This wilderness trail descends into lovely Hermit Canyon by way of a cool spring, with several turnarounds and clear Colorado River views. Equally appealing to both day hikers and backcountry adventurers, parts are quite treacherous, but even just a few minutes' meander down offers a marvelously accessible opportunity to stretch out, relax, and enjoy the canyon in quiet solitude.
The trail becomes quite rocky, with some knee-wrenching switchbacks and long traverses wending through the Supai cliffs. If you set out early and take it slow, the Hermit offers a wonderfully serene day hike and glimpses into hidden corners.
In 1912 the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway developed the trail for tourists to avoid tolls on the then privately controlled Bright Angel Trail. Mule trains ferried travelers to cushy Hermit Camp, which boasted a fancy stone cabin outfitted with a stove, glass windows, beds, and wood floors adorned with Navajo rugs. Supplies arrived via tram from Pima Point. The trail was named in honor of Louis "The Hermit" Boucher, a prospector who lived alone below the rim for 20 years. When the NPS gained control of Bright Angel in 1928, luring away the mule tourism business, the Hermit was abandoned. Though officially untended since then, the trail is in remarkably good condition.
The best destinations for day hikers are to Santa Maria Spring (5 miles round-trip, 1680ft elevation change), where you'll find a stone rest house, or to Dripping Springs via a spur trail (around 7 miles round-trip, 1040ft elevation change). Water at Santa Maria Spring runs year-round, but you must treat it before drinking. For a shorter but still worthwhile hike, turn around at the Waldron Trail junction in Waldron Basin, a round-trip of just under 3 miles with 1240ft of elevation change. The upper section of the Hermit is well shaded in the morning, making it a cool option in summer. The only campgrounds are primitive sites at Hermit Creek (8.2 miles one-way) and Hermit Rapids at the Colorado River (9.7 miles one way); backcountry permit required. Do not attempt a day hike to the river and back.
The Hermit Trailhead is at the end of its namesake road, 8 miles west of Grand Canyon Village and about 500ft behind Hermits Rest, just beyond the small picnic area. Although the road is only accessible via shuttle bus or bicycle only from March 1 to November 30, overnight backpackers are permitted to park at the lot near the trailhead throughout the year.
