Waldron Trail via Hermit Trail

Waldron Trail via Hermit Trail is a 6.1-mile out-and-back from Hermit Trailhead near Hermits Rest. Follow Hermit Trail down to Waldron Basin and its junction, turn onto the Waldron branch, then climb switchbacks up the opposite side before retracing the same line. Plan on about five hours. This is a hard canyon hike for experienced desert hikers; the 3-mile round trip to Waldron Basin is a shorter way to experience the descent.

From Hermits Rest, Hermit Trail drops steeply through switchbacks in Kaibab limestone and Coconino Sandstone. At the Waldron junction, take the left-hand branch; hikers continuing down Hermit Trail stay right. The Waldron route briefly eases, then climbs the other side on steep, rocky switchbacks. The tread is less traveled and can be hard to follow, so load an offline map and pay attention at the fork.

The first descent is only half the work. The Waldron branch climbs out of the drainage, and the return adds the long climb back to Hermits Rest. There is no dependable water along the Waldron branch, so carry everything you need and treat any natural water. Summer shade can still exceed 100°F; avoid the hottest part of the day. Winter ice can hide on the upper switchbacks.

The Hermit Trail was built in 1911 for the Santa Fe Railroad's Hermit Camp, a luxury camp below the rim that opened a decade before Phantom Ranch and closed in 1930. The old route still carries you past fragments of its hand-fitted stone paving.

The Hermit Trailhead is just west of Hermits Rest, reached by a short walk down the dirt access road. From March 1 through November 30, Hermit Road is shuttle-only for day visitors; take the free Hermit Route bus because there is no day-hiker parking at the trailhead. From December through February, vehicles can use the road and the shuttle does not run. Restrooms are at Hermits Rest. Pets are not allowed below the rim.