Grand Canyon South Rim · Very strenuous
Hermit Trail Map
A historic wilderness route west of Hermits Rest. Rocky, unmaintained, and waterless. For experienced canyon hikers only.
- One-way: 6.0 mi (9.7 km)
- Elevation change: 3,419 ft
- Difficulty: Very strenuous
- Free GPX download, interactive topo map and elevation profile on this page
Hermit Trail FAQ
- How long is the Hermit Trail?
- The Hermit Trail is 6.0 miles (9.7 km) one-way. Hiking to the end and back is about 12.1 miles round trip.
- How much elevation change is on the Hermit Trail?
- The trail runs between about 3,212 ft and 6,631 ft above sea level, an elevation change of roughly 3,419 ft.
- How hard is the Hermit Trail?
- We rate the Hermit Trail very strenuous. In the Grand Canyon the hard part is the climb back out: plan on it taking about twice as long as the hike down, and carry more water than you think you need.
- Do I need a permit to hike the Hermit Trail?
- Day hikes in Grand Canyon National Park don't need a permit. Any overnight stay below the rim requires a backcountry permit from the National Park Service. On our guided trips, we handle the permits.
- Can I download a Hermit Trail GPX file?
- Yes. Use the Download GPX button above for a free GPX track that works with Garmin, AllTrails, Gaia GPS, CalTopo and most GPS watches.
Hike the Hermit Trail with a guide
- Daily Hikes: 1 day, Moderate, Grand Canyon National Park. $225 per person. Guided day hikes in the Grand Canyon, 7:00 AM daily from June 5 to August 1, 2026. Each day the group runs one trail (South Kaibab, Bright Angel, Hermit, or Grandview), chosen by majority preference.
- Hermit Trail Day Hike: ~8 hours (incl. transfers), Moderate, Grand Canyon South Rim. $250 per person. 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.'
- Hermit Trek Adventure: 5 days / 4 nights, Strenuous, Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona. $1,800 per person. Journey into one of the Grand Canyon's most scenic and less-traveled backcountry regions featuring rugged desert terrain, hidden creek oases, waterfalls, and unforgettable nights beside the Colorado River.
- Hermit Trek Adventure: 4 days / 3 nights, Strenuous, Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona. Dates coming soon. Journey into one of the Grand Canyon's most scenic and less-traveled backcountry regions featuring rugged desert terrain, hidden creek oases, waterfalls, and unforgettable nights beside the Colorado River.