You Hermits Rest TH to Bright Angles Point TH
Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry use information
Preplanning
If you’re planning to hike through Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP), you’ll need to acquire a permit. For detailed trip planning, please refer to the GCNP Backcountry Use Information. It’s highly recommended to plan and submit your permit request at least six months before your trip. However, due to the high demand, obtaining a permit can be challenging. Therefore, it’s advisable to have several alternative options in mind when submitting your permit request to avoid disappointment in case your first choice is not available.
The Trail
This particular hiking trail begins at the Hermit Rest Trailhead in Grand Canyon National Park. You will descend 
the Hermit Trail until you reach the Tonto Trail. On the first day, you will hike to the Monument Creek Campsites. On Day 2, you will continue hiking along the Tonto Trail, which runs parallel to the Colorado River near the bottom of the Grand Canyon National Park. Keep hiking on the Tonto Trail until you join the Bright Angel Trail at the Indian Garden Campsites. Finally, on Day 3, you will embark on the climb out to the Bright Angel Trail Trailhead on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
The trip covers a total distance of 24.3 miles, with an elevation gain and loss of approximately 10,000 feet. It is advised to plan for an 8-hour descent on the first day, depending on your traveling speed. The climb on the third day is expected to take about the same amount of time as your descent.
Attractions
The Grand Canyon National Park trip offers grand views of the canyon and the Monuments of Monument Creek, as well as the opportunity to see some of the remaining California Condors that reside in the area.
California Condor
Some of the most remarkable and beautiful scenery you will see is in Monument Canyon. Many monuments will be seen here, but the main monument can be found just shy of the camping area in Monument Canyon.
One of the most stunning areas to visit for its natural beauty is Monument Canyon. While hiking in this area, you will come across several monuments, but the primary one is situated near the camping site in Monument Canyon. It is advisable to carry plenty of water during this hike, especially in late spring or early fall when temperatures can be very high. A water bladder is an excellent choice to stay hydrated along the way.
Precautions
When the mercury soars at Grand Canyon National Park, sunscreen is essential. However, in the high season (late fall to early spring), you need to prepare for snow and ice near the GCNP rim as you descend and climb out of the canyon. I found Kahtoola MICROspikes to be ideal and lightweight to carry.
Trekking poles are another necessity while trying to navigate some of the sections descending on the Hermit Trail in Grand Canyon National Park. Some of the trail tends to disappear as it crosses broken rock fields and reappears on the other side. Using the trekking poles to help maintain balance can save your knees and skinned hands. Also using the poles to help during the long descent into the GCNP and the climb out is very beneficial as well.
