- Hike the Hermit Trail to see historic parts of Grand Canyon National Park
- 15.2 miles (typically a two to three day backpacking adventure)
- A strenuous hike with 3,800 feet of elevation gain
- The Hermit Trail trailhead is .25 miles southwest of Hermit’s Rest
- Bring plenty of water for summer hiking
Overview
To really experience Grand Canyon, the Hermit Trail is the place to go. A challenging route, only experienced hikers should attempt this 15.2-mile trail, allowing at least three days to survey this richly rewarding area below the south rim. You can hike to Hermit Creek on the section of trail created by the Santa Fe Railroad, then carry on to see the Hermit Rapids on the Colorado River.
Trailhead
Take the shuttle bus from Grand Canyon Village, following the Hermit Road to .25 miles southwest of Hermit’s Rest.
Details
- Distance – 15.2 miles
- Average Time of Hike – 5 to 6 hours to Hermit Creek; 6 to 7 hours to Hermit Rapids; return trip 7 to 8 hours
- Elevation Gain – 3,800 feet
- Difficulty – Strenuous
- Trail Type – Out and back
Plan & Prepare
When planning a hike in the summer, you should ensure you bring water and wear a hat. After you leave Lookout Point and start to descend, there’s no shade and the summer heat can be brutal. In winter sections of the trail can be iced up, and at the top section it is very steep as well, so you should use caution.
There are a number of hazards you should be aware of, such as sudden storms, flash flooding, rocks falling and extreme heat. At the Colorado River, the water is extremely cold and can cause hypothermia.
