The hike from Hermit's Rest to Dripping Springs is a pleasant 6.5 mile round
trip day
hike which should take about 6 hours depending on hiking speed and
how much time is spent resting and enjoying the views. This particular day was
quite overcast, with low clouds moving through the Canyon below us, and on and
off drizzle. There is not much exposure, but a couple of spots might give a first
timer some concern. There is little view of the Colorado River along this trail.
At Dripping Springs there is a large overhang that gives good protection
from the rain. There appears to be a camping area just below the spring, but I
am sure that no one would camp there because at-large camping is not allowed in
that area .....
Starting on the Hermit Trail, the Waldron trail joins at 1.5 miles at the bottom of the
hill. At 1.75 miles, the Hermit Trail goes off to the right at the
junction of the Dripping Springs Trail. Contouring around a few drainages will
bring you to the junction of the Boucher Trail, which heads off to the right at
2.75 miles. After
that point you start walking up the drainage that leads to Dripping Springs,
gaining a couple of hundred feet of altitude along the way. This last section is
somewhat overgrown and scratchy. Dripping Springs is at 3.25 miles.
Kathy at Hermits Rest
The Hermit Trail shortly after leaving Hermit's Rest
Cobblestones pave the trail in one section
Junction of the Hermit Trail and the Dripping Springs Trail
A view from the Dripping Springs Trail
The trail hugs some cliffs in spots
Start of the Boucher Trail
Kathy coming up the last few feet to Dripping Springs
Kathy checking out the drip, standing by the pool
The strange walls under the overhang at Dripping Springs
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