Rugged terrain. Towering cliffs. Riverside camps. A journey into the soul of Grand Canyon.
This October, Desert Hiking Company is heading back into the wild with one of our favorite routes: the 5-day Hermit Loop backpacking adventure. This trip is for those who want more than a hike—it’s for those ready to immerse themselves in the land, sleep under starlit canyon walls, and trace the footsteps of ancient travelers.
Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or someone looking for a fully guided, all-inclusive way to see the Grand Canyon’s hidden side, the Hermit Loop delivers.
Trip Overview
The Hermit Loop covers 24 miles of remote and varied terrain on the Canyon’s South Rim. It’s a challenging, rewarding route that combines dramatic elevation changes, sweeping vistas, and riverside camping with quiet solitude and rich cultural history.
Trip Length: 5 days / 4 nights
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 24 miles round-trip
Highlights: Historic trails, solitude, Granite Rapids, towering Redwall cliffs, and side canyon exploration.
Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1 – Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Garden & Horn Creek Camp
We begin our descent via the Bright Angel Trail, making our way through the canyon’s signature switchbacks to Havasupai Garden, a lush oasis shaded by cottonwoods and nourished by flowing spring water. After a refreshing rest and picnic lunch in this culturally significant location, we continue west along the Tonto Trail to our first night’s destination: Horn Creek Camp.
Horn Creek is a permit-only, single-group campsite, meaning your group gets this special site all to yourselves. Tucked beneath sweeping canyon walls with views across the Tonto Platform, it’s a quiet and secluded place to settle in and fully disconnect on your first night in the canyon.
Day 2 – The Tonto Plateau to Monument Creek
We hit the Tonto Trail for an 8.9-mile traverse across sweeping plateaus with endless views of the inner gorge and distant rim. By evening, we arrive at Monument Creek, tucked beneath towering red cliffs—a peaceful, spring-fed retreat.
Day 3 – Into the Narrows & Granite Rapids
Today we drop through the schist narrows of Monument Canyon, descending 1,000 feet to the Colorado River. We camp near Granite Rapids, one of the most powerful rapids in the canyon. There’s nothing like dinner with the sound of whitewater in your ears and stars overhead.
Day 4 – Westward to Hermit Creek
We continue along the Tonto Trail, eventually reaching Hermit Creek, a rugged desert oasis. If energy allows, we explore Hermit Rapid before returning to camp for one final night under the canyon sky.
Day 5 – Climbing the Hermit Trail to the Rim
We ascend via the historic Hermit Trail, passing fossilized footprints and stunning views as we climb layer by layer back to the South Rim. It’s a challenging but deeply rewarding finale to this unforgettable journey.
What’s Included
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Professional guide services
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All backcountry permits
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Gear: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks
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All meals and snacks on-trail
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First-aid supplies and emergency support
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Shuttles to/from trailheads
What You’ll Experience
✔️ Secluded trails far from the tourist crowds
✔️ Hidden springs, quiet creekside camps, and desert wildlife
✔️ Geological wonders and cultural landmarks
✔️ A personal connection to the canyon few ever find
✔️ Space to reflect, reset, and be present
We’ll handle the logistics, food, and safety—you bring your sense of adventure.
Ready to Join Us?
Our October Hermit Loop trip is one of the best times to experience the canyon: cooler temperatures, golden light, and fewer hikers. This trip sells out fast due to limited group size.
Reserve your spot here
What to Pack
We’ll provide you with a complete packing list once you book, and we supply all major gear. You’ll just need personal items, layered clothing, and a readiness to embrace the trail.
Download the Packing List Here
From cottonwood groves to riverside sunsets, from ancient trails to roaring rapids—the Hermit Loop is the kind of adventure that stays with you. We’d love to hike it with you.
