Top Grand Canyon Trails: 2, Hermit Trail

The Hermit Trail encounters a variety of scenery on its 9 mile descent from Hermits Rest to the Colorado River - the enclosed Hermit Basin, the deep gorge cut by Hermit Creek, the open slopes above the Tonto Bench, the lower narrows of Hermit Creek, and finally the river itself, as it flows through Hermit Rapids. Drinking water is available at two locations and the route is generally in a good state of repair, though not so many people hike the full distance. The upper section is quite shaded, and harbors snow for longer than the other South Rim trails.

Length 9 miles (14.5 km), elevation change 4,340 feet (1,323 meters)

Trail description