Hermit’s Rest to Santa Maria Spring

Hermit Trail is one of the most exciting routes in the Grand Canyon, reaching from Hermits Rest on the South Rim to the Colorado River far below. Use this pretty stretch of it to discover Santa Maria Springs. This route has some exciting cliffside portions and awesome canyon views. While it might be a bit hard for the total beginner, the lack of technical sections (other than some loose rock underfoot). You’ll enjoy less traffic on this route than many others on the South Rim.

For this route, you’ll want poles, good boots, sun protection, and lots of water. Some parts of the trail are shaded but others will have you out in the weather.

From Hermits Rest, take the trail past the Hermits Rest Viewpoint over the edge of the plateau. You’ll hike down a gully of Kaibab limestone before switchbacking through the Coconino layer. Trails drop off to the north into the canyon, but follow the signage for Santa Maria Springs. You’ll be taking a left at the trail split near the second creek.

Take it easy on steep sections where the footing might be loose. Pass through the forest, enjoy open viewpoints, and teeter along the cliffside trail. When you reach the springs, take a break to enjoy the view before retracing your steps.