Backpacking: Hermit Loop
RUGGED, REMOTE ADVENTURE!
A challenging, yet thrilling trip.
Step away from the crowded corridor trails into a side canyon known for breathtaking beauty and remote wilderness. A unique highlight of this trip is a riverside exploration of one of the most spectacular rapids in the canyon! In addition, beautiful creekside campsites, stunning panoramic views, and incredible geology makes this route a favorite among our guides and backpacking guests.
Starting with a long trek down Hermit Trail, our standard itinerary includes a night at Monument Creek, followed by a two-day hike eastward on the Tonto Trail, and concluding with a final climb out Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens. With multiple camps to choose from, this route can easily be modified to include an extra day and additional sightseeing opportunities.
The Hermit Loop provides a great alternative to our Rim-to-Rim hike, which is often sold out or unavailable due to permit limitations. It offers many similar features and experiences, but with greater solitude in a more remote setting. The trail surface is less developed and involves more height exposure. Visit the difficulty details link below for more information on trail conditions.
Be sure to click the tabs above for additional trip details and information.
Trip Type: Backpacking
Duration: 4-5 days
Distance: 29 miles
Origin: Flagstaff, AZ
Cost: 4 Days – $1,495 | 5 Days – $1,795
Difficulty: 
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Solitude: 
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DATES
Questions? Send us an email or give us a call at 928-251-3000.
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Departure/Return Location
Flagstaff, AZ
From our gallery
Tour Plan
DAY 1
- Shuttle to the South Rim: 2 hours
- Hiking distance: 9.3 miles
- Elevation loss: 3,700’
- Destination: Monument Creek Campground
Our adventure begins with a rigorous descent down the historic Hermit Trail. Most routes into the canyon were established by Native Americans or early pioneers, but this one stands out as a highly engineered trail built by the Fred Harvey Company at the very beginning of tourism development around the turn of the century.
Though it is no longer maintained by the park service, your guide will point out the abundant evidence of trail work from more than a hundred years ago. The views into the canyon this first day are among the best to be found. Of the many highlights, we look forward to the peaceful valley known as Waldron Basin, a beautiful respite at Santa Maria Spring, and a breathtaking climb down the Cathedral Stairs.
Along the way, your guide will also point out abundant geologic evidence for a recent global flood, including the famous fossilized trackways in the Coconino Sandstone.
DAY 2
- Hiking distance: Up to 3.4 miles, plus 3 mile round-trip day hike to the Colorado River
- Elevation change: minimal
After a delicious breakfast, get ready for an amazing day hike down to the river. The deafening roar of Granite Rapids can be heard well before water comes into view. It’s a spectacular sight and a great place to soak in the beauty of the mighty Colorado. After lunch we will break camp and hike a few miles to our next site. The exact mileage will vary according to campsite availability.
DAY 3
- Hiking distance: 7.3 to 9.4 miles
- Elevation gain: Minimal
Today’s journey takes us further east on the Tonto Trail. This section is known for expansive views into the inner gorge. Though the elevation doesn’t change much, expect a few steep scrambles into and out of several drainages, as well as dramatic drop-offs into the side canyons we’re navigating around. Camp will be at Horn Creek or Havasupai Gardens, setting us up nicely for the final climb out the next day.
DAY 4
- Hiking distance: 4.8 to 7.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 3.000'
- Drive to Flagstaff: 2 Hours
Our final day brings a challenging but rewarding climb back to the top, where we will celebrate our accomplishment and reflect on all that we have learned and experienced. We’ll take the park shuttle back to our vehicle at the Hermit Trailhead, stopping at one of the viewpoints along the way where we can look down upon our route and campsites from above. Expect to arrive back in Flagstaff by late afternoon.
Optional Extra Day
This is a great hike for adding an extra day. Options include taking a layover day at Monument Creek, spending a night down by the river, or adding a night at Hermit Creek. Let us know you are interested in an extra night and we will design an itinerary around your preferences and available permits.
*Itinerary is subject to change and may occasionally be altered based upon weather, campsite availability, access restrictions, guest ability or injury, or other factors outside of our control.
DETAILS
What we provide
- A professional guide with wilderness medical training and a passion for the biblical message of the canyon
- All necessary equipment: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, crampons/microspikes in winter
- All cooking and eating equipment: bowls, cups, utensils
- All meals, starting with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day, all prepared by your guide (We can generally accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.)
- Snacks
- Entrance fees and backcountry permits
- A complimentary copy of Your Guide to the Grand Canyon, an excellent book on the geology of the Grand Canyon from a creation perspective
- Emergency equipment: first-aid kit and satellite phone
What we do not provide
- Transportation to and from Flagstaff
- Lodging before or after the scheduled dates of your trip
- Clothing, including raingear and footwear
- Personal items, including toiletries and sunscreen
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
- Headlamp or flashlight
What you should bring
- Clothing: we will provide a detailed list of recommended items when you register
- Toiletries, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Water bottles
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Personal items such as a Bible, book, writing or sketching materials
- Camera
LOGISTICS
Meeting location
The evening before your trip we will meet for orientation at a convenient location in Flagstaff. The following morning we will pick you up at a predetermined location for the shuttle trip to the South Rim.Orientation
The orientation is an important time of preparation for our journey. We will check all equipment for proper fit, review important safety information, and discuss logistics. We will also examine some important passages of scripture to set the stage for what we will be seeing over the coming days.Starting and ending time
Safety
It is impossible to eliminate all risk from any outdoor adventure. The Grand Canyon, in particular, is an extreme environment with many opportunities for illness and injury. Our guides are all certified Wilderness First Responders, which means they have gone through intensive training to prepare for a wide variety of emergency scenarios in a backcountry context. If you have specific questions about safety, medical conditions, or fitness requirements, please give us a call.Group size
A typical trip will consist of up to 5 guests and 1 guide. Larger groups of up to 9 guests can be accommodated, but may require more advanced planning.Age restrictions
Children must be at least 12 years old to participate in most backpacking trips. This may be negotiable for private trips or in special circumstances. Please contact us with any questions regarding this restriction.Weather
Travel
