Hiking Route from South Rim to Hermit's Rest Destination
Exploring the Rim Trail from Bright Angel to Hermit's Rest on the Grand Canyon's South Rim
The Rim Trail, a hidden gem on the Grand Canyon's South Rim, offers a stunning and accessible hiking experience for visitors. This mostly paved trail follows the canyon edge, providing breathtaking views without the strenuous elevation changes found on inner canyon trails.
Location and Access
The Rim Trail connects near the Bright Angel Trailhead in Grand Canyon Village, following the rim westward towards Hermit's Rest. You can reach the trailhead by driving to the Bright Angel area and finding a spot just past the lodges, or by using the blue Village Shuttle Bus. The navigation address for the Bright Angel Lodge is: Bright Angel Lodge, 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
Shuttle Bus Information
Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 through November 30. During this period, the Red Route shuttle runs from Grand Canyon Village to Hermit's Rest from 8:00 am until about 1 hour after sunset, with the last outbound bus leaving the village at 7:30 pm. The shuttle provides essential transit to Hermit's Rest and the viewpoints along Hermit Road, including Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Hopi Point, and more.
Gear Recommendations
As this trail is mostly paved and relatively easy, it is recommended to bring sturdy walking shoes, sufficient water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and snacks. Although more rugged trails like Bright Angel and Hermit are recommended for experienced hikers with more technical gear, the Rim Trail is suitable for casual hiking. Leashed dogs are allowed on sections of the Rim Trail, which is unusual for National Park Service trails. It is also recommended to wear fitness or hiking gear for the hike.
Trail Maps
Visitors receive a free South Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide upon arrival, detailing shuttle routes and trails. The official National Park Service website and visitor centers also provide downloadable maps showing the Rim Trail, shuttle stops, and hiking routes.
Hiking the Trail
The hike from the Village Route Transfer station to Hermit's Rest does not have water sources along the route. It is recommended to bring at least 2L of water for the hike, and up to 3L in warmer months. The Rim Trail winds along the western section of the South Rim, stopping at every marked vista point and passing dozens of others that aren't on the map.
Safety Considerations
The Grand Canyon can be cold and icy from Fall to Spring, and very hot from Spring to Fall. Prepare accordingly by dressing in layers and bringing adequate water. If there are thunderstorms in the forecast, it's better to postpone the hike.
Hermit's Rest
Hermit's Rest is named after "the hermit" of the Grand Canyon, Louis Boucher, who staked his claim in the Grand Canyon, carved out trails, and evolved his homestead into a tourist destination. The Hermit Road Shuttle Bus can be used to return to the start of the hike or end the hike at any point.
Parking Information
Parking is available on the street and in the lot by the Bright Angel Trailhead. Parking lots are shared with visitors staying in accommodations such as Bright Angel Lodge. Parking is allowed anywhere that does not have a no-parking sign or staff parking sign. The bus station does not have a parking lot, but there are nearby lots just to the east.
Shuttle Bus Restrictions
Pets are not allowed on the Hermit Road Shuttle Bus. The bus does not run in winter, making the hike an out-and-back adventure during that season.
In summary, hiking the Rim Trail from Bright Angel to Hermit's Rest offers an accessible way to enjoy spectacular canyon vistas with shuttle bus access on the Red Route, convenient facilities, and easy terrain, making it ideal for a half-day outing or leisurely hike along the South Rim.
- The Rim Trail is connected near the Bright Angel Trailhead, where you can also find the Bright Angel Lodge, with the navigation address: Bright Angel Lodge, 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
- Along the Rim Trail, you can bring gear suitable for outdoor-living, such as sturdy walking shoes, sufficient water, sun protection, snacks, and fitness or hiking gear.
- By following the Rim Trail from Bright Angel Trailhead westward towards Hermit's Rest, you'll encounter various trailheads, viewpoints, and mapped vistas, with an adventure that includes Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Hopi Point, and more.
- Hiking enthusiasts can make use of the Red Route shuttle bus that operates from 8:00 am until about 1 hour after sunset, with the last outbound bus leaving the village at 7:30 pm, to access Hermit's Rest or return to the start of the hike.
- Hermit's Rest, old homestead turned tourist destination, carries a name given to Louis Boucher, the self-proclaimed "hermit" of the Grand Canyon, who carved out trails and evolved his homestead into a prominant attraction.
