Hike Preview: Grand Canyon Hermits Rest Trail to Bright Angel Trail

Hermits Rest Trail-head

Location: South Rim of the Grand Canyon

Hermits Rest Trail Sign

Distance: 25 miles one way
Difficulty: difficult
Elevation Change: 5,000
Time of Year Best: Year-round
Recommended Maps: Grand Canyon Map Pack Bundle

Summary:  Hiking into the Canyon, obviously you are descending first.  Before going, know your limits, know the weather conditions, know the trail, and get yourself a good map.  This in particular is a tough hike; steep going down, and a long gradual hike out.  Water is erratically dispersed in different areas.  You will need a water purifier. I highly recommend the Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter. The conditions can be drastically different depending on if it is summer, winter, monsoon, or freezing.  The hermit trail portion of the trail has been reported to have been washed out in some spots.  So there will be some scrambling.

The Monument

This hike passes several camps and offers several side hikes to rapids, side canyons, overlooks, and springs.  The Hermit Trail (descending) has several washouts or rock slides that have covered the trail over the years and it may take some scrambling to maintain the trail.  This will slow down the hike and the huge climb out coupled with the distance of this hike make it very tough. It is highly recommended that you obtain a back country permit  and take at least two days to do this hike.

The Hermit Trail, Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Hermits Rest to Bright Angel: Gear List

This is a gear list for three people spending two nights in the Grand Canyon in late November.  This list is not a guaranteed "set" list.  You may add something where you see fit.

Gear List:

Sustenance

• lots of water - 2 liters per day, there are a few watering holes at which to fill up, but its good to have a little extra
• food - at least 4,000 calories worth per day, its good to have a little extra; food that stores well: energy bars, candy, dried fruit, canned goods, powdered food, etc. (we will put together a menu)

Clothing/Body Protection

• jacket/extra clothing - wear layers as the temp changes drastically and the wind most likely will be chilling (recommend three layers: jacket long sleeve shirt, t-shirt)
• hiking pants, shorts
• socks for five days; the trail could be muddy and there may be some creek crossings (having dry socks is a huge bonus)
• gloves
• Bora Bora Booney Sun Hat
• sunglasses
• rain gear

Accessories

• backpack to carry extra water, food, clothing, accessories
• sleeping bag

• tent (optional)
• sunscreen
• headlamp or flashlight
• TP - very important, i should have enough for everybody
• basic first aid kit
• sandals
• map (i will have)
• whistle
• book
• camera
• hiking sticks (takes weight off your knees and ankles)
• aspirin

Hike Review: Vivian Creek Camp in the San Gorgonio Wilderness

Location: San Gorgonio Wilderness near Forest Falls, CA
Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Elevation Change: 1,200 feet
Time of Year Best: Spring to Fall
Recommended Maps: San Bernardino National Forest