Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs
A rugged Hermit Trail day hike across Hermit Basin to the overhung Dripping Springs alcove.
Route overview
Follow Hermit Trail to the signed junction, continue to Dripping Springs and return.
This route descends the historic Hermit Trail to the Dripping Springs junction and traverses rougher side-trail terrain to the spring. The total elevation profile includes descent and re-climbing before the final ascent to the rim. Water must be treated and cannot be assumed reliable.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Distance
- 11.3 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 5–7 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Complex profile with approximately 418 m initial loss and additional rolling climb
- Best season
- Autumn through spring
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No for day hiking
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Complex elevation profile, rough trail, heat, unreliable water and delayed rescue
Highlights
Dripping Springs alcove, Hermit Basin, historic trail engineering
Why find a buddy
Requires partners with compatible route-finding skill, endurance and conservative water planning.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.