Hiking the Hermit Trail, Grand Canyon • James Kaiser

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Hiking Grand Canyon’s Hermit Trail

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 18.6 miles, round-trip
Hiking Time: 2-3 Days
Elevation Change: 4,240 feet

Although less famous than the popular Bright Angel Trail, the Hermit trail is one of the South Rim’s best hikes. Departing from Hermits Rest, it treats hikers to spectacular western vistas as it descends to the Colorado River in two steep drops. Though unmaintained, the Hermit Trail is generally in good condition with a few tricky but manageable washouts.

Hermit Trail elevation graph — Hermit Trail Elevation Graph

Day hikers can head 2.5 miles to Santa Maria Spring (5–8 hours, round-trip). The Hermit Trail ends along the banks of the Colorado River next to Hermit Rapid—one of the most thrilling rapids in Grand Canyon. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of river runners hooting and hollering as they barrel through the waves.

Backpackers must camp at designated campsites at either Hermit Creek Campsite (located just west of the Hermit Trail along the Tonto Trail) or at Hermit Rapid.

Trailhead The Hermit Trail starts west of Hermits Rest at the end of Hermit Road. Overnight hikers can park at the trailhead (you’ll be given a code to open the gate to Hermit Road); day hikers can ride the free shuttle to Hermits Rest.