Hermit Trail
Steep, hot day-hike
Need a challenge?
This rugged trail, only for experienced desert hikers, begins 500 feet past Hermits Rest. Tackle this steep, unmaintained trail to Hermit Rapid on the river (9.7 miles, 4,340 ft. elev. change) with a primitive campground at Hermit Creek (8.2 miles, water available). The trail drops 1,240 ft. in the first 1.4 miles to Hermit Basin (2–4 hours roundtrip).
For classic canyon day-hikes rated very-difficult, trek to Santa Maria Spring (5 miles roundtrip, 4–6 hours, 1,640 ft. elev. change) and Dripping Springs (7 miles roundtrip, 1,040 ft. elev. change, 5–7 hours). All spring water must be treated.
Backpackers can intersect the Tonto and Boucher corridor trails with backcountry camp sites (permit required) inside the canyon. For a rugged 19-mile loop take Hermit Trail to the poorly maintained Boucher Trail, descend to the Tonto Trail, follow it east to the Hermit Trail, and ascent back to Hermits Rest.
Download a PDF of the trail map