The Royal Arch Loop is perhaps the most technical section of the Tonto Trail accessible from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is also the only part that is done in a loop, starting and finishing at the same trailhead. Access is via 25 mile dirt/jeep road – poorly maintained in section and required $25 entrance fee to the indian reservation – if they only bother to stand at the gate. Completing the loop requires a 20 ft. rappel and climbing over and under boulders and circumventing various other obstacles. The reward however is more than worth the trouble.
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View of the Grand Canyon from the Esplanade Trail -
Linda and Kai on the trail getting around the 200 ft. pour-off along the Royal Arch Canyon -
Linda and Kai on the trail along the Royal Arch Canyon -
Linda and Kai on a section of the Tonto Trail after climbing out of the Royal Arch Canyon -
Linda and Kai on a section of the Tonto Trail after climbing out of the Royal Arch Canyon -
Linda at Elves Chasm -
Elves Chasm -
Linda at Elves Chasm -
Linda at Elves Chasm -
Linda at Elves Chasm -
The Colorado River, brown with sediments, and the north canyon -
Kai on the Tonto trail between Copper and Bass Canyons -
Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus on the Tonto trail near the South Bass Junction -
Me at Elves Chasm, image by Linda
Beautiful pictures of a great place
Superb photos Ron! I enjoyed them very much. And thank you for showing your patience with me.
Thanks Effie. It was a great trip.