Hermit Trail
~2 days · 8.6 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Hermit Trail is known for
The Hermit Trail descends from Hermits Rest on the South Rim into the Grand Canyon, about 8 miles one way to Hermit Creek (this line maps the one-way route). It is a steep, unmaintained pre-park trail with no reliable water until the creek; the standard overnight is Hermit Creek campground, which requires an NPS backcountry permit.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 7,923 ft to 21,742 ft over 8.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 1.6 mi · 19%
- Downhill 6.7 mi · 78%
- Flat 0.3 mi · 3%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Hermit Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Hermit Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 8.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Hermit Trail?
The Hermit Trail climbs roughly 3,071 ft total — about 357 ft per mile, topping out near 6,627 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.