What is the Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring hike?

The Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring is a less trafficked hiking path in the Grand Canyon, starting from Hermit's Rest on the South Rim. It offers hikers a chance to explore the canyon away from the crowded main trails, covering a distance of about 4.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,700 ft.

How do I get to the Hermit Trailhead?

To reach the Hermit Trailhead, most visitors will need to take a shuttle bus from near the Bright Angel Lodge to Hermit's Rest, especially during the peak season. The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the Hermit's Rest complex.

What should I bring for the hike?

For the Hermit Trail hike, it's recommended to bring the backcountry essentials including plenty of water, especially in summer, sun protection, sturdy hiking shoes, and snacks. In addition, consider bringing trekking poles for the ascent and a satellite communicator since there's no cell phone reception.

Is the Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring hike difficult?

Yes, the hike is considered hard due to its steep sections, a total elevation gain of 1,700 ft, and the challenging return journey. It's suitable for experienced hikers and those prepared for a strenuous workout.

Are there historical aspects of the Hermit Trail?

Yes, the Hermit Trail has historical significance, being the first tourist trail into the Grand Canyon when it was built in 1911. Hikers can observe remnants of the original trail pavement and learn about the area's history at Hermit's Rest.

Hermit Trail To Santa Maria Spring Featured

Grand Canyon Hikes

Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring

4.5 miles - Hard Effort
3-4 Hours (Total)
Expect to See Some Other Hikers
1,700 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 6,640 feet
No Dogs Allowed

If you're looking for an epic hike into the Grand Canyon away from the crowds, the Hermit Trail is your move. This hike to Santa Maria Spring takes you to a beautiful shelter with views into Hermit Canyon.

In this Guide:

Getting to the Trailhead
Hike Video & Directions
Insider Tips for the Hike

Quick Links:
Parks Pass - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

Where is the Hermit Trail?

Hermit Trail Bus Route — For most of the year, you must take the red shuttle bus to Hermit's Rest, where the hike starts.

Hermits Rest Entrance — When you get to Hermit's Rest, you're greeted by the iconic gate, which has been here since the mini-resort was built in 1913.

Hermit Rest Trail Location — To reach the trailhead, walk past the Hermit's Rest building to the far end by the parking lot.

Hermit Rest Store — The store at Hermit's Rest is a great place to stop and get a snack or drink.

Gear Recommendations

Hermit Trail Gear — Most people thing the Grand Canyon is always hot, but it can get snow and freezing temperatures in the winter and shoulder seasons. For this guide, shot in March, we started with winter clothes at sunrise and ended sweating in short sleeves.

This is a backcountry hike and you should prepare accordingly.

The Grand Canyon is a place of extremes. Prepare accordingly by checking the weather.
- In the winter, the trail can be covered in snow and ice. You'll need micro-spikes and poles.
- In the summer, temperatures can be deadly. If it's hot out, skip the hike or leave before sunrise when temperatures are cooler.
- When it's hot, I bring 2L of water. Other times 1L is okay.
- If you want to refill at Santa Maria Spring, you must tread the water with a filter.
Trekking poles are helpful on the steep slopes.
The trails are well-groomed and you can use trail runners.
Don't expect cellular coverage; bring a satellite communicator.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Hermit Trail Trail Maps

Hermit Trail Sign — Overall the Hermit Trail is easy to follow and the trail intersections are all signed.

Hermit Trail Surface — Most of the Hermit Trail was originally surfaced with big smooth slabs of rock. The builders wanted to make it as easy and inviting for tourists to use. The trail's wide walkway, switchbacks, and reinforced cribbing became a model for other National Park trails in the early 1900s. You can still see some slabs of the original walkway on the hike.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

Hermit Trail Elevation — Here's the one-way profile. Hike down, then hike back out. As they say, "going down is optional, coming back up is mandatory."

3D Map

Santa Maria Spring Hike Directions

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 1 — Start the trail board.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 2 — Continue downhill on the switchbacks.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 3 — There's a flatter part in the middle of the descent. This will be nice on the way back up.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 4 — Then another steep downhill section to Hermit Basin.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 5 — At the bottom of the climb is the Waldron Trail junction. Continue straight on the Hermit Trail.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 6 — Shortly after that is the junction with the Boucher Trail. Bear to the right and stay on the Hermit Trail.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 7 — Then you'll get a stunning view down into Hermit Canyon. We'll be following the trail down to the other wall.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 8 — Shortly after the descent you'll arrive at Santa Maria Spring.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 9 — If you drink from the spring, treat it with a filter first.

Hermit Rest Santa Maria Spring Directions 10 — Just past the shelter is a great viewpoint to have a snack before the climb back out.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.