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Rock Faults

Most of the trails and routes within the Grand Canyon take advantage of faults to descend through cliff-forming layers of rock such as the Esplanade sandstone. Faults are commonly formed when rock layers are pushed up or down and the rock fractures to allow the movement. The shattered rock erodes into ravines and slopes, creating routes through otherwise vertical cliffs.

Below the Redwall limestone gorge, Bass Canyon gradually opens up as the trail descends into the green and purple Bright Angel shale. Here, the trail stays mostly east of the bed. When the trail meets the brown, coarse Tapeats sandstone, it crosses the Tonto Trail. Turn right (east) on the Tonto Trail.

The South Bass Trail continues to the Colorado River, and is a worthwhile side trip. Of course, you can also go to the Colorado River for water.

Tip: You may find seasonal water at Bass Tanks, where the 7.5 minute topographic map shows a spring, about 0.7 mile north on the South Bass Trail.

Heading east on the Tonto Trail, you’ll quickly find that the Tonto Plateau is not as level as it appears from the South Rim. In fact, it is remarkably rough. The trail dips into shallow ravines and winds around low ridges. The Tonto Trail also frequently climbs or descends to avoid obstacles. As compensation, the route alternates between spectacular points overlooking the Granite Gorge and the Colorado River, and the towering walls of side canyons. The trail eventually rounds the northeast end of the Grand Scenic Divide and heads southwest into Serpentine Canyon, the first of many named and unnamed side canyons. Serpentine Canyon usually has water where the Tonto Trail crosses it, and if not, it’s an easy walk down the bed to the Colorado River. Serpentine Canyon, 8.4 miles from the South Bass Trailhead, makes a good first night’s camping spot for small groups.