Hance Creek Spring

Hance Creek sits deep in the inner canyon below Horseshoe Mesa, reached by descending the Grandview Trail and continuing down through Hance Canyon or via the Tonto Trail. It's one of the more reliable perennial water sources in this stretch of the backcountry, which is why a dispersed at-large campsite has grown up along its banks — a rare patch of shade under cottonwoods in a landscape that otherwise offers none.

Getting there and what to know

• Access is a strenuous below-the-rim hike, not a rim-side stroll — expect steep, rocky trail and significant elevation loss on the way in (and a hard climb back out).
• The creek itself is generally a dependable source, but nearby Page Spring (also called Miner's Spring) carries elevated arsenic levels and is not recommended for drinking — treat and rely on the creek instead.
• This is backcountry terrain: no facilities, no shade until you reach the creek, and full summer heat exposure for most of the approach.

Hance Creek use area (BE9) is designated for at-large camping under Grand Canyon National Park's backcountry permit system, making it a common overnight stop for hikers linking the Grandview and Tonto Trails.