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BACKPACKING: HERMIT LOOP

BACKPACKING: HERMIT LOOP

$1595 per person
4 Days + 3 Nights
12+ Age

Morning glow over Grand Canyon from Hermit Trail

RUGGED, REMOTE ADVENTURE!

A challenging, yet thrilling trip. 

 

Step away from the crowded corridor trails into a side canyon known for breathtaking beauty and remote wilderness. A unique highlight of this trip is a riverside exploration of one of the most spectacular rapids in the canyon! In addition, beautiful creekside campsites, stunning panoramic views, and incredible geology makes this route a favorite among our guides and backpacking guests.

Starting with a long trek down Hermit Trail, our standard itinerary includes a night at Monument Creek, followed by a two-day hike eastward on the Tonto Trail, and concluding with a final climb out Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens. With multiple camps to choose from, this route can easily be modified to include an extra day and additional sightseeing opportunities.

The Hermit Loop provides a great alternative to our Rim-to-Rim hike, which is often sold out or unavailable due to permit limitations. It offers many similar features and experiences, but with greater solitude in a more remote setting. The trail surface is less developed and involves more height exposure. Visit the difficulty details link below for more information on trail conditions.

 

Be sure to click the tabs above for additional trip details and information.

   Trip Type: Backpacking

   Duration: 4-5 days

    Distance: 29 miles

    Origin: Flagstaff, AZ

Cost: $1,595

   Difficulty: Backpacking difficulty rating 4 of 5 [popup_anything id=”570255″]

   Solitude: Backpacking solitude rating 3 of 5 [popup_anything id=”570256″]

 


DATES


 

Questions? Send us an email or give us a call at 928-251-3000.

 

Hermit Creek monument sign in Grand Canyon

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  • Departure/Return Location
    Flagstaff, AZ

 

DETAILS

What we provide

  • A professional guide with wilderness medical training and a passion for the biblical message of the canyon
  • All necessary equipment: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, crampons/microspikes in winter
  • All cooking and eating equipment: bowls, cups, utensils
  • All meals, starting with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day, all prepared by your guide (We can generally accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.)
  • Snacks
  • Entrance fees and backcountry permits
  • A complimentary copy of Your Guide to the Grand Canyon, an excellent book on the geology of the Grand Canyon from a creation perspective
  • Emergency equipment: first-aid kit and satellite phone
 

What we do not provide

  • Transportation to and from Flagstaff
  • Lodging before or after the scheduled dates of your trip
  • Clothing, including raingear and footwear
  • Personal items, including toiletries and sunscreen
  • Water bottles or hydration bladder
  • Headlamp or flashlight
 

What you should bring

  • Clothing: we will provide a detailed list of recommended items when you register
  • Toiletries, sunscreen, and lip balm
  • Water bottles
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Personal items such as a Bible, book, writing or sketching materials
  • Camera

LOGISTICS

Meeting location

The evening before your trip we will meet for orientation at a convenient location in Flagstaff.  The following morning we will pick you up at a predetermined location for the shuttle trip to the South Rim.

Orientation

The orientation is an important time of preparation for our journey.  We will check all equipment for proper fit, review important safety information, and discuss logistics.  We will also examine some important passages of scripture to set the stage for what we will be seeing over the coming days.

Starting and ending time

At orientation, your guide will inform you of your start time for the next morning.  This may vary depending upon several factors, but we generally will get started on the first day between 5 am and 7 am. End time will also vary based upon hiking speed, weather conditions, and other factors.  We will typically be back to the rim on the final day by mid-afternoon.

Safety

It is impossible to eliminate all risk from any outdoor adventure. The Grand Canyon, in particular, is an extreme environment with many opportunities for illness and injury. Our guides are all certified Wilderness First Responders, which means they have gone through intensive training to prepare for a wide variety of emergency scenarios in a backcountry context. If you have specific questions about safety, medical conditions, or fitness requirements, please give us a call.

Group size

A typical trip will consist of up to 5 guests and 1 guide.  Larger groups of up to 9 guests can be accommodated, but may require more advanced planning.

Age restrictions

Children must be at least 12 years old to participate in most backpacking trips.  This may be negotiable for private trips or in special circumstances.  Please contact us with any questions regarding this restriction.

Weather

Temperatures vary greatly at the Grand Canyon, and popular weather apps can often be misleading.  When looking up a weather forecast, be careful to determine whether your source is providing information for the top of the canyon or the bottom; it is not always clear at first glance.  The temperature at the bottom of the canyon is typically 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than at the top. When you register, we will provide a list of recommended clothing, and your guide will address season-specific weather expectations with you ahead of time. For detailed weather information, please visit the park service’s weather page: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/weather-condition.htm

Travel

Flagstaff is the closest large town to the Grand Canyon and offers many hotels if needed, as well as outfitter shops for last-minute gear purchases.  The drive from Flagstaff to the canyon is approximately 1.5 hours.  An airport is available in Flagstaff; however, many guests find it more economical to fly into Phoenix. From the Phoenix airport, you can rent a car and drive approximately 2 hours to Flagstaff.  Alternatively, Groome Transportation offers daily shuttle service from the Phoenix airport to Flagstaff and from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Rim Trail Rainbow