Guided Hermit Trail day hike

Hermit Trail Day Hike

  • Location: Grand Canyon South Rim
  • Duration: ~8 hours (incl. transfers)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Season: Available year-round
  • Price: $250 per person
  • Dates: September 1, 2026

A guided day hike on the Grand Canyon's historic Hermit Trail — a quieter, rugged South Rim route with sweeping canyon views, a gourmet picnic lunch, and the stories of Louis Boucher, the canyon's famous 'Hermit.'

Experience one of the Grand Canyon's most scenic and historic trails on this guided day hike along the Hermit Trail. Starting from the South Rim near Hermit's Rest, this adventure offers breathtaking canyon views, fascinating geology, and a quieter experience away from the larger crowds found on the main corridor trails. Depending on the pace and goals of the group, hikers can travel up to 6 miles round trip toward either Dripping Springs or Santa Maria Springs before returning to the rim.

The Hermit Trail was originally built in the early 1900s and follows a rugged historic route into the canyon. Along the way, hikers descend through dramatic layers of red rock while learning about the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon. Your guide will share insights into the canyon's geology, ecology, Indigenous history, and the unique plants and wildlife that thrive in this desert environment.

The route toward Dripping Springs offers beautiful cliffside views and access to a peaceful hanging garden fed by natural springs seeping from the canyon walls. Cottonwood trees and seasonal wildflowers create a surprising oasis in the desert landscape. The route toward Santa Maria Springs provides equally stunning scenery and a historic stone shelter built for early canyon travelers. Both destinations offer excellent opportunities to rest, enjoy snacks, and take in the incredible surroundings.

This hike is ideal for adventurous beginners, active families, and experienced hikers looking for a less crowded Grand Canyon experience. While the mileage is moderate, the rocky terrain and elevation change provide a rewarding challenge. Your guide will set a comfortable pace with plenty of breaks for water, photos, and interpretation.

Whether you're visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time or returning to experience a different side of the park, the Hermit Trail offers a memorable journey into one of the world's most extraordinary landscapes.

Trip highlights

  • Guided hike on the historic Hermit Trail, away from the corridor crowds
  • Up to 6 miles round trip toward Dripping Springs or Santa Maria Springs
  • Gourmet picnic lunch and snacks in the canyon
  • Stories of canyon geology, Indigenous history, and Louis Boucher, the 'Hermit'
  • Professional guide, trekking poles, and shuttle coordination included

Itinerary

  1. Hermit Trail Day Hike 7:00 AM — Meet your guide at Bright Angel Lodge and walk (about 15 min) to the Hermit's Rest shuttle stop. After a short, scenic shuttle ride along the South Rim, we reach the Hermit Trailhead and begin our descent by about 7:30 AM. Over roughly six hours we hike up to 6 miles round trip toward Santa Maria Spring or Dripping Springs, with plenty of stops for photos, wildlife viewing, and canyon history, plus a gourmet picnic lunch. We then ascend back to Hermit's Rest, shuttle to Grand Canyon Village, and arrive back at Bright Angel Lodge by approximately 3:00 PM.

Included

  • Professional guide
  • Gourmet picnic lunch
  • Snacks
  • Trekking poles if needed
  • Safety orientation and first-aid
  • Shuttle coordination

Not included

  • Transportation to Bright Angel Lodge
  • Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee
  • Water and personal hiking gear
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Bright Angel Lodge, Grand Canyon South Rim — 7:00 AM PT.

Things to know

How difficult is the Hermit Trail day hike?
It's a moderate hike — up to 6 miles round trip on rocky, historic terrain with real elevation change. Adventurous beginners and active families do well; your guide sets a comfortable pace with frequent breaks.
Where and when do we meet?
We meet at Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim at 7:00 AM, then walk to the Hermit's Rest shuttle. Plan to return to Bright Angel Lodge by about 3:00 PM.
What should I bring?
Water, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and layers. We provide a picnic lunch, snacks, and trekking poles if needed.
How far do we hike?
Up to 6 miles round trip toward Dripping Springs or Santa Maria Springs. The exact turnaround depends on group pace, weather, and trail conditions.

Trail maps for this trip