My Hike Into Grand Canyon Coming Up Quickly
Granite Rapids, GCNP (photo: Brian Lane)
I've been training for many months now and I'm ready to go into the Canyon on this Friday, May 16th for a five day jaunt down Hermit Trail to Hermit Creek, over to Granite Rapids, up to Monument Creek, over to Indian Garden, and out on Tuesday the 20th. The total mileage (including a side trip out to Plateau Point) will be just shy of 30 miles.
This about my 35th time into the Grand Canyon and I have done Hermit Trail about 6 times. Granite Rapids is my personal "favorite spot" in the Canyon. I will be traveling alone - not advised for first-timers on this rough, unmaintained trail - although I have leased a satellite phone ($100) for emergency use. Hermit Trail requires advanced route finding skills, especially when crossing the numerous rockslides along the mid-section of this trail.
I'll be posting new photos upon my return.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION CONCERNING HERMIT TRAIL
All backcountry permit holders hiking into the canyon via the Hermit Trail are required to use an alternate trail to complete their hike. Hikers will not be allowed to hike out via the Hermit Trail. Access to Hermit Trailhead will be limited to free early morning shuttle buses (drop off only). Restrooms are available near Hermit Trailhead.
May: A free park shuttle bus will take hikers to the Hermit Trailhead at following times (no pick-up).
- May: shuttle buses will leave the Backcountry Information Center at 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
June, July, and August: No access by foot or vehicle.
September, October, and November: park shuttle bus will take hikers to the Hermit Trailhead at following times (no pick-up).
- September: shuttle buses will leave the Backcountry Information Center at 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
- October: shuttle buses will leave the Backcountry Information Center at 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- November: shuttle buses will leave the Backcountry Information Center at 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
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