Hiking and Backpacking along Grand Canyon’s Hermit Trail

Things to know

• Covid measures in the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Grand Canyon, refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s requirements for air travel to the US and Grand Canyon National Park public health update.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • An experienced, certified hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Two, four or five days of hiking depending on your chosen itinerary
  • Transportation from your accommodation to the trailhead and back
  • Campsite accommodations
  • All meals, from breakfast on day one to lunch on the last day
  • Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and multi-day backpack
  • Use of trekking poles and crampons if needed
  • All emergency equipment
  • All national park fees and permits

  What’s not included:

  • Transportation to your pre-trip accommodation
  • Accommodation before the trip
  • Personal hiking clothes and gear
• How fit do I need to be?

  To participate in these adventures, strong fitness levels and some hiking experience are required. You will be hiking for 8-10 miles (13-16 km) a day for 4-5 days, with up to 3,400 ft (1,040 m) in daily elevation change. You will be hiking through moderately rugged terrain with moderate height exposure while carrying a 35-45 lb (15-20 kg) pack. You should also take into consideration that these tours may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights. 

  If you’re new to hiking, check out our beginner-friendly Grand Canyon tours.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Three water bottles (at least 1L capacity each)
  • Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
  • Wool or synthetic hiking socks — at least 3 pairs 
  • Hiking clothes
  • Spare clothes for layering and 4-5 days of hiking
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Sleeping bag (can be provided by guide)
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• What is the accommodation like?

  You can expect top-notch 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Anyone can be issued a single tent. Self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags are also provided.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • For these adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1, with a maximum of 9 guests per tour.  
  • It takes at least 4 guests for a tour to operate.
  • The cost does not decrease as the group grows. 

  Hiking in the Grand Canyon can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 but older than 12 may be permitted to join the tours on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A $250 USD deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

  • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking and within 10 days of making their reservation, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $50 USD cancellation fee. 
  • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, but 10 days or more after making their first payment, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $100 USD cancellation fee. 
  • For cancellations fifty-nine (59) to thirty (30) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total trip cost. 
  • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Flagstaff, AZ, most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport which is 3 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, or somewhere in Flagstaff. You will meet your guide for an orientation meeting at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip.

  Your guide recommends spending the night before the tour at the Little America Hotel. This is why they’ve prepared a 10-60% discount using this reservation page. The following morning, your guide will pick you up and take you to the trailhead (between 4 and 7 a.m.—depending on the weather and road conditions).