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Cape Solitude Hike A Multi-Day Hike from Desert View and Back - Grand Canyon National Park

Location: North of Desert View / Grand Canyon National Park - Use Area SA9, Navajo Reservation
Geological Formations: Kaibab, Toroweap Formations
Other Attractions: Dramatic overviews of the Colorado River and the Chuar Valley region in Eastern Grand Canyon from the Palisades, the lower gorge of the Little Colorado River and beyond into the Painted Desert. Several archeological and historic sites including still well preserved ruins of a stone cabin, an agave roasting pit and a Navajo hogan.
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate hiking from Desert View and back along a closed jeep trail across the scrubby, gully carved erosion surface of the Kaibab Formation atop the Coconino Plateau to reach Cape Solitude above the confluence of the Little Colorado and Colorado Rivers. This area is dry and remote but suitable for 2-4 day hikes by intermediate to advanced Canyoneers during cool weather.
Access: Hike southwest on the highway from Desert View to about 1/8 mile past the entrance to Desert View Campground, then head southeast at the turn off to the district ranger station, just before you reach the east entry station to the park. Follow the dirt road past the ranger station and sewage disposal ponds until you reach the fork about 2 3/4 miles from the highway, and take the northbound (left) branch, which is closed to all but hikers. Take the southbound (right) branch to go to Cedar Mountain instead of Cape Solitude.
USGS 7.5 Minute Arizona Topo Maps: Desert View, Cape Solitude, Salt Canyon, Blue Spring

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