Hermit Loop: Remote. Scenic. Challenging
The Hermit Loop delivers a quieter, more remote Grand Canyon experience, linking classic South Rim trails with expansive Tonto Plateau views, hidden side canyons, and Colorado River rapids. It’s a visually stunning route designed for hikers looking to experience the canyon beyond the main corridors.
3-4 night/29 miles
HIGHLIGHTS
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Permitted 4 or 5 day backpacking trip
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Native/Local guides
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Meals, and Expert Gear provided
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Hermit, Tonto, and Bright Angel Trails
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Mighty Colorado Rapids
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Creek Side Camping
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The most epic sunsets in the Canyon
This classic point-to-point hike from the South Rim is a favorite for good reason, offering a remote, diverse, and visually stunning journey through the heart of the Grand Canyon. Designed for hikers seeking more than the standard corridor experience, the route delivers sweeping vistas, historic sites, narrow canyon passages, and extended time along the Colorado River. Depending on the itinerary, guests spend time at one (4-day trip) or two (5-day trip) of the canyon’s most iconic and photographed river rapids. With its constant variety and dramatic scenery, this route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic hikes in the entire Grand Canyon.
The adventure begins with a descent on the renowned Bright Angel Trail, passing through Havasupai Garden before transitioning west onto the Tonto Trail. From here, the route contours the canyon for miles, tracing the Colorado River from high above and revealing expansive inner-canyon views. Side hikes lead down narrow drainages to impressive river rapids, while evenings are spent at peaceful creek-side camps. Along the way, hikers encounter desert wildlife, ancient fossils, and an extraordinary range of landscapes that showcase the Grand Canyon at its most wild, scenic, and rewarding.
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This is a strenuous, multi-day canyon experience involving major elevation change, long days on trail, and sustained climbs and descents. Guests should be prepared for consecutive days of demanding hiking.
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The route descends down Bright Angel Trail on Day 1 departing the next day onto Tonto Trail You'll spend the next 2 days along the Tonto Trail camping and day hiking to along creeks, to rapids, and many other unbelievable locations.
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Elevation changes are significant, with thousands of feet of descent followed by sustained climbs. The hike out on Hermit is long and gradual but and requires steady pacing and endurance.
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Temperatures can vary dramatically between the rim and the inner canyon. Conditions near the river and on the North Kaibab corridor can be much hotter than the rim, especially during warmer months. Proper hydration, sun protection, and heat awareness are essential.
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Water availability, trail conditions, and route details can change due to weather, maintenance, or park operations. Guides may adjust daily plans as needed to prioritize safety and group well-being.
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Groups are intentionally kept small, and pacing is managed by experienced guides to balance safety, efficiency, and the overall experience while traveling through busy corridor trails.
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This trip is not designed for beginners or casual sightseeing hikers. It is best suited for guests seeking a physically demanding, immersive canyon experience and who arrive prepared and informed.
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Travel through the Grand Canyon is a privilege. These routes pass through lands of deep cultural, historical, and environmental significance, and guests are expected to practice respect, stewardship, and Leave No Trace principles throughout the trip.
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Many trips are led by Native Grand Canyon guides who bring generational knowledge of the landscape, its history, and its conditions, offering perspective that goes beyond the trail itself.
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