Hermit Loop
Guided Backpacking Trips
4-5 Days, 3-4 Nights
29MI / 47KM
Description
This deservedly very popular, point-to-point Grand Canyon hike off the South Rim is excellent for guests looking for a more remote, diverse and absolutely stunning tour of the Canyon. It features fantastic views, historic ruins, a canyon narrows section, and time at one (on the 4-day itinerary) or two (on the 5-day itinerary) of the more spectacular and more photographed rapids on the Colorado River. This is probably the most scenic hike in the Grand Canyon and offers tremendous natural and cultural diversity.
The first day takes us down the famous Bright Angel Trail past Havasupai Garden. From here we’ll hike west across the Tonto Trail, paralleling the Colorado River a thousand feet above it. The breathtaking views on this trip are punctuated by side hikes down narrow canyons to two impressive rapids on the river. We’ll enjoy majestic creek-side camps, desert wildlife viewing opportunities, ancient fossils, and some of the best hiking the Grand Canyon has to offer!
Important: It is strongly recommended to book your Grand Canyon backpacking trip 5 months in advance due to the Park’s permit system. Backpacking permits are issued on the first of the month 4+ months in advance (see deadlines for each month.) Permits for the most popular trips sell out very quickly during the initial lottery, so registering prior to the deadline of the month you’re interested in is highly beneficial. You can also pick any dates!
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
4-5 Days, 3-4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
8-10 mi -
Group Size
1-9 Guests
What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack -
High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles and Microspike Crampons if necessary
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona to the Grand Canyon and back
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Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees and wilderness permits (read about Grand Canyon's permit system)
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Grand Canyon
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
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Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed information about what to pack.
Day 1
Shuttle to the South Rim: 1.5-hour drive from Flagstaff
Hiking Mileage: 6.9 miles
Elevation Loss: 3,060 feet
This memorable Grand Canyon backpacking tour begins with a 4.9-mile downhill hike on the Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Garden, a Havasupai spring site that watered seasonal garden plots for centuries. At Havasupai Garden we’ll relax in the shade of the Cottonwood trees, dip our feet in the ice cold spring water of Garden Creek, and enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch before continuing to our first night’s camp. Tonight’s camp is a beautiful creek-side camp with wonderful solitude, where we’re guaranteed to be the only group since only one group is allowed per night.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 8.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
We’ll get an early start and begin our westward trek along the Tonto Plateau to Monument Creek. This is a long hike of almost 9 miles, but most of the route is on a well-groomed, relatively flat trail. Our hike takes us around the head of two large drainages: Salt and Horn Creek, and offers an abundance of classic, expansive views of the Grand Canyon, inner gorge, and Colorado River. Our destination for the night is Monument Creek, a cozy camp nestled beneath towering Redwall Limestone cliffs next to a trickling, spring-fed creek.
Day 3 (5-day Itinerary Only)
Day Hike Hiking Mileage: 1.5 miles
Day Hike Elevation Loss: 1,000 feet
Today we enjoy a relaxing morning, then break down camp and hike down Monument Creek to the Colorado River and Granite Rapids. This is a stunning hike through dramatic schist narrows, where we occasionally see bighorn sheep as a small population inhabits the area. Our destination, Granite Rapids, adds another level of drama to our day. This thundering, turbulent section of whitewater gives guests a taste of the power of the Colorado River. We’ll set up camp on the beach and enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the rapids.
Second to Last Day
Hiking Mileage: 4-8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200-2200 feet
We’ll get up reasonably early, eat and pack up. Today’s distance and elevation gain/loss vary depending on whether this is a 4-day or 5-day itinerary. Either way, we end up heading west to tonight’s camp along the charming desert oasis of Hermit Creek. As long as time and energy are abundant, we will set up camp and day hike to Hermit Rapid, an impressive white-water section of the Colorado River. After our day hike, we will return to camp for a final backcountry dinner to celebrate our last evening in the Canyon.
Final Day
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 3400 feet
Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5 hours
The first mile of hiking takes us to the junction of the Tonto Trail and the Hermit Trail. At the junction we begin our ascent out of the Grand Canyon on the Hermit Trail. We’ll switchback throught the immense Redwall, then contour a series of shelves high above Hermit Creek. This section of hiking features increasingly stunning views of the Grand Canyon behind us. The last bit of hiking is on beautifully constructed, hand-fitted rock slabs – a true work of masonry art – and takes us past 250+ million year old footprint fossils that are some of the best in the Canyon. Once we reach the South Rim, we’ll shuttle back to the South Rim Village where our shuttle awaits us.
Itinerary Note
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Packing List
STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST
(GG) Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options
Supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for creek crossings and/or for camp comfort (Camp Shoes GG)
One pair for every two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking-specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG)
( Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters )
Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hats GG)
2 short and/or long-sleeved cotton t-shirts.
(Note: April-October only. Cotton retains moisture and helps to cool the body down in hot, arid desert environments. Cotton shirts are critical garments in terms of safety and comfort in the hotter months)
1 non-cotton, breathable long-sleeve shirt (Hiking Shirts GG – Sun Hoodie GG) (Note: long-sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
Mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
Nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (Shorts GG – Pants GG)
Waterproof jacket, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. (Rain Jackets GG)
ADDITIONAL CLOTHING (October to April)
Lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (Hat/Gloves GG)
1 additional non-cotton, breathable long-sleeve shirt (Hiking Shirts GG – Sun Hoodie GG)
Down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy-weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool…etc. (Base Layers GG)
waterproof pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. Look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Pants GG)
Important Note
Important Note : Please, no cotton hiking clothes with the exception of the “Cotton T-shirts” section above (which are important!) Feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference our Gear Guide .
GEAR CHECKLIST
3+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG) (Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp)
Preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamp GG)
( Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries )
if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip (important that they are small!)
for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
( Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction )
OPTIONAL ITEMS
please see information about bringing your own below (Sleeping Bags GG).
As a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own. (Trekking Poles GG)
only if swimming is an option on your trip, some guests prefer to swim in quick drying hiking clothes, sports bra, etc…
lightweight, compressible and packable (Camp Pillow GG) ( Note: many guests use their extra clothing in a stuff sack with a bandana as a pillowcase, and it works well )
various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear, and/or to help create a camp pillow, etc.
( Note: A lightweight waterproof stuff sack can be extremely useful in wet conditions )
consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
lightweight paperback book, magazine or small notebook/pen for journaling
for camera, headlamp or other electronics
Small, lightweight devices to recharge electronics (Power Bank GG)
lightweight, compressible and packable – bandanas also work (Camp Towel GG)
DO NOT Bring
– per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
– including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
TRAINING
Training is extremely important for you to maximize your enjoyment! The more physically prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have! Click below to read our training recommendations.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, MEETING & LODGING
MEETING TIME & PLACE
Unless we tell you otherwise, you will meet your guide and group at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. We’re happy to give you a ride to this meeting if you’re not staying at Little America, but staying at one of our other recommended hotels. Your guide will then pick you up at your hotel the next morning for transport to the trailhead. For Private Grand Canyon Tours your guide will meet you at your hotel in Flagstaff at an agreed upon time.
TRIP CONCLUSION
This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DATES
Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and departing the day after getting back from the field.
GATEWAY CITIES:
Phoenix or Flagstaff, Arizona
This trip begins and ends in Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff has a small airport served by Horizon and US Airways Express. From the Flagstaff Airport one can take a taxi into town. One can also fly into Phoenix and rent a car or take a shuttle to Flagstaff. This is often your cheapest option. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff.
SHUTTLE FROM PHOENIX TO FLAGSTAFF
TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE TRAILHEAD
We will pick you up at your hotel room in Flagstaff early on the morning of the first day of the trip, and provide transportation back to your hotel in Flagstaff on the final day.
Please note: the Mule-assisted Classic and Phantom Ranch Tour rendezvous is at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and we do not provide transportation. Please see your trip description for details.
STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES
The best place to store your luggage and vehicle is at your hotel. If you stay at Little America (recommended), they offer free luggage and vehicle storage. The Drury Inn and Suites also provides this service for our guests. As a last resort, we have limited space for luggage storage at our warehouse and vehicles can be parked on the street in front of our office.
PRE & POST-TRIP ON REQUEST LODGING
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Flagstaff, Arizona as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
PRE & POST-TRIP LODGING
Little America (location of On Request lodging and pre-trip orientation, vehicle/luggage storage)
Website / Phone: 928-779-2741
Drury Inn & Suites
Website / Phone: 928-773-4900
Sonesta Hotel (full kitchen in every room)
Website / Phone: 928-526-5555 ext 6005
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover that you are unable to travel, no refund is available past a certain point. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.
Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.
Pack Weight & Contents
You will be hiking with a multi-day backpack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the trip – tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, rain gear, water, personal items, and a share of group food/gear.
ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 35-45 POUNDS
BRINGING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG
Some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Planning to purchase a sleeping bag for your trip? See our sleeping bag suggestions on the Wildland Gear Guide.
SLEEPING BAG TEMPERATURE RATING NEEDED FOR THIS TRIP:
– Dec-Feb: 0° F
– Mar/Nov: 0°-20° F
– Apr/Oct: 20°-40° F
– May/Sept: 30°-50° F
– Jun-Aug: 50°-70° F
Check The Weather Forecast For Your Trip
We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. There are two elevations to check when looking at Grand Canyon weather forecasts:
The weather in the Grand Canyon varies tremendously from the rim to the canyon floor, with as much as a 30 degree Fahrenheit difference. For this reason, the Canyon is truly a year-round hiking destination. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures at the South Rim and the Canyon bottom:
| Month | South Rim | Canyon Bottom | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hi | low | hi | low | |
| Dec-Feb | 41° | 18° | 60° | 38° |
| March | 51° | 25° | 71° | 48° |
| April | 60° | 32° | 82° | 56° |
| May | 70° | 39° | 92° | 63° |
| Jun-Aug | 82° | 53° | 108° | 75° |
| September | 76° | 47° | 97° | 69° |
| October | 65° | 36° | 84° | 58° |
| November | 52° | 27° | 68° | 46° |
Please Note: this trip has the potential for 105+ degree Fahrenheit temperatures. Read more about hiking in the heat.
Guide Shifts
Guides are required to take 10-12 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal time, take rest breaks…etc. and be uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Tipping Your Guide
Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated! Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!
The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!
Group Travel
Please take the time to clearly understand the trip you’re registering for, and select a tour that matches your ability level.
It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.
Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.
Local Maps
Grand Canyon National Park requires guide companies to provide every guest access to a map of the area(s) we’ll be hiking. You’ll find the map link(s) below. If you’d like, you can download and print or download to your phone for access during the trip. Your guide will also have a high quality, detailed, waterproof topographical map that you can reference out on the trail.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.