GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK – HERMIT’S REST TO SANTA MARIA SPRING

LOCATION: Northwest Arizona
HIKE STARTS: Desert View Drive (AZ 64)
HIKE ENDS: Desert View Drive (AZ 64)
TOTAL DISTANCE: 4.6 Miles
HIKE TYPE: In & Out, Backtrack Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAILS USED: Shoshone Point Road/Trail
TRAIL TRAFFIC: Moderate
TRIP TYPE: Day Hike
MANAGEMENT:  Grand Canyon National Park  P.O. Box 129  Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Visitor Information (928) 638-7888

HIGHLIGHTS: The Grand Canyon is a World Heritage Site and is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world. The views from the rim of the canyon are nothing short of spectacular, and people come from all over  to see them.  This hike starts at the Hermit’s Rest parking area at 6640 feet and about 8 miles from the El Tovar Lodge at the South Rim of the Park.  In the summer months, a shuttle bus may be required to reach the parking area and trailhead. 

The descent down to Santa Maria Spring follows the Hermit Trail for the majority of the hike.  Only 1/4 mile from the spring, the Hermit Trail meets up with the Dripping Spring Trail which will take you to Santa Maria Spring and a rest area. The rest house at Santa Maria Springs is 1,640 feet below the Hermit’s Rest parking area, so save your energy and load up on water.  It’s a long, dry hike back to the trailhead.

100 Classic Hikes in Arizona

Arizona Day Hikes

MORE DETAILS

	click to see a video of a backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon to Bright Angel Campground: December 10, 2002
	click to see trail photos from our hikes to ShoShone Point and Santa Maria Spring: January 14, 2012
	click to view a trip report of this hike in Grand Canyon National Park: January 14, 2012 (password required)
	click to view maps of this backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon: area map, South Rim Desert View Map, South Rim Village Map, Hermit’s Rest Trail Map (password required)
	click for the Other Destinations discussion forum
	click to access the guidebook Grand Canyon National Park which has details on this destination
	click for other Arizona hiking and backpacking books
	click here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination