years then I think you are going to be hurting plenty after the first day and should plan to be slow on days 2-4.

[LuckyPierre]

@nonot
Thanks!

[hikeaz]

@LuckyPierre
If time allows, I would plan on at least 5 days... reason being is that exploring up and down the drainages along the Tonto can be lots of fun and you will see some amazing sights, too. Especially UP Grapevine and DOWN Cottonwood from the Tonto crossing.

If you go in late October when it is cooler, it is sometimes nice to camp on the Tonto level and have some early sun and/or expansive views rather than camping back in the side canyons.

I would bet that there will be water @ Lonetree SPRING, which is not at the trail crossing, but about 10/15 minutes downcanyon, creek right.
There is always water at Grapevine, generally at the trail crossing but if you head up-canyon 20/30 min or so, you can have a swim. In fact look for a ram skull on creek right LDC and you can work your way up-and-around the longest pool to continue up-canyon without swimming.

Our illustrious GCBCO folk have moved the westernmost camp area on your route back to Cremation's west arm- this is a hardship camp at best. Sometimes water will hang around down in the bedrock of the upper narrows of this western arm, just down-canyon from the Tonto crossing (unreliable at best).

[LuckyPierre]

@hikeaz Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I like the 5 day and side canyon suggestions And will get them in front of the brain trust.
Lucky