Image: Grand Canyon National Park Hermit Trail Waldron Trail Junction 3781 (7421927498)

Description: The Waldron Trail Junction is located in the Hermit Basin, at the bottom of the Coconino Formation about 1.25 miles (2 km) from the Hermit Trailhead. The elevation change is around 1,200 feet (366 m) NPS photo by Michael Quinn. All overnight trips in the Grand Canyon require a backcountry permit. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm" rel="nofollow">www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm</a> Plan your day so you are not hiking between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Take a break near shade and water to avoid the worst heat of day. Enjoy a predawn start and a late afternoon finish. Experienced desert hikers know that the timing of their hike is the most important factor in avoiding hazards. Most of the people who need emergency medical help in the canyon due to heat illness are hiking between 10am and 4pm. Even if you are eating and drinking correctly you still need to avoid hiking in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Sun temperatures are 15F to 20F (9C-11C) degrees hotter than posted shade temperatures. And keep in mind, the farther into the canyon you go the hotter it gets! Learn more about summer hiking in the Grand Canyon: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm" rel="nofollow">www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm</a> The Hermit Trail was built to serve a luxury campsite near Hermit Creek. Hermit Camp predated Phantom Ranch by 10 years, and in its heyday was complete with a tramway from the rim, a functional automobile for transportation within the facility, and a Fred Harvey chef. Operations ceased in 1930, but for two decades Hermit Camp was the last word in gracious tourism below the rim. As is always the case at Grand Canyon, time and erosion have taken a heavy toll. The old Hermit Trail is today a mere shadow of its former self, but for experienced, knowledgeable canyon backpackers the walk offers a direct link to the excitement and romance of the early days at Grand Canyon.
Title: Grand Canyon National Park Hermit Trail Waldron Trail Junction 3781 (7421927498)
Credit: Grand Canyon National Park: Hermit Trail: Waldron Trail Junction 3781
Author: Grand Canyon National Park
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
License: CC BY 2.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0
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