HikeArizona.COM

So looking to do this as a loop with Hermit and am wondering what people’s thoughts are: go down Hermit and up Boucher or vice versa. I’ve read conflicting reports on which is the better way to attack Boucher. Up or down? Thoughts? Always appreciated:-)

And by chance will the park service let backpackers park a 25ft RV at the trailhead? I know they will discourage it, but is there oversize parking at Hermits Rest? Many thank you’s!

In the immortal words of the scarecrow in the corn field along the yellow brick road:

"That way is a nice way. It's pleasant down that way too. Of course people do go both ways."

Yep. Personal preference I guess. I always worry about my knees so thinking up might be nice with an overnight on the way up.

What about parking a 25ft RV at Hermits Rest? Do they have oversize parking spots? Backcountry office discouraged the idea, but didn't say it’s not allowed.

Sorry and a third off topic question: How is it for hammock camping at Boucher and/or Hermit sites?

Maybe I should change the name of my post to camping info since I have three different questions. I was trying to avoid three different posts. Tough to stay on one topic with all my questions.

Louie

@louie
The backpackers parking lot at hermit's rest is just a dirt loop. I'd probably discourage the RV too, but if that's what you've got, you should be able to make it work. There are no marked "spaces" to park in.

Both Boucher and Hermit offer sparse opportunities for hanging.
Hermit: https://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=337549
Boucher: https://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=337520

We went down Boucher, and I recall Kyle saying there's no way he would want to go up that break. I don't think it would be that bad. Both routes offer plusses and minuses. Hermit is a slightly more developed/maintained trail.

I personally haven't tried to hammock camp in the GC, but even along the perennial creeks trees generally aren't plentiful. I probably wouldn't count on being able to find good spots to hang a hammock. The photo below shows the Hermit camp area.

[ photo ]

I am with Kyle, and would prefer going down Boucher and out Hermit.

Here's a satellite photo of the parking area. I've seen it pretty full. If there's only a few cars then an RV wouldn't be a problem. (switch to satellite view)
https://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=6684

In historic photos I see one larger vehicle (looks like it might even have a trailer) parked on the side of the road at the end of the loop.

Thank you! You guys are most helpful:-) I’ll ditch the hammock. Backcountry office naturally is discouraging me from parking an RV out there, but it’s that or we park 2 vehicles at the TH so I’d call it a wash. I was just wondering if there are actual designated oversize parking spaces at Hermits Rest. From looking at sat images there appear to be larger open areas at Hermits Rest, but unclear if those are for the shuttle busses or private park. Backcountry said it’s allowed, but discouraged. We can walk the qtr mile to the TH. Thanks again!

You don't say when you have the permit for, but if before 11/30 or after 3/1 you can take the shuttle bus out to Hermit's Rest and back. Times vary..... https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-road.htm