The Grand Canyon's Hermit Trail is a scenic beauty which begins at the end of Hermit Road. The rocky trail is well-marked and less busy than the Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails. While possible, the hike isn’t typically accomplished in a single day. Backpacking this trail is common. The hike can be very strenuous and is for experienced individuals. Water can be obtained at the Santa Maria Spring but it does require filtration of some kind. Bring plenty of water for exploring this trail.

Long traverses up against the south rim walls provide plenty of shade. There are several Cathedral stairs, sharp drops, and rocky switchbacks which you experience as you travel through the Redwall cliffs of the trail. Hikers may frequently hear loud noises from helicopters. The Canyon’s rocks and views of the sky are breathtaking. Watch closely and you'll find fossilized animal tracks throughout the Canyon.

The first section of the trail takes you down 2000 feet within the first two and a half miles. After passing the Waldron Trail junction near the Hermit Shale's bottom, pass the Dripping Springs Trail junction and be sure to remain on the right at both junctions so you can see Hermit Creek gorge. Beyond the Hermit Creek campsite, the Hermit Trail extends one and a half more miles over to the Colorado River and large Hermit Rapids.