New Hance Trail is a colorful hike through Red Canyon to the Colorado River. This trail is considered one of the more difficult trails in the Grand Canyon and is a challenge only prepared hikers should accept.

Hikers can expect to hike 9 miles out and back on New Hance Trail. Parking is available at Moran Point, and the trailhead can be found by walking west from the parking lot.

New Hance Trail’s difficulty stems from the steepness of the trail and from the lack of water sources along the trail. Hikers should bring plenty of water with them as well as filters for river water at the end of the trail. It is a steep climb down into the canyon and back up with over a 4,500-foot elevation change. It is recommended that the hike be taken in the spring or fall as there is not much shade and summer temperatures are high.

The trail is washed out and very rocky in some places. The hike forces hikers to climb down and up using both arms and legs in some places. Hikers can expect to spend some time climbing and some time walking as they hike on New Hance Trail.

Once the trail reaches the Colorado River the hike can be extended by hiking along Tonto Trail by the River. Most hikers camp in the primitive campsites near New Hance Trail and finish the hike over a couple days. The trail can be hiked in one day, about 8 hours of hiking, if hikers are prepared with plenty of supplies and give themselves ample time to rest.

The primitive campsites can be found in several places along New Hance Trail. These sites can be found mid-canyon near Redwall, where the trail descends into Red Canyon, and upriver from the trail at the Colorado River. These primitive campsites are for experienced campers and backpackers.

New Hance Trail is a challenging hike with open, stunning views. The cliffs of Red Canyon have colorful layers of history that have been revealed by the rushing Colorado River. This hike is a wonderful, challenging addition to any Grand Canyon visit.