Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs

Just a taste of the Grand Canyon - not the most amazing views, but spectacular none-the-less! Today being Sunday and after two days of rather inclement weather, the park was mobbed. First of all, it took us an hour to drive to the park since Williams is 55 miles south. The trailhead is at the end of Hermit Road and cars are not allowed on the road, just the shuttle buses. By the time we waited in line and made all the intervening stops, it took us an hour and a half to reach the trailhead. It was a beautiful, clear day, and the temperature was cool; good for hiking.

A head-on view of the canyon from Hermits Rest at mid-day. I think the time of day, with a bright sun overhead, is what washes out the picture. Later pictures, closer to 4 o'clock, seem to have more definition. 

This sign greeted us about 50ft down the Hermit Trail.

Starting to descend below the rim.

Hiking down into Hermit Basin.

This type of trail tread is called riprapped. We've never seen it before but its easy to walk and visually interesting, almost like a mosaic. 

Down in Hermit Basin, a broad, gently sloping expanse covered by pinyon-juniper forests. 

Looking back up the trail to the canyon rim. We are going to have to climb back up!

Taking the trail down into Hermit Gorge.

This segment of the hike opens up to awesome views of the canyon below.

The trail skirts the top of the deep red Supai Group Formation.

Lunch spot.

Climbing out.

On the way from the trailhead back to the shuttle bus we passed this browsing elk.

Today's hike:

Length - 4.6 miles

Duration - 3hours, 38 minutes

1,370 feet (137 floors on the Fitbit)