Shoshone Point Route
Vital Statistics
Mileages
Approximately 4 miles from rim to the Tonto trail
Maps
15 minute Bright Angel Quadrangle
7.5 minute Phantom Ranch Quadrangle
Elevations
7240’ to 3600’
Trailhead Access
Shoshone Point. The road is closed in winter so plan on one extra mile.
Trail Description
From the lookout at Shoshone Point a steep chute can be seen to the east. Leave Shoshone Point here and work your way to the bottom of the chute where it cliffs out. A traverse to the right leads to a spot where it can climb down through the Toroweap. Traverse left along the base of this cliff to the ridge and walk down this to the top of the Coconino. The Coconino is steep, exposed, intimidating and is the crux of this route. The route stays near the ridge till near the bottom of the Coconino. The first several steps on the ridge are climbed directly. The next step is the most difficult. A short pinnacle can be seen on the left side of the ridge. Start down a crack on the left side of the ridge about 30 feet from the crest. This leads to a ledge with a tree and it is easy to reach the pinnacle. Directly below this pinnacle notch is a steep crack/chimney which can be slid down. An exposed move back to the right brings you back to the ridge crest. From here descend a gully on the right side of the ridge until it ends in the final cliffs in Coconino. A long traverse to the right leads to a last downclimb. Traverse back left along the base of theses cliffs to the gentle ridge leading toward Newton Butte. (Don’t be misled by the ridge to Lyell Butte). Continue along this ridge to the saddle just south of Newton through the Supai to this and then descend through the Redwall via a gully on the north side of this into Cremation. There are several dropoffs here but if you made it this far you should have not problems. The east fork of Cremation is easy to the Tonto Plateau.
Water Sources
None.
Campsites
Newton Butte and Cremation Canyon.
Special Interest
This is a steep, exposed, demanding and intimidating route and only for those with technical climbing abilities. A rope is highly recommended for belays. Routefinding is often a problem and the only cairns are near the bottom of the Coconino where you least need them. Shoshone Point is not really suitable for backpacking and makes a long day hike to the Tonto and return on the Kaibab Trail.
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From the grca bro archives
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