Sometimes you need to take a Hermit’s Rest!

Today Derek and I drove to the Grand Canyon for a much-needed date! For the past couple years, Derek has wanted to hike down the Hermit Trail into the canyon. The trail, located at Hermit’s Rest, is only open to private vehicle access in December and January. All other times you must ride the park shuttle with all of humanity to access the trail. The weather and our crazy social schedule decided to both give us a break this weekend so that we could spend some wonderful time together out in nature. The trail and the views did not disappoint! The trail is named after Louis Boucher who lived in this area of the canyon for over 20 years and created part of the trail system. He was called a hermit as he lived alone. We hiked down 3 miles into the canyon just past Santa Maria Spring and back up for a total of 6 miles and ~2,000 ft of elevation change. The trail was more sheltered than the others that drop into the canyon. So no sweeping views like those on the Grandview Trail, but lots of great views of the geology as one descends into the canyon. 

The sign says that going down is optional but coming up is mandatory. Wise words! 

The overcast skies brought out canyon colors and features that are more difficult to see in full sun. The reds really popped! 







Hermit Trail was built in 1911 using stone slabs to create a smooth walking surface. Ongoing erosion has claimed much of the paving, however some of the segments still survive. We walked on them today. Fossilized animal tracks can be seen on some of the slabs. You can see prints in the picture that I took of one of the slabs below. 

On this route there are a few different connector trails that we may choose to explore in the future. 







The greens and reds- such pretty contrast. 

Can you see the face in the canyon face? 

Santa Maria Spring. Water must be filtered before drinking, however we brought plenty with us for our hike. 

Cattails by the spring in the high desert! 

Do you see the Hermit rapids on the Colorado River in the picture below? Hint- it is the small white area at the lowest point of the picture. We could hear the Hermit Rapids from our vantage point high above. 





View at 3 miles before turning around and finding a good spot to rest, eat lunch, and enjoy the view. 

Crazy tall yucca plant! 

Lunching by a large boulder on a wide canyon ledge.  

Our view from our lunch spot. 

Winter sun over the canyon wall. 



Looking back on part of the trail as we ascended. 

We saw a herd of elk as we drove out of the park. 



When we got home, we each enjoyed a beer and pizza from Papa Murphy’s. Thanks to Grandma Dixie, Grandpa Randy, and Grandma Peggy for hosting Ash, Zach, and Snickers throughout the day so that Derek and I could enjoy some time together! So great to be outside and enjoying beautiful Arizona sights!