The Hermit trail offers a challenging hike to Santa Maria Springs, 4.5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Spring, 6.5 miles (round trip). This unmaintained trail is steeper, rockier and more difficult than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. There is little shade. The trail is recommended for experienced desert hikers.
The trailhead is 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking.
A chart of distances and elevations is below.
Details
Location:
Along the South Rim west of Grand Canyon Village
Length:
6.5 mile roundtrip (to Dripping Spring)
Difficulty:
Difficult
Time:
6-8 hours
Elevation Change:
1760
Season:
Hikeable year round
Additional Details:
Destination
Distance (in Miles)
Elevation Feet
(Destination)
Services: W = Water; T =
Toilet/Restroom; E = Emergency Phone
To Destination
Round
Trip
Services
Notes
W
T
E
Waldron Trail Junction
1.5
3
5400
Junction Sign (right at Jct.) No water.
Hermit Trail Junction
1.75
3.5
5200
Junction Sign (Hermit / Dripping Spring)
SANTA MARIA SPRINGS ROUTE (right at Hermit Trail junction sign)
Santa Maria Springs
2.25
4.5
4880
X
MUST treat water! Rest Shelter.
DRIPPING SPRING ROUTE (left at Hermit Trail junction sign)
Boucher Trail Junction
2.75
5.5
5270
Junction Sign (left at Jct.)
Dripping Spring
3.25
6.5
5680
X
MUST treat water! Use extra caution along narrow
sections.
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