Summary

Hermit Trail/Bright Angel Hiking Adventure

Prices From USD$ $1,275.00
1st Departure 01.01.0001
Provider Wildland Trekking Company
Destination Grand Canyon National Park
Duration 5 days
Challenge Moderate
Avg Rating Not Rated

If you are interested in a moderate, longer (5 days and 4 nights) excursion into the depths of the Grand Canyon, then this one is for you. Lead by a professional Canyon guide and outfitted with gourmet meals, the Hermit Loop Tour is a deservedly popular, point-to-point hike off the South Rim that descends the historic Hermit Trail and then heads across the Tonto Plateau and up the classic Bright Angel Trail. It boasts fantastic views, historic ruins, a canyon narrows section, and time at both Hermit and Granite Rapids, two of the larger and more photographed rapids on the Colorado River.

This is probably the most scenic route we lead, because it offers tremendous natural and cultural diversity. We begin with a descent on the Hermit Loop Trail, with spectacular views on a well-constructed trail. Our camp that night is adjacent to the perennial Hermit Creek, and is located near the historic Hermit Resort site developed by the Santa Fe Railroad in the early 1900s. After enjoying the Hermit ruins, we head to Monument Creek, where we enjoy a layover day to hike to the Colorado River, read, relax, and/or explore.

We spend night four at Indian Gardens, a Havasupai spring that watered seasonal garden crops for centuries, and from here we ascend the famous Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim. This trip is rated is moderate difficulty, with some steep hiking on rough and rocky trails. This tour includes an experienced, professional Grand Canyon wilderness guide, use of a top-of-the-line backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, and five days of healthy, gourmet meals prepared by your guide.

Itinerary

Day 1

We’ll descend approximately 8 miles and a little over 3,400 feet down to Hermit Camp, our destination for night one. Our camp is adjacent to the perennial Hermit Creek, and is located near the historic Hermit Resort site developed by the Santa Fe Railroad in the early 1900s.

Day 2

We’ll get up reasonably early, eat and pack up, and then explore the Hermit Resort ruins. We’ll then descend approximately 1.5 miles and 1,200 feet to the Colorado River and Hermit Rapids, where we’ll take a few hours to explore. We then head to the Tonto Plateau and hike east to Monument Creek.

Day 3

This is a layover day to sleep in, relax, read, swim, explore, or do nothing at all. For the willing, we will hike down Monument Creek to the Colorado River and Granite Rapids. We often see bighorn sheep on this day, as a small population inhabits the area.

Day 4

On Day 4, we traverse the Tonto Plateau, which takes us around the head of two large drainages: Salt and Horn Creek, and gives more of those classic, expansive views of the Canyon. Our destination for the night is Indian Gardens, an enchanting camp with shade, water, and picnic tables.

Day 5

A casual morning and hearty breakfast will precede our hike out as we make our ascent to the rim via the Bright Angel Trail. It’s 4.5 miles from camp to the parking lot, and then a quick shuttle to our vehicle and a beautiful drive back to Flagstaff for an anticipated shower, dinner, and bed.

Gear List





Travel Information