Arizona · Hiking

Hance Creek Trail

Hance Creek TrailPhoto: niklas.tenhaef1, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
2.9 mi
round trip
3,053 ft
climb
4,991 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Clear today

Weather is good · OpenWeather · checked 1 h ago

Is Hance Creek Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Canyon National Park. It doesn't name Hance Creek Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · Grand Canyon National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Hance Creek Trail is a hard hike in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, managed by the National Park Service. It is an out-and-back route of about 2.9 miles, with a total elevation gain of about 3,050 feet. The trail starts at roughly 4,947 feet and climbs to a high point of about 4,991 feet, then descends back to the starting point. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.5 miles in, with a grade of about 46 percent. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically May and September. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 77°F, while July and August bring the most wet days. That station sits about 1,600 feet higher than the trail, so temperatures on the trail run warmer. A fee is charged for the hike, and bikes are not allowed. Plan for about 2.5 hours on the trail. The Cottonwood Creek Trail and the Horseshoe Mesa East Trail both start within a quarter mile. Moran Point, a climbing area, is about 3 miles away, and Hull Cabin, a campground, is about 3.8 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Hance Creek Trail

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      44° / 16°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      47° / 17°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      55° / 22°

      6 wet

    4. Apr

      61° / 25°

      5 wet

    5. May

      71° / 32°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 38°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 49°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 49°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 40°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 30°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 21°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      44° / 14°

      6 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Grand Canyon Np Ap, AZ, 11.2 mi away at 6,606 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Cottonwood Creek TrailPhoto: niklas.tenhaef1, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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Horseshoe Mesa East TrailPhoto: niklas.tenhaef1, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors