Hiking to Grand Canyon's Royal Arch
Join photographer Elias Butler on this trek to one of the Grand Canyon's hidden gems.
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The junction of the South Bass Trail and the Tonto Trail. Hikers will want to turn west here.

The photographer approaching his first camp with views of Tyndall Dome, the North Rim.

Walthenburg Rapids and the Colorado River. The Tonto Trail skirts the edge of the cliff.

Toltec Beach. Good camping here on sandy flat spots that are sometimes used by river parties.

Toltec Beach. Hikers should leave their packs here and then head downstream to see Elves Chasm.

The mouth of Royal Arch Creek, and the entrance to the grotto named Elves Chasm.

Elves Chasm. To get to this spot, hikers must head west along a cairned path from Toltec Beach.

Royal Arch, the natural bridge that marks the highlight of the loop.

A good place to camp for the lHeading out from Royal Arch.