Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring (Grand Canyon - How To Hike)

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.
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00:00 Why
00:18 Getting There
01:56 Hermit Trail
05:47 Santa Maria Spring
#grandcanyon
#hiking #hike #hikingvlog #hikinggear #hikingtrails #hikingandcamping #hikingandcampingforbeginners #hikingandcampingvlog #hikingandbackpacking #52HikeChallenge #backpacking #healthyliving #trails #outdoors #nature
Welcome to my detailed guide on hiking from Hermit's Rest to Santa Maria Spring via the Hermit Basin in the Grand Canyon. This video is designed to be your ultimate companion for tackling this less-traveled but highly rewarding trail. Starting at the historic Hermit's Rest, I'll take you through every step of your journey, providing essential tips on how to prepare, what to pack, and safety measures to consider. This trail is known for its rugged terrain and fewer crowds, offering a serene and intimate encounter with the Grand Canyon. From planning your trip to navigating the paths, this guide is crafted to help both novice and experienced hikers enjoy a safe and exhilarating experience.
The hike begins at the scenic Hermit's Rest, a location that marks the start of the Hermit Trail. As you descend into the Hermit Basin, you'll be treated to diverse geological formations and a quiet, more solitary hiking experience. In this part of the video, I'll discuss what to expect in terms of trail conditions, elevation changes, and the unique flora and fauna you might encounter. The descent into Hermit Basin is steep and challenging, but it provides exceptional views of the surrounding canyon walls and distant peaks, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those looking for a bit of adventure.
After the descent, you'll arrive at the beautiful and tranquil area known as Santa Maria Spring. This is not just a great spot to rest and refill your water bottles but also a perfect place to enjoy some of the best views the trail has to offer. In this segment, I’ll show you around Santa Maria Spring, highlighting the historic resthouse that provides shade and a place to take a break. I'll share insights on the spring's history, its importance to earlier travelers, and tips on how to use this stop to rejuvenate before continuing your hike or starting your return.
Throughout this video, you'll receive practical advice on how to make the most of your hike, from managing your energy levels to staying hydrated in the arid climate. Whether you're planning to head back after reaching Santa Maria Spring or extend your hike deeper into the canyon, this guide provides all the information you need to navigate safely and enjoyably. This trail offers a profound sense of isolation and connection with nature, making it a memorable part of any Grand Canyon adventure.

[@bry2729]

Thank you for all of these videos! I'm coming down next week and having been planning this trip six months. These videos and your website have really helped!

[@FarmhouseStudioOnFifth]

thanks for the information! This trail is on our bucket list and your video really helps to get an idea of the landscape we'll be walking!

[@rkatrails]

Thanks for the update. On the one hand, I'm glad we're still getting snow to give us much needed water, but on the other hand I'm eager for it to melt so we can go out and enjoy the trails with not too much snow to deal with.

[@billbeyatte]

Great hike, if it just wasn't DOWN first. Mountains I can take. If I get pooped, I turn around and it's all down hill. I know, that's the Grand Canyon. Give me Whitney..

[@JMS407]

I did a 5 day with Wildland Trekking a few years ago that starts on Bright Angle, Tonto, Monument Creek, Granite Rapids, Hermit Rapids, and then up and out on Hermit Trail on the last day. The views are just indescribable.

[@amigatommy7]

The bus service is great.

[@potatothorn]

thanks for this excellent video. we've been aways down north kaibab a couple times and are thinking of taking this one about as far as you went this summer, good to have a detailed look (we are good with hot weather) thanks for showing us around!

[@waynescottturner]

Excellent info! Thanks for the detail.

[@BradBourdon-cy3wo]

Hiking Guy: You gotta do Mt Wrightson south of Tucson. I'm a SoCal native and I've done all the hikes and peaks in OC and LA -- my dad retired to Tucson a few years ago so when I visit I try to it up Mt Wrightson when I can. It's one of my favorite hikes of all time -- definitely worth it.

[@Hikingguy]

It's great suggestion and on my list - I did it about 8 years ago - I was in Tucson for vacation and they had spotted a black jaguar there for the first time in years - did the hike and it was incredible - will get it up here at some point, thanks again for the suggestion

[@peterbedford2610]

Great info. Thsnks

[@rkatrails]

Looks like a very nice hike. You mentioned campers coming back up...are there any places to camp down there? I guess the only water source is what you showed at the hut, but you could fill up going down and coming back up

[@Hikingguy]

Lots of great areas, Hermit Camp, Monument Creek, and Granite Rapids, last two have water all year (not positive on Hermit Camp)

[@JMS407]

Hermit Camp did have water when I was there but that was a few years ago.

[@rkatrails]

​@@JMS407I guess it's best to check with a ranger beforehand.

[@RobertVinet]

I was there a few weeks ago. Miss it already. Wonderful video and info.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@aquatecpoolservice4547]

Another great video. 👍

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@markjones2973]

Great hike report, thank you. I am always interested to know the air temperature during your hikes, since the temperature can have a big impact on a hike.

[@lilianm7151]

Great video. Did I spotted some new gear?

[@Hikingguy]

Trying out the Hikelite 26 - stay tuned for an updated gear list and some gear reviews, have been deep in shoes and packs for the last few months

[@KarenSueFrancis-tb9do]

How does it compare to Indian gardens difficulty

[@Hikingguy]

A bit easier