The Grand Canyon’s Hidden Gem Trail

Best Hidden Trails of the Seventh World Wonder

When hiking the Grand Canyon, many people tend to follow the major tourist’s trails that are the most popular, which causes everyone to merge on the same the routes and see the same views of the seventh world wonder. But little to their knowledge, there is a path that leads to some of the biggest and most fabulous views of the Grand Canyon, called the Vishnu Trail.

The Vishnu Trail begins under the Grandview Lookout Tower, following the pine-oak woodlands for a quarter-mile until there are glimpses of the Grand Canyon through the pine-oak trees. Continuing through the route, more scenic views will come about as the Grand Canyon magically opens up before your very eyes. Magically appearing in one’s perception are all the dramatic rock formations, distant plateaus, and the vast depths of the Grand Canyon. In the distance, you’ll see one of the significant landmarks of the Canyon, the Vishnu Temple. Named after the Hindu god who protects the universe, it’s 7,829-foot cone-shaped formation of rock, which is one of the highest points in the gorge’s east end. The magnificent views don’t end there; if you look southeast of the Vishnu Temple, you’ll see Coconino Plateau, the flatlands of the Painted Desert, and the Little Colorado and Colorado Rivers. The Vishnu Trail is an excellent trail for anybody wanting a simple hike and seeing many of the fantastic views the Grand Canyon has to offer.

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.