Dripping Springs

Best Spring Day Hike at the Grand Canyon

 

A pleasant day hike to a shaded alcove spring, this trail offers a chance to see fossilized reptile tracks, awe at the deeply cut Hermit Canyon and ponder the early tourist history of the Canyon. Developed strictly as a tourist trail by the Santa Fe Railway, it was once considered to be the nicest trail on the rim and thousands of people would pay to be guided down to Hermit camp 8 miles below the rim.

The Hermit trails steep beginnings are mostly west facing providing a pleasantly cool early start. You will work your way down along blocky limestone and reach the switchbacks of the thick layer of ancient sand dunes known as the Coconino sandstone. It is here that you can keep your eyes peeled for the fossilized traces of scurrying reptiles clawing their way along the sand. Cool! Look for the larger slabs along the side of the trail. Looking across the canyon, you can see a great example of the layers of Grand Canyon’s top sections. If you look carefully you may see the Boucher (boo-shay’) trail.

You will follow the Hermit trail to a signed fork leading either down alongside the steep gorge, continuing on Hermit, or skirting around to Dripping springs. Take the uphill left to our destination. Traverse along a somewhat precarious and definitely sun exposed edge until you reach the Boucher trail junction. Follow the sign left and make your short half mile way through the dry wash. This section is an interesting hike into a kind of alcove. If you plan on drinking the water from the spring it must be treated. Enjoy the shade and probable solitude until the heat of the day passes. Your way back will be heated by the western sun so take your time and advantage of occasional shade.


  • Getting there: Take the shuttle from The Village to Hermits Rest (40-minutes one way with several nice viewpoints). Walk a short ways west after visiting Hermits Rest to the trailhead.
  • The Hike: Hermit trailhead to Dripping springs = 3.2 miles one-way
      - Hermit trailhead to Dripping Springs trail junction = 1.5 miles one-way
      - Dripping Springs junction to Boucher trail junction = 1.2 miles one-way
      - Boucher trail junction to Dripping springs = .5 miles one-way
  • Elevation loss/gain: Trailhead to Dripping Springs = 1400 feet (500 foot climb up to springs after junction)
  • Camping: None
  • Water: Treat water at Dripping Springs. This water source is not considered permanent so it is advised to bring all the water you will need for the day hike! During the summer, .5 -1 liter per hour of hiking is advised.

GRAND CANYON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experi
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experienced guides, serving great food, and supplying our customers with the most modern equipment and gear. In addition we are a member of various environmental groups and do our best to take care of the Grand Canyon and our Earth.

Grand Canyon Oasis

We are a family-owned RV park near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and only 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Our family -- Adam, Shelley, Zoe, Ava, and Cairo -- purchased the RV park in 2021. The property was a trading post for decades but had fallen into disrepair.
We are a family-owned RV park near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and only 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Our family -- Adam, Shelley, Zoe, Ava, and Cairo -- purchased the RV park in 2021. The property was a trading post for decades but had fallen into disrepair. We have been busy painting, cleaning and improving the grounds to become a comfortable oasis for your family. Our location on US Hwy 89 is only a few miles from the breathtaking aspens of Lockett Meadow, the ruins of Wupatki National Monument and the lava flows at Sunset Crater. The park is a short drive to downtown Flagstaff, and on the way to Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Moab and Durango. Stay the night or as long as you like! Drink in the hibiscus sunrises above the Painted Desert and relax into the long shadows of the San Francisco Peaks. Let us know if you want to borrow a telescope to explore the darkest night sky you have ever seen. We are so excited to share our home with you!
  • Spacious pull-through spaces
  • Full hook-ups
  • 30 and 50 amp available
  • Tiny home rentals
  • Free WiFi (Starlink)
  • 45 minutes to Grand Canyon
  • Monthly sites available
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Trail access to Coconino National Forest
  • Community fire pits
  • Covered patios
  • Community outdoor kitchen (May-October)
  • Complimentary morning coffee
  • Basketball court
  • Horseshoes, ladderball, games

Wildland Trekking

Join The Wildland Trekking Co. on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.

Canyoneers

The ultimate getaway! Spectacular scenery, great side canyon hikes, ancient Indian ruins, splendid waterfalls, gourmet meals, and top notch guides. Come experience the adventure, the challenge, the serenity, the wildlife, the fun and exhilaration, and come away feeling on top of the world
The ultimate getaway! Spectacular scenery, great side canyon hikes, ancient Indian ruins, splendid waterfalls, gourmet meals, and top notch guides. Come experience the adventure, the challenge, the serenity, the wildlife, the fun and exhilaration, and come away feeling on top of the world! Whether motorized pontoon or smaller rowing boats, Canyoneers does it best! This year, be a Canyoneer. We are a licensed concessionaire of the National Park Service.

Grand Canyon Expeditions

The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, and what better way to see it than from its heart, on a Colorado river rafting trip? This unique trip down the Grand Canyon ranges from running world-class rapids to hiking and swimming in the side canyons to investigating the remains le
The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, and what better way to see it than from its heart, on a Colorado river rafting trip? This unique trip down the Grand Canyon ranges from running world-class rapids to hiking and swimming in the side canyons to investigating the remains left by the first inhabitants of the Grand Canyon. Let our experienced guides show you the wonders of the Grand Canyon. This is not a tour of the Grand Canyon, it's an adventure!

Western River Expeditions

Discover the Grand Canyon, endless in scenic wonder, rich in Native American history and loaded with fun and adventure, Western River Expeditions' Grand Canyon tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring the Grand Canyon by river is an experience unlike any other. Discover hidden
Discover the Grand Canyon, endless in scenic wonder, rich in Native American history and loaded with fun and adventure, Western River Expeditions' Grand Canyon tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring the Grand Canyon by river is an experience unlike any other. Discover hidden waterfalls and paradisiacal side canyons - areas of Grand Canyon National Park that are accessible only by river.

More TOURS IN Grand Canyon

From $113.39
Duration: 2 hours
From $304.00
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
From $306.42
Duration: 2 hours