Grand Canyon Backpacking: Day 1

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My dad and I have been hiking together since I was a kid, but even though we’ve been talking about doing so for years we haven’t done the Canyon. Between my Master’s program and Dad’s job (and golf), neither of us has a ton of free time to research trails and hope for permit lotteries, so DiscoveryTreks is perfect for what we need. Surprise, Dad, we’re backpacking Hermit to Bright Angel!

This is a true backpacking trip. On day one we put in eight miles between the trailhead and camp, making our way along Hermit Creek through the canyon that bears its name. Hermit Canyon is one of the side canyons, and access to the trail is pretty limited, so it’s a quieter and more secluded hike. As a result, we won’t be taking in all the big open views that many of the other routes enjoy, but the entire Grand Canyon is—well, it’s Grand.

Jon.