Trek along Hermit Trail towards Dripping Springs

Trek along Hermit Trail towards Dripping Springs

Exploring the Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs: A Guide for Hikers

The Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs, located at Grand Canyon South Rim, offers a unique and challenging hiking experience for experienced adventurers. To access this trail, you'll need to take the Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle, as private vehicles are not allowed on Hermit Road from March 1 through November 30.

The Hermit Road Shuttle Journey

The Red Route shuttle starts from Grand Canyon Village and travels west along Hermit Road, stopping at 9 viewpoints, including Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point, and ends at Hermits Rest, where the trail to Dripping Springs begins[1][2][3]. The first bus begins at 8:00 AM, and service ends 1 hour after sunset; last outbound bus leaves Hermit Road Transfer at 7:30 PM (during summer 2025). Shuttle buses run frequently, allowing hikers to get off at different viewpoints along Hermit Road and reboard later[1][2][3].

Parking and Transportation

Visitors should park in Grand Canyon Village, where the Red Route shuttle starts. Parking along Hermit Road itself is not allowed during the shuttle-only period. The shuttle is free and designed to reduce traffic and parking congestion inside the park. It is advisable to arrive early to secure parking spots in the Village area, especially during busy seasons[1][3][5].

For hikers needing to reach the trailheads at South Kaibab or other areas, the Blue Route shuttle and other shuttles serve those regions, but Hermit Trail access specifically requires the Red Route shuttle[3][4]. Taxi services like Xanterra Taxi can be called if shuttle times do not align with visitor schedules[3][4].

Preparing for the Hike

The Hermit Trail is considered a "threshold trail" and is for experienced hikers. Trekking poles will be helpful on some of the narrow sections. The trail is challenging with narrow and steep trails, so proper hiking gear is recommended[6]. It's advisable to carry 3L of water due to the challenging nature of the hike[6].

The trail was initially surfaced with big smooth slabs of rock, making it easy for tourists to use. However, some original walkway slabs can still be seen on the hike[6]. The water at Dripping Springs needs to be treated, so a water filter is recommended if planning to refill there[6].

The trail is named after "the hermit," Louis Boucher, a Quebecois, miner, trail maker, and prominent character in Grand Canyon history[7]. In the winter, private vehicles can drive to Hermit's Rest.

Keep your eyes open for fossils along the trail, as many were uncovered during the construction of the trail slabs[6]. If driving to the shuttle bus, park near Bright Angel Lodge, 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023. Once at the shuttle stop at Hermit's Rest, walk along the right to reach the actual Hermit's Rest building[6].

Historical Significance

The Hermit Trail was the first trail built exclusively for tourism in 1911. The trail's wide walkway, switchbacks, and reinforced cribbing became a model for other National Park trails in the early 1900s[8]. The Hermit Trail's original builder was the railroad, as other trails like Bright Angel and Grandview were privately owned and charged a toll[8]. Hermit Camp, which was once a luxury camp, is now a primitive camping site at the end of the trail[9].

Louis Boucher had a primitive camp at Dripping Springs called "Cozy Camp"[10]. The trail leads to some of the most spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, making it a must-do for avid hikers.

[1] Grand Canyon National Park Service [2] National Geographic [3] AllTrails [4] Xanterra Taxi [5] Grand Canyon Shuttle Service [6] Hiking in Grand Canyon [7] Louis Boucher - Wikipedia [8] Hermit Trail History [9] Hermit Campground [10] Cozy Camp - Grand Canyon History

1. The Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs, a challenging trail for experienced hikers, begins at Hermits Rest, accessible via the Red Route shuttle that starts from Grand Canyon Village.
2. Along the trail, trekking poles can be helpful on some narrow sections, and proper hiking gear is recommended due to the trail's challenging nature.
3. To access the trailhead, visitors should park in Grand Canyon Village, as private vehicles are not allowed on Hermit Road during the shuttle-only period.
4. Shuttle buses run frequently along Hermit Road, stopping at 9 viewpoints, and hikers can get off at different points along the route and reboard later.
5. For those interested in outdoor-living, camping at Hermit Camp, a primitive camping site at the end of the trail, offers an authentic adventure experience.
6. The trail is named after Louis Boucher, a prominent figure in Grand Canyon history, and its historical significance lies in being the first trail built exclusively for tourism in 1911, with its wide walkway and reinforced cribbing becoming a model for other National Park trails.

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