Grand Canyon National Park
Hermit Trail
The Grand Canyon's most remote corridor trail - a steep, rugged descent through the western canyon to the Colorado River
Distance
9 mi / 18 mi RT
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation
4,300 ft
Best Season
Oct-Apr
Trail Overview
The Hermit Trail is the Grand Canyon's most remote and least-maintained corridor trail. Unlike the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails, which are heavily used and well-maintained, the Hermit Trail sees a fraction of the traffic and receives less frequent maintenance. The result is a rugged, steep, and challenging route that rewards experienced hikers with solitude and spectacular western canyon views.
The trail descends 4,300 feet in 9 miles from Hermit Rest on the South Rim to the Colorado River. The trail is steep and rough, with sections of loose rock, steep switchbacks, and exposed ledges. There is no water on the trail until you reach the river, and the trail is not suitable for mule traffic - this is a foot-only route.
This is a trail for experienced hikers who want to escape the crowds and experience the Grand Canyon's western reaches. The trail is remote, the descent is steep, and the return climb is brutal. But the views are exceptional, and the solitude is unmatched.
Trail Milestones
| Mile | Elevation | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 6,780 ft | Trailhead - Hermit Rest (shuttle access only) |
| 1.5 | 5,800 ft | Waldron Trail junction - steep descent begins |
| 3.0 | 5,000 ft | Dripping Springs Trail junction - seasonal water |
| 5.0 | 4,000 ft | Hermit Creek - seasonal water, camping area |
| 7.5 | 3,000 ft | Santa Maria Spring - seasonal water |
| 9.0 | 2,480 ft | Colorado River - river access, camping area |
What It's Really Like
The Hermit Trail is consistently described by hikers as "the most challenging trail I've hiked in the Grand Canyon" and "absolutely worth the effort." The trail sees a fraction of the traffic of the corridor trails, so you'll often have long stretches to yourself. The most common review refrain: "Steep, rough, and totally worth it."
The descent starts with a steep plunge through the Kaibab Limestone and Toroweap Formation. The trail is rough and rocky, with loose footing in places. The first 3 miles are the steepest, dropping over 1,700 feet. The views are spectacular - you're looking across the western canyon with views of the Hermit Basin and the distant red rock cliffs.
The middle section from Dripping Springs to Hermit Creek is where the trail levels out slightly. Hermit Creek is a popular camping area with seasonal water and a composting toilet. This is the classic overnight destination for backpackers on the Hermit Trail.
The lower canyon from Hermit Creek to the river is steep and remote. The trail drops through the inner gorge, with loose rock and steep switchbacks. The river section is remote and rarely visited - you'll likely have the river to yourself.
Insider tip from reviewers: This trail is rough and steep - bring trekking poles for the descent and be prepared for loose footing. There's no water until Hermit Creek (5 miles) and the river (9 miles). Start early (before 6 AM) and turn around at Hermit Creek if you're day-hiking. The return climb is brutal.
Day Hike vs. Overnight
Day Hike Options
- To Waldron Trail junction: 3.0 mi RT, ~1,000 ft elevation. Short warm-up with steep descent.
- To Dripping Springs junction: 6.0 mi RT, ~1,780 ft elevation. Good half-day hike. Seasonal water.
- To Hermit Creek: 10.0 mi RT, ~2,780 ft elevation. Full-day commitment. Seasonal water, composting toilet.
The NPS strongly discourages rim-to-river day hikes on this trail. The return climb is extremely dangerous in a single day.
Overnight Options
- Hermit Creek Campground: 5.0 miles in. Seasonal water. Composting toilet. Popular overnight destination.
- Colorado River campsites: 9.0 miles in. River access. Designated campsites along the river.
Overnight trips require a backcountry permit. Apply through the NPS lottery or walk-in permits.
Water & Safety
Drinking Water: There is NO water between the rim and Hermit Creek (5 miles). Hermit Creek has seasonal water (typically flowing). Santa Maria Spring (7.5 miles) has seasonal water. The Colorado River is accessible at Mile 9.0. All natural water must be filtered or treated before drinking.
Trail Condition: The Hermit Trail is the least-maintained corridor trail. Expect loose rock, steep switchbacks, and exposed ledges. The trail is not suitable for mule traffic. Trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Heat Danger: The trail has limited shade. In summer, temperatures at the bottom can exceed 120°F. Hike early (start before 6 AM), hydrate constantly, and eat salty snacks.
Emergency: No cell service on most of the trail. Composting toilet at Hermit Creek. Ranger patrols are infrequent - this is a remote trail. Consider carrying a satellite communicator.
Permits & Regulations
Day Hiking: No permit required for day hiking. Just show up and hike. Trailhead access is via the free park shuttle from Hermit Rest (private vehicles not allowed on Hermit Road).
Overnight Permits: Required for all overnight stays at Hermit Creek or along the Colorado River. Apply through the Grand Canyon backcountry permit system.
- Applications accepted beginning the 1st of the month, up to 4 months in advance
- Walk-in permits available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Backcountry Information Center
- Maximum group sizes enforced (1-6 people per party, 7-11 per group)
History & Lore
The Hermit Trail has a rich mining history. In the late 1800s, prospectors discovered copper deposits in Hermit Basin and built a trail to access the mines. The trail was later improved by the Santa Fe Railway as a tourist route to the western canyon.
The trail was never suitable for mule traffic due to its steepness and rough condition, so it remained a foot-only route. This preserved its wild character - unlike the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails, which were heavily developed for mule trains.
Today, the Hermit Trail is one of the Grand Canyon's most remote and challenging corridor trails. It's a trail for experienced hikers who want to escape the crowds and experience the western canyon in solitude.
External Resources
- NPS Hermit Trail PDF Map - Official trail brochure with elevation profile
- NPS Grand Canyon Hiking Information - Trail conditions, safety, and closures
- Grand Canyon Backcountry Permits - Apply for overnight permits
- Hermit Trail - Wikipedia - Detailed history and references
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