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1,500 AEG |
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| 1,500 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Dripping Springs is a fabulous day-hike in
Grand Canyon. I would like to elaborate on a previous comment
regarding "a vertigo inducing traverse around the head of Hermit
Canyon"! But first, a comment on the upper trail. The upper
part of the trail is not as scenic, but it exhibits really incredible trail
construction. It consists of a couple miles or so of
"staircase" for lack of a better word - it is not tiered like
stairs, but consists of rocks laid vertically into place (see
photo).
This must have been a tremendous amount of work (I'm glad I didn't work on
it!). This is one of the unmaintained trails in Grand Canyon, but this
section of trail at least is going to last hundreds of years. As you
descend into Hermit Basin, be sure to look down where the Hermit Trail
continues on down to the river. It is a spectacular view (see photo,
which does not do it justice). But that is not a day hike (at least
for the likes of me - I've done it as a backpack). The trail to
Dripping Springs divides off to the left.
You end up following a long winding contour where the trail is cut into a
slope of about 45 degrees. The trail is narrow but very easy walking
since it is almost level - a very rare luxury in the Grand Canyon. The
view straight down into the canyon is not scary at all since you are not on
the edge. After maybe a mile or so you suddenly round a corner that
gives you a great vista of the trail ahead, and you can see the trail cut
into the slope winding around and around, perched very precariously over a
huge cliff! You then realize that you have been hiking that very same
formation for the last mile or so, and all along have been perched directly
over that same cliff! You also start to notice more details about the
slope that you are on - it is totally covered with tiny little
ball-bearing-like pebbles! One slip off the narrow trail, and there
would be nothing to stop you from careening over the cliff edge.
Suddenly, your whole psychology changes. Personally, I love it
("precipitous" equals "scenic"), but I have seen people
who start to panic at this point on the trail, will proceed no further, and
need to be led out while holding their hand. Don't get me wrong - I
highly recommend this trail. But it is good to know what you are
getting into before you are already in the middle of it! |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
