Newbie Rant
My first hike into the Grand Canyon left me with mixed feelings. The Canyon is beautiful. Now the Grand part must be referring to the crowds of people. The lack of parking and mind-boggling entrance fees are just part of the package. If your mind is set on a relaxing hike into a breathtaking canyon where your heart cries, go to Canyon de Chelly. =) In all fairness, the employees of the park were amiable.
Hike
Okay, Welcome to the Grand Canyon! The hike to Dripping Springs is about six miles round trip. Begin at Hermits Rest and follow the Hermits Trail down into the Canyon. Midway into the hike, turn left onto the Dripping Springs Trail. The trail goes back into the alcove where the Dripping Spring is found. As the name states, this spring is dripping. The drip is from a wall above and falls into a small pool below.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
To Hermits Rest Trailhead From Flagstaff head west on I-40 for 30.4 mi to SR-64. Turn right/north and follow SR-64 55 miles to the park. You will receive a map & information at the GC park entrance.
Hermits Rest is at the west end of Hermit Road. Hermit Road is a restricted area, you must take the free-bus. Keep in mind the bus ride is over a half hour long each way when planning your hike.
Backpackers with a valid backcountry permit can drive private vehicles to the Hermit trailhead. A numerical code (provided by the Backcountry Information Center) is needed to open the Hermit Transfer access gate. Use the keypad mounted on the steel post that supports the gate to enter this code. Drive to Hermits Rest and follow the dirt road 1⁄4 mile beyond the end of the pavement to the trailhead.
During the winter the Hermit Road is open to private vehicles and no special access is required.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 239 mi - about 3 hours 58 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 344 mi - about 5 hours 28 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 91.9 mi - about 1 hour 49 mins
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