Grand Canyon-area hidden gem: Vishnu Trail
Whether hiked as an inspirational appetizer, warm-up walk or add-on trek while exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon near Tusayan, the Vishnu Trail is a quick and easy diversion with tantalizing views and opportunities to engage with the Arizona Trail.
The hike begins directly under the Grandview Lookout Tower, where the well-marked path heads north through wildlife-rich pine-oak woodlands and shrubby enclaves. After roughly a quarter-mile, glimpses of the hazy, russet chasm begin to appear through the trees.
As the trail progresses to its overlook spur, scenic vistas unwrap like unexpected gifts that surprise and thrill.
A metal gate marks the threshold to the best sights of the hike. Beyond the gate, canyon vistas take center stage, culminating at a boulder ledge above a sea of piñon and ponderosa pines that creeps up to the colorfully layered walls of the canyon.
Trail highlight: View of Vishnu Temple
Views of dramatic rock formations, fog-veiled depths and the distant highlands of the Kaibab Plateau tease the imagination and seed ambitions for more canyon hiking. Seasoned Grand Canyon hikers might find these peek-aboo vistas underwhelming, but for firsttimers or those who appreciate alternate points of view, they are stunning.
The prominent cone-shaped formation in the mid-ground is 7,829-foot Vishnu Temple. Named for the Hindu god who protects the universe, the majestic landmark is one of the highest points in the gorge’s east end.
But the ooh-ahh photo opps don’t end here. To the southeast, an imposing, elongated landform marks the convergence of the Coconino Plateau, the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers and the pastel flatlands of the Painted Desert.
Don’t skip the mistletoe area
To complete the loop, backtrack to the spur junction and follow the return leg to where it connects with Passage 36 of the Arizona Trail and the Dwarf Mistletoe Interpretive Area. Head left here for a short walk outfitted with educational signs that provide information on the invasive parasite, forest health, plants and wildlife.
This worthwhile diversion adds just under a mile to the trek. For a longer option, continue hiking south on the Arizona Trail through thick woodlands of Kaibab National Forest that hover above expansive desert plains.
This 4.7-mile section is also referred to as the Coconino Rim Trail. Replete with scenic viewpoints, the shaded, easy stretch gives a tiny taste of the 800-mile route that runs north-south through the state from Mexico to Utah.
Fire lookout tower and cabin
Back at the trailhead, gird your acrophobia and check out the Grandview Lookout. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, the 80-foot-tall tower capped with a seven-foot-square metal cab soars above the trees at the lip of the canyon. When a forest service worker is on duty and not engaged with a fire incident, visitors are welcome to climb the narrow, creaky stairs for predictably grand views.
Nearby, a cozy two-room cabin, also built in 1936, serves as home base for the lookout workers and adjacent camping spots allow hikers to pitch a tent and hang out for a few days of adventure.
Vishnu Trail/Coconino Rim Trail
Length: Vishnu Trail: 1.1-mile loop (2 miles with the interpretive trail). Coconino Rim Trail: 9.7 miles out and back. Rating: Easy.
Elevation: 7,400-7,529 feet. Getting there: From U.S. 64 in Tusayan, turn right on Forest Road 302, which is just past the traffic circle when entering town from the south. Go 14.1 miles east on FR 302 to FR 310, turn left and continue 1.3 miles to the trailhead at the tower. Forest roads are good dirt/ gravel suitable for passenger vehicles. There’s a vault toilet at the trailhead.