Hermit Trail
Hermit Trail
4.5
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4.5
210 reviews
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41
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13
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0
bolkin
New York City, NY223 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We did this hike after the South Kaibab trail the previous day. We went down around 45 minutes, and did not enjoy the experience. The trail had lots of gravel (slippery when wet or snowy) and very steep smooth rocks. It was challenging, and the views we saw weren't as spectacular as the South Kaibab trail.
Written 31 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kellie Z
Scottsdale, AZ234 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
This trail is tough, even by Grand Canyon standards. I am a hiker & had a tough time with this trail. It is not maintained & there are rockslides that really can be challenging. It is well marked, but tough on your knees & ankles because of the size of rocks & steps. Be sure to allow for plenty of time. It was awesome & I would do it again, but definitely not for a novice to the Grand Canyon or anyone that is not in excellent physical condition.
Written 23 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gnohn
22 contributions
Oct 2019
My wife and I finally obtained a permit to hike the canyon after many denied requests. We had a 3 day backpacking trip down the hermit trail with 2 nights at Hermit Creek campground. Day one we hiked down the Hermit trail. The switchbacks on top are steep with many large steps to go down they can be daunting at times. We use hiking poles which are helpful. We cached water about 2 miles down at the advice from the backcountry office. The ranger said not to rely on the Santa Maria spring. However when we got there the spring was flowing at about a liter per minute. We did filter some water and refilled our containers. If we would have known the spring was flowing we would not have lugged the several extra pounds of water down the steep switchbacks. I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. The resthouse is a neat little stone structure with benches and a trail log book. We continued down the trail and after the spring there is a long traverse with very little elevation change. You start getting some great views from the different points on the trail such as lookout point and breezy point. There are switchbacks and a several hundred foot descent just above lookout point. The next big challenge is Cathedral Stairs which is an area of steep rocky switchbacks and a long descent. I enjoyed this area the most as it has some great views and I found the switchback construction amazing considering it was first created over 100 years ago. After the cathedral stairs there is a long, sustained tiring descent to the Tonto platform. I found this the least enjoyable as you are hiking on loose gravel and it is more like a desert. You soon reach the junction of the Hermit and Tonto trail. We went west and in about another hour we reached the Hermit Creek campground. The campground has about six small tent sites and one large group site. The campground is nothing fancy, but adequate and It also has composting toilets which looked to be fairly new. There is easy access to water behind the group campsite. The remainder of the day we rested, explored the Hermit creek and went in the water to cool off. It took 6 1/2 hours to reach the camp, and that is with several breaks and lots of picture taking. The days are short this time of year and by 7 PM is is dark. About 5 of the 7 sites were full the first night. Visited with hikers from all over the world.
Day 2 we slept in and went exploring the ruins of the old Hermit camp and then followed Hermit Creek down to the Colorado. There are remains of the old trail, but sometimes you just have to follow the creek bed and you eventually will end up at the river. It is brushy and slow going in places, but an enjoyable hike down to the Colorado. We spent several hours at the river having lunch and checking out the beach areas around hermit rapids. We did not see any rafting parties. The hike back up to the campground was actually easier because we seemed to be a able to stay on the actual trail more of the time. The canyon just below the campground was beautiful. Later in the day we had a visit from a backcountry ranger who was very nice. She checked our permit and gave us some hiking tips to make sure we were ready for the big climb out the next day. One person who was with a guided tour had to be taken out with a helicopter due to a knee injury sustained on the hike down.
Day 3 we arose early and had a good breakfast because we knew the hike out would be tough. We left camp in the dark as the ranger told us it was going to be hot today. We slogged through the long inclines to the foot of the cathedral stairs. I was taking it slow as I knew it was going to be a tough day. Climbing the cathedral stairs was not as bad as expected and before we knew it we were at Breezy point. We took a break and then headed up the long traverse. It is a good idea to hike this trail in the morning because the trail is on the side of the canyon wall and you can hike in the shade most of the time. Soon we were back at the resthouse and took 1/2 hour break. We continued on and picked up our water cache. Unfortunately we dumped most of it, but just used enough to wet down our shirts and hats as we were now in the bright sun. The final climb out is a BEAST with long steep switchbacks up the canyon wall. The footing is good however and often you are walking on large rock slabs. We made it to the top tired, but not exhausted and we went to get ice cream. It took 7 1/2 hours to get out and we took 2 longer rest breaks and many shorter breaks. Not bad for a late 50's couple.
A few observations.
1) If you have a gate code for hermit road make sure it is correct. We had an outdated code and it caused a lot of hassle and to have a later start than we wanted.
2) Start early and you can do most of this hike in the shade.
3) It is good to have an easier day before the day you hike out.
4) We hiked in early October and the temps were nice, but warm at the bottom. I personally would not consider this hike at all in the summer.
5) I still have not found a definitive answer to whether or not Santa Maria spring is a year round reliable water source.
6) You need to be in good physical condition and do some training before you attempt a hike like this. It is strenous, and you are basically on your own. We did encounter a ranger, but on the Hermit trail that is probably rare.
7) The trail is in basically good condition.
Day 2 we slept in and went exploring the ruins of the old Hermit camp and then followed Hermit Creek down to the Colorado. There are remains of the old trail, but sometimes you just have to follow the creek bed and you eventually will end up at the river. It is brushy and slow going in places, but an enjoyable hike down to the Colorado. We spent several hours at the river having lunch and checking out the beach areas around hermit rapids. We did not see any rafting parties. The hike back up to the campground was actually easier because we seemed to be a able to stay on the actual trail more of the time. The canyon just below the campground was beautiful. Later in the day we had a visit from a backcountry ranger who was very nice. She checked our permit and gave us some hiking tips to make sure we were ready for the big climb out the next day. One person who was with a guided tour had to be taken out with a helicopter due to a knee injury sustained on the hike down.
Day 3 we arose early and had a good breakfast because we knew the hike out would be tough. We left camp in the dark as the ranger told us it was going to be hot today. We slogged through the long inclines to the foot of the cathedral stairs. I was taking it slow as I knew it was going to be a tough day. Climbing the cathedral stairs was not as bad as expected and before we knew it we were at Breezy point. We took a break and then headed up the long traverse. It is a good idea to hike this trail in the morning because the trail is on the side of the canyon wall and you can hike in the shade most of the time. Soon we were back at the resthouse and took 1/2 hour break. We continued on and picked up our water cache. Unfortunately we dumped most of it, but just used enough to wet down our shirts and hats as we were now in the bright sun. The final climb out is a BEAST with long steep switchbacks up the canyon wall. The footing is good however and often you are walking on large rock slabs. We made it to the top tired, but not exhausted and we went to get ice cream. It took 7 1/2 hours to get out and we took 2 longer rest breaks and many shorter breaks. Not bad for a late 50's couple.
A few observations.
1) If you have a gate code for hermit road make sure it is correct. We had an outdated code and it caused a lot of hassle and to have a later start than we wanted.
2) Start early and you can do most of this hike in the shade.
3) It is good to have an easier day before the day you hike out.
4) We hiked in early October and the temps were nice, but warm at the bottom. I personally would not consider this hike at all in the summer.
5) I still have not found a definitive answer to whether or not Santa Maria spring is a year round reliable water source.
6) You need to be in good physical condition and do some training before you attempt a hike like this. It is strenous, and you are basically on your own. We did encounter a ranger, but on the Hermit trail that is probably rare.
7) The trail is in basically good condition.
Written 18 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExploreAZcouple
Glendale, AZ376 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We did a 3 day backpack here mid-October. Our trip coincided with the end of a long trail-maintenance endeavor on just below Maria Springs. The sections that were previously sketchy do to rock slides and neglect are now cleaned up nicely!
This is a TERRIFIC alternative to the busy corridor trails of N Kaibab and Bright Angel. We hiked down to the Tonto Trail intersection and then east to Monument Creek for two nights. We were one of maybe 3 sites filled each night. Almost unimaginable solitude compared to the South Rim busy-season Chaos.
Even if you are just doing a day-hike down to Maria Springs, this is a great South Rim hike to avoid the crowded corridor but still stay on a well-marked trail. That said, this hike IS NOT EASY. Your elevation change is significant and you should be in good shape to attempt it. If you're willing, able and feel like you've experienced everything the South Rim has to offer you won't be disappointed with Hermit's Rest!
This is a TERRIFIC alternative to the busy corridor trails of N Kaibab and Bright Angel. We hiked down to the Tonto Trail intersection and then east to Monument Creek for two nights. We were one of maybe 3 sites filled each night. Almost unimaginable solitude compared to the South Rim busy-season Chaos.
Even if you are just doing a day-hike down to Maria Springs, this is a great South Rim hike to avoid the crowded corridor but still stay on a well-marked trail. That said, this hike IS NOT EASY. Your elevation change is significant and you should be in good shape to attempt it. If you're willing, able and feel like you've experienced everything the South Rim has to offer you won't be disappointed with Hermit's Rest!
Written 13 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
twilite59
Salisbury, MD2 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
Just went all the way. Downhill for nearly 8 miles is brutal. Be in shape to go beyond Santa Marie springs. Brace yourself for beauty beyond description... and to feel small again. The full Hermit/Monument trail is not for the timid or the unprepared. Trails with 1000-ft drops. I trained for months and it all payed off. "Very Strenuous" is a good way to describe the trail. The trail is a no-joke, serious hike. 9 hours down and 10 hours up. Enjoy every step and every view.
Written 1 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles G
Ottawa, Canada930 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Trail is very manageable, going down or up, but still requires a certain amount of energy. Well worth it. Great views, especially of the Bright Angel Trail and those brave enough to take it on.
Written 10 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linnea H
Albuquerque, NM179 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
An unmaintained trail with good bones, fabulous views. It was a hard slog up from Hermit Creek Campsite, especially taking some of those giant steps up and over rock falls. Cathedral Stairs were just so beautiful, despite being steep, and the middle section through the red rock was spectacular and not really too hard. It was the last bit up from Santa Maria Spring that seemed it would never end! But, yes, I'd do it again.
Written 7 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edna B
Peoria, AZ118 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
Rim Trail, a meandering walk along the rim of the Grand Canyon with little elevation change, ends at Hermit's Rest where there is a souvenir shop and a snack stand. Hermit Trail is an unmaintained trail down into the Grand Canyon itself, no services, and a wonderful day hike or primitive camping experience. Overnight below the rim of the Grand Canyon requires a backcountry permit obtained from the Grand Canyon National Park's Backcountry Office. The trailhead for Hermit Trail is about two tenths of a mile beyond Hermit's Rest. The trail goes into the canyon 7 miles where it intersects the Tonto Trail, and 1.2 miles below this junction is the Hermit Creek campground, primitive, with a solar outdoor composting toilet. Water is flowing in Hermit Creek but must be filtered for consumption. Close to the campsite you will see remnants of a resort operated 1911-1930. It is another 1.5 miles to the Colorado River, and a more primitive campsite that also requires reservation through the Backcountry Office. The river makes a great day trip from the Hermit campsites.
Written 14 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
texasfla
Texas Gulf Coast, TX125 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
I did a 4 day backpack into the canyon. I entered and exited via the Hermit trail.
The trail is an old one that was widely used in the 20's. At one time, it was one of the best trails that was highly maintained. However, Bright Angel and South Kaibab became more popular and this trail was abandoned. It is not patrolled by the park and is only lightly maintained, if any at all. 80 years of little maintenance means that this trail is rugged. There are sections that have disappeared under tons of rockslide rubble. You will need to climb over boulders of varying size to move forward. Many say that trail finding is difficult on it. However, I did not find that the case myself. That might have been due to the fact that I am a relatively slow hiker and tend to stop and look more.
I would recommend starting at daybreak for anyone that is planning on hiking to the river on this trail. The section known as Cathedral stairs and the Muav are in direct sunlight much of the day. You want to hit this area as early as possible to avoid the heat. If not, you will have the sun beating down on you. The ground will be hot after hours baking under the sun. Plus the rocks you will be walking close to will be radiating heat as well. Remember, 1 -4 pm are the hottest part of the day.
I started down by 7 pm. I made it to my campsite at Monument creek by 5 pm. This included my walk time, my rest stop/snack break, and many photo stops. That last hour seemed to drag on after a long day!
It is very important to try to pack as light as possible. I carried 12 pds before I added food and water. My pack with everything weighed at most 25 pds.
It is critical that you manage your water well. You need to carry a lot of water and be very mindful of how much you have and where the nearest water source is. Also, make sure you have enough of the right kind of food with you. On my third day, I ran into 4 guys who had just taken the Hermit trail down into the canyon. They had left the rim at 8:30. It had taken them 8 hours to descend 8 miles. They were already completely out of water. One told me that they had no idea that they would drink so much. Thankfully, at that point they were 20-30 minutes from Hermit Creek which has fresh, cold water.
The views along the trail are beautiful. Be sure to stop along the way and truly appreciate it! Be sure to actually stop when gazing at this incredible view. You would not want to get hurt.
This trail is not crowded at all. The first day I saw only 25 people along my 9.8 mile hike. Some were going upward. Also, the rangers do not patrol this trail (like they do the Kaibab and Bright Angel trails). You need to be very safety aware. While not dangerous, the trail is quite rugged. It would be easy to slip and get hurt. Be cautious of your footing. I would recommend using trekking poles....especially on the descent. You will need them for balance, but, more importantly, you will need them as brakes. Some sections of the trail are quite steep with rather large steps.
I always walk at a slow consistent pace. One, it allows me to notice the scenery more. Two, it helps insure I am being careful. Three, it helps conserve energy. Four, it helps to keep me from overheating.......overheating is not something you want to do in the desert. It got into the high 80's and low 90's at the bottom of the canyon.
I would recommend the Hermit trail if you are accustomed to a very rugged trail and if you like taking a trail that is less traveled. It has great views and ample solitude. I did see people every day of my hike, but there were certainly a good amount of time that no one was around.
Keep in mind that safety is very important. You are a long way from help if anything goes wrong on this trail. Be safe and enjoy a very, very beautiful trail. It is worth the effort.
Also...remember going up is harder than going down!
The trail is an old one that was widely used in the 20's. At one time, it was one of the best trails that was highly maintained. However, Bright Angel and South Kaibab became more popular and this trail was abandoned. It is not patrolled by the park and is only lightly maintained, if any at all. 80 years of little maintenance means that this trail is rugged. There are sections that have disappeared under tons of rockslide rubble. You will need to climb over boulders of varying size to move forward. Many say that trail finding is difficult on it. However, I did not find that the case myself. That might have been due to the fact that I am a relatively slow hiker and tend to stop and look more.
I would recommend starting at daybreak for anyone that is planning on hiking to the river on this trail. The section known as Cathedral stairs and the Muav are in direct sunlight much of the day. You want to hit this area as early as possible to avoid the heat. If not, you will have the sun beating down on you. The ground will be hot after hours baking under the sun. Plus the rocks you will be walking close to will be radiating heat as well. Remember, 1 -4 pm are the hottest part of the day.
I started down by 7 pm. I made it to my campsite at Monument creek by 5 pm. This included my walk time, my rest stop/snack break, and many photo stops. That last hour seemed to drag on after a long day!
It is very important to try to pack as light as possible. I carried 12 pds before I added food and water. My pack with everything weighed at most 25 pds.
It is critical that you manage your water well. You need to carry a lot of water and be very mindful of how much you have and where the nearest water source is. Also, make sure you have enough of the right kind of food with you. On my third day, I ran into 4 guys who had just taken the Hermit trail down into the canyon. They had left the rim at 8:30. It had taken them 8 hours to descend 8 miles. They were already completely out of water. One told me that they had no idea that they would drink so much. Thankfully, at that point they were 20-30 minutes from Hermit Creek which has fresh, cold water.
The views along the trail are beautiful. Be sure to stop along the way and truly appreciate it! Be sure to actually stop when gazing at this incredible view. You would not want to get hurt.
This trail is not crowded at all. The first day I saw only 25 people along my 9.8 mile hike. Some were going upward. Also, the rangers do not patrol this trail (like they do the Kaibab and Bright Angel trails). You need to be very safety aware. While not dangerous, the trail is quite rugged. It would be easy to slip and get hurt. Be cautious of your footing. I would recommend using trekking poles....especially on the descent. You will need them for balance, but, more importantly, you will need them as brakes. Some sections of the trail are quite steep with rather large steps.
I always walk at a slow consistent pace. One, it allows me to notice the scenery more. Two, it helps insure I am being careful. Three, it helps conserve energy. Four, it helps to keep me from overheating.......overheating is not something you want to do in the desert. It got into the high 80's and low 90's at the bottom of the canyon.
I would recommend the Hermit trail if you are accustomed to a very rugged trail and if you like taking a trail that is less traveled. It has great views and ample solitude. I did see people every day of my hike, but there were certainly a good amount of time that no one was around.
Keep in mind that safety is very important. You are a long way from help if anything goes wrong on this trail. Be safe and enjoy a very, very beautiful trail. It is worth the effort.
Also...remember going up is harder than going down!
Written 21 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
60Kelly
Sydney, Australia154 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
Take the red route shuttle bus from being angel trailhead to Hermits Rest. From here take the trail down into the canyon and follow the signs to hermit creek trail. There are two other trails along the way but stay on the hermits creek trail to Santa Maria Springs and the shady house. The path begins very rocky then opens into a lovely small meadow with beautiful wild flowers before turning rocky again about half a mile from the shady house. Seeing it come into view is a welcome relief. There are no toilet facilities or water so take supplies and be sure to write in the visitors register. Rest well because the hike back up is strenuous as you climb back up over the rocky trail and elevation increases until you're back at the top. The change in elevation is 510 meters. It took us 2 hours to get there, we rested for an hour and 2 hours back up.
Written 13 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m 65. My friend and I really want to backpack Hermit Trail. Some have said we are crazy as the last day will kill us. We are in fairly good shape. Thoughts?
Written 9 June 2019
Apologies for the delayed response, and hopefully not too late. I would suggest that you give it a try. If knees are a problem, then most likely going up this trail (as we did) would be better than going down as some of the steps can be quick high. There are plenty of places to stop and take a rest. One challenge, however, is water - be sure to bring a sufficient quantity and have plans for re-filling, such as at Santa Maria Spring. Good luck!
Written 18 August 2019
What is it about the Hermit Trail that makes it more difficult that the Bright Angel or Kaibab? I'm planning to go down in a month and would love to know more about what to expect.
Written 29 January 2018
I wouldn't say it's more difficult. But you begin the hike by walking down rocky, chipped away stairs that were part of the original construction when a resort was here (probably eighty years ago). That's all. Forty minutes later, you're on greener and sometimes shaded pathways. Also it's not normally maintained and ranger patrols are not frequent. I like this trail for its solitude, but unless you take it to the bottom or across the Tonto, the upper views are better on the Bright Angel, Kaibab and the other non-maintained trails on the eastern drive.
Written 2 February 2018
Hi I am wondering how much time I should allow for the hermit trail by shuttle bus? Half a day?
We are just 60 and won't be doing any serious hiking.
Also same questions for the shuttle tour of Desert View trail please?
staying from noon on 23 April until about noon the following day
Many thanks
Declan
Written 9 March 2016
Hello,
I would like to know approximately how many hours this hike takes.
Thanks
Written 24 August 2015
Bonjour nous logerons à Tusayan ;on prend la voiture puis une navette pour faire cette excursion ? sachant que nous voudrions marcher aussi , mais maxi 2h30 .
merci bien cordialement
Denise
Written 9 May 2015
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