Santa Maria Spring

Grand Canyon National Park is located in northwestern Arizona and encompasses nearly two million square miles of land.  The park’s primary feature is the Grand Canyon – a gorge carved by the Colorado River which is considered one of the Wonders of the World. It is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere on the globe. Grand Canyon National Park receives nearly five million visitors a year and is the second most visited national park after the Great Smoky Mountains.  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.