Guided Bright Angel & Hermit Trail backpacking

Bright Angel to Hermit Loop Adventure

  • Location: Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
  • Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Season: March – May, September – November
  • Price and dates: coming soon

An immersive loop combining classic corridor hiking with remote Tonto traverses, secluded creek camps, and extended exploration along the Colorado River.

This immersive loop combines classic corridor hiking with remote Tonto traverses, secluded creek camps, and extended exploration along the Colorado River.

Approximate mileage: 32–38 miles. Route: Bright Angel Trail → Horn Creek → Monument Creek → Granite Rapids → Hermit Creek → Hermit Trail Exit.

Trip highlights

  • Classic Bright Angel corridor descent
  • Remote Horn Creek & Monument Creek camps
  • Extended time at Granite Rapids
  • Hermit Trail exit via the western canyon

Itinerary

  1. Bright Angel Trail to Horn Creek Guests meet at the Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center at 7:00 AM before beginning the descent down Bright Angel Trail. The route descends through dramatic canyon layers before passing Havasupai Gardens and continuing west toward Horn Creek where camp is established.
  2. Horn Creek to Monument Creek The route leaves the main corridor trails and traverses west along the Tonto Trail beneath towering canyon walls. Camp is established at Monument Creek where guests can explore nearby waterfalls and dramatic Tapeats sandstone formations.
  3. Monument Creek to Granite Rapids The trail follows Monument Creek through dramatic narrows before reaching Granite Rapids and the Colorado River corridor. Guests enjoy extended time beside one of the Grand Canyon's most powerful stretches of whitewater.
  4. Granite Rapids to Hermit Creek The journey continues eastward across sections of the Tonto Platform toward Hermit Creek. Camp is established beneath cottonwood trees alongside flowing water with opportunities to explore farther toward Hermit Rapids.
  5. Exit via Hermit Trail The final ascent follows the rugged Hermit Trail back toward the South Rim while offering sweeping canyon vistas throughout the climb.

Included

  • Professional licensed guides
  • Backcountry permits
  • Group camping gear & cooking equipment
  • Three meals per day on trail

Not included

  • Personal backpacking pack & sleeping system
  • Travel to and from the Grand Canyon
  • Lodging before & after the trip
  • Gratuities
  • Park entrance fees

Meeting point

Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center, 7:00 AM

Trail maps for this trip