Hermit's Rest Viewpoint to Santa Maria Spring
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
| Address: | ~Hermit Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA |
| GPS: |
36°3'38.3"N 112°12'43.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 3.50 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 1666 feet |
Trails Rocks Wildflowers National Park Pet Friendly
Backpack and Hike
For hikers looking to escape the crowds on the Grand Canyon's South Rim, the Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring is a rugged, rewarding classic. Starting near Hermits Rest at the far west end of Hermit Road, this historic trail drops below the rim into a quieter, wilder corner of Grand Canyon National Park, trading the busy Rim Trail for solitude and enormous views.
The route to the Santa Maria Spring rest house is roughly five miles round trip, descending steep, rocky switchbacks built into the cliffs. It's well-defined and easy to follow but genuinely strenuous — remember that every downhill step must be reclimbed on the way out. The little stone shelter at Santa Maria Spring (dating to 1913) makes a fitting turnaround, with a shady spot to rest before the haul back up.
Because it's an unmaintained wilderness trail, it sees far less traffic than the Bright Angel or South Kaibab — part of its appeal. Hiking poles help on the many rocky switchbacks, and sturdy footwear is a must.
A park entrance fee applies. Carry far more water than you think you need, avoid the midday heat in summer, and never attempt to hike to the river and back in a single day.
More Information
Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary
This Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Grand Canyon National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/grand-canyon-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinGrand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Entirely within the state of Arizona, the park encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homelands of 11 present day Tribal Communities, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—a mile deep canyon unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from both north and south rims.
https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htmtripadvisor.com
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https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g143028-d279310-r237670361-Hermit_Trail-Grand_Canyon_National_Park_Arizona.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
- Head west (344 ft)
- Turn right toward Village Loop Drive (141 ft)
- Turn right onto Village Loop Drive (0.4 mi)
- Turn left to stay on Village Loop Drive (0.5 mi)
- Turn right onto Hermit RdRestricted usage road(1.0 mi)
- Turn leftRestricted usage road(0.7 mi)
- Turn left onto Hermit RdRestricted usage road(5.0 mi)
- Turn right to stay on Hermit RdRestricted usage road(0.2 mi)
There are not any direct routes to this trailhead, therefore, the shuttle services must be utilized.
Other Hiking Trails and Backpacking Trails Nearby
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0.0 miles SEA demanding 3–4 day backpacking loop on the Grand Canyon's South Rim — even seasoned hikers consider the Boucher Trail the most difficult and hazardous South Rim route.
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Hermit's Rest Viewpoint to Tonto Trail to Bright Angel Trail
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0.1 miles NEA strenuous, less-crowded Grand Canyon backpacking trail with 2,000 feet of descent in the first 2.5 miles, Cathedral stairs, Redwall cliffs, and fossilized animal tracks.
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Bright Angel Trail to Tonto Trail
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Bright Angel Trail to Three-Mile Rest house
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Mather Campground Trail
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Clear Creek Trail
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