Hermit Trail
South Rim Trails
6,640 feet (2,024 m): Hermit trailhead
4,880 feet (1,487 m): Santa Maria Springs
2,400 feet (732 m): Colorado River
2.5 miles (4.0 km): Hermit trailhead to Santa Maria Springs
7.8 miles (12.6 km): Hermit trailhead to Hermit Creek
9.3 miles (15.0 km): Hermit trailhead to Colorado River
Wilderness Trail
Washouts and rockslides require some route-finding skill. Hot and dry in summer. Stash water on way in for use on way out. Use instep crampons in winter.
The Santa Fe Railway began developing the Hermit Canyon area so that travelers could avoid paying tolls on the Bright Angel Trail. A tramway from Pima Point supplied the tourist camp in Hermit Canyon.
NOTE: Overnight hikers must camp in designated campsites at Hermit Creek and Hermit Rapid. Allow 7 hours to reach Hermit Creek. The trail is rocky and steep, and requires very slow walking.
