Exploring the wonders of Grand Canyon National Park is a bucket-list item for many, and the Hermits Rest Hike and Guided Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience it. This immersive tour takes adventurers on a scenic hike along the South Rim, culminating at the iconic Hermit’s Rest. With round-trip Jeep Wrangler transportation, access to less crowded areas, and essential amenities included, it’s a compelling option for the moderately fit traveler. However, certain age and health restrictions apply, so those interested should review the tour details carefully. The personalized nature of this small-group experience may have you wondering what other hidden gems await at the Grand Canyon.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Guided Tours In Grand Canyon National Park.
Key Points
- The Hermit’s Rest Hike and Guided Tour is a popular excursion within Grand Canyon National Park, offering a comprehensive experience with a guided hike along the South Rim.
- The tour requires a moderate fitness level and is not suitable for children under 7 or individuals with certain health restrictions, such as back problems or heart issues.
- Round-trip Jeep Wrangler transportation is included, and the tour offers access to less crowded areas of the park with an average rating of 3.0 from 5 reviews.
- The guided hike covers approximately 3 miles round-trip with a 700-foot elevation change, requiring proper footwear, hydration, and upper body strength.
- Direct booking with Pink Jeep Tours is recommended to avoid scheduling issues reported by travelers booking through third-party platforms.
Tour Overview
The Hermits Rest Hike and Guided Tour is a popular excursion within Grand Canyon National Park, offering travelers a chance to explore the iconic Hermit’s Rest area with the guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader.
This tour has received 5 reviews, with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5. It’s a guided hike along the South Rim, providing round-trip transportation in a Jeep Wrangler.
The tour includes entrance fees, IMAX movie tickets, and gratuities, making it a convenient and comprehensive experience. However, the tour may not be suitable for everyone, as it requires a moderate fitness level and excludes children under 7.
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Tour Details
According to the provided information, the Hermits Rest Hike and Guided Tour offers a comprehensive experience for visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park.
The guided hike along the South Rim takes guests to Hermit’s Rest, an area with limited access and fewer crowds.
The tour includes:
- Round-trip transportation in a Jeep Wrangler
- Entrance fees to the park
- IMAX movie tickets about the area’s history
- Gratuities
- A fully guided experience
This tour is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level and upper body strength, as it requires some physical exertion.
However, it’s not recommended for individuals with certain health restrictions.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers meet at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX, located at 450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA.
From there, they’ll embark on the guided tour, which includes round-trip transportation in a Jeep Wrangler. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
The maximum group size is 7 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Accessibility is limited, as the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, though service animals are allowed.
Direct booking with the tour provider, Pink Jeep Tours, is recommended to avoid any scheduling issues reported when booking through third-party platforms.
Physical Requirements
A moderate fitness level is required for this guided hike to Hermit’s Rest. Upper body strength is also needed for safety during the tour.
The hike covers a distance of approximately 3 miles round-trip, with an elevation change of 700 feet. Participants should be prepared for:
- Steep, rocky terrain
- Narrow trails with limited clearance
- Exposure to the elements, including sun and wind
- Occasional use of handholds and steps
- Navigating uneven surfaces and potential obstacles
This tour isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnancy, heart issues, or limited mobility.
Proper footwear and hydration are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Age and Health Restrictions
For this tour, children under the age of 7 aren’t permitted.
Plus, the hike isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnancy, heart issues, or limited mobility. This is due to the moderate fitness level and upper body strength required for the safety of the group.
The tour involves a guided hike along the South Rim to Hermit’s Rest, an area with limited access and fewer crowds.
Prospective travelers should carefully consider their physical capabilities before booking this tour to ensure they can fully participate and enjoy the experience.
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What to Bring
Bottled water, sunscreen, a hat, and closed-toe shoes are essential items to bring on this tour. The Hermits Rest Hike and Guided Tour takes you through rugged terrain, so you’ll want to be prepared.
Other recommended items include:
- A lightweight, breathable jacket or layers for changing weather conditions
- Snacks or a packed lunch to enjoy during the tour
- Comfortable, well-broken-in hiking socks
- A small backpack or day pack to carry your belongings
- Any necessary medications or personal care items you may need during the hike.
Packing the right gear will help ensure your comfort and safety throughout the guided experience.
Accessibility
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Accessing the Hermit’s Rest area requires a moderate fitness level and upper body strength for safety reasons. Those with back problems, pregnancy, heart issues, or limited mobility may find the hike challenging.
The guided tour involves navigating uneven terrain along the South Rim to reach the remote Hermit’s Rest destination.
While this limited-access area provides an opportunity to explore the canyon with smaller crowds, prospective participants should carefully consider their physical capabilities before booking the tour.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have mixed feedback regarding the Hermits Rest Hike and Guided Tour. While some have enjoyed the experience, highlighting the guide’s effectiveness and scenic stops, others have reported issues with booking through third-party platforms like Viator, with several tours not being scheduled as planned.
To ensure a smooth experience, it’s advisable to book directly with Pink Jeep Tours. The tour has received a 3.0 average rating from 5 total reviews, suggesting room for improvement in some areas.
- Booking issues reported through third-party platforms
- Positive feedback on the guide and scenic stops
- Recommendation to book directly with the tour operator
- 3.0 average rating from 5 total reviews
- Direct booking advised to avoid scheduling problems
Recap
The Hermits Rest Hike and Guided Tour provides an immersive Grand Canyon experience for moderately fit individuals. With round-trip Jeep transportation, access to less crowded areas, and essential amenities, this personalized tour offers a scenic hike along the South Rim to the iconic Hermit’s Rest. However, it’s not suitable for children under seven or those with health restrictions.
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