Cottonwood Creek

This infrequently utilized trail is another way to connect the Horseshoe Mesa Area to the East Tonto trail. From the approximate mid-point of the Grandview Trail, near the Horseshoe Mesa campsites, head west and downhill through several switchbacks. This descent off the mesa has two very steep sections before reaching Cottonwood Creek itself. Here there is more vegetation and some shade. After crossing the wash, the trail stays on the western bank of the creek on a more gentle gradient until intersecting with the East Tonto where Tonto crosses Cottonwood Creek.

There are reports of runners continuing the rest of the way down to the Colorado River following the Cottonwood Creek drainage, but this is ONLY for people with canyoneering skills and equipment. There are 3 dropoffs that must be bypassed involving steep scrambles on loose rock above exposed cliffsides.