Grand Enchantment Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Andrew Ruiz on Unsplash

Grand Enchantment Trail

50 days · 770.1 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance770.1 mi
Days out50
Elevation gain117,703 ft
Gain / mile153 ft
High point10,735 ft

What the Grand Enchantment Trail is known for

1225 km (761 mi) from the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix to the Sandia foothills of Albuquerque, linking Arizona and New Mexico sky islands, canyons, and high desert on trail, two-track, and cross-country legs. A 50-day (or 45-60 day) expedition route for experienced desert hikers.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Grand Enchantment Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 5,866 ft to 34,390 ft over 770.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 281.8 mi · 37%
  • Downhill 254.2 mi · 33%
  • Flat 234.1 mi · 30%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How much elevation gain is on the Grand Enchantment Trail?

The Grand Enchantment Trail climbs roughly 117,703 ft total — about 153 ft per mile, topping out near 10,735 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the Grand Enchantment Trail Plan Free →