Dripping Springs via Dripping Springs and Hermit Trail

I've read that only approximately 10% of Grand Canyon National Park visitors spend time at the North Rim, meaning the crowds are smaller in the most beautiful areas you can immerse yourself in without having to backpack to the bottom.This isn't so much of an adventure as it is the perfect way to relax after a long day of hiking.  You can either hang out in the lodge that has massive floor-to-ce...

Not many people envision their romantic Valentine's Day getaway as a grueling 8 mile hike into the Grand Canyon, but I couldn't think of anything better! If you're planning a trip for the busier summer months, be sure to call ahead or fill out a backcountry permit request to make sure you get a campsite. During the winter, it's safe to just stop by the backcountry permit office a day or two ahe...

The Bright Angel Trail is considered the park’s premier hiking trail. Well maintained, graded for stock, with regular drinking water and covered rest-houses, it is without question the safest trail in Grand Canyon National Park. There is a ranger station located at the trail’s halfway point (Indian Garden) and one at the bottom of the canyon (Bright Angel Campground). Particularly during hot we...

The trail begins just outside of the Grand Canyon village at the Bright Angel Trailhead. The hike begins to descend immediately in continuous switchbacks. The trail can get very icy so shoe traction devices, while not necessary, are very useful. Along the trail there are rest houses at the 1/3 and 2/3 points on the trail to the Indian Garden campground. Eventually the trail levels out and conti...

From snow-dusted red rocks to dramatically painted evening skies, winter brings out a side of the Grand Canyon that is rarely seen at other times of the year. Skip the massive crowds and have your choice of driving your own car from lookout point to lookout point or taking the shuttle from the west end of the South Rim to the east end. The Village Shuttle Bus (Blue Route) connects the Visitor C...

Start off at Bright Angel Trailhead, then hike down into the Grand Canyon on one of the higher-quality trails. Hiking down to Plateau Point (furthest option) is well worth it. The hike down is a total of 6 miles, with a 3,000 foot drop in elevation. As you can imagine, this means the way back out will be a little more challenging. The first 4 miles take you to the base of the canyon and the fo...