The 26-mile Hermit Trail to Bright Angel Trail loop hike is one of the more popular hikes for experienced backpackers looking to get away from the crowds. This splendid route is a treasure trove of desert streams, big views, stunning geologic formations and botanical wonders.

This class will incorporate wide-ranging topics and interpretive points of interest to weave the story of the canyon’s past, present and future. Focusing primarily on the biotic communities of the inner canyon, participants will learn about woodland-, desert- and river-ecosystem dynamics and functions, and a variety of resource-management issues pertaining to this vast landscape. After a thorough orientation, the class will descend the historic Hermit Trail, and then utilize the Tonto Trail to proceed upcanyon during subsequent days. Campsites will include picturesque Hermit Creek, Monument Creek and Indian Garden. Side hikes will descend through the two-billion-year-old Vishnu Schist en route to the Colorado River where Hermit and Granite rapids will bear testament to the power and significance of this iconic Southwestern waterway. At the conclusion of this weeklong, interdisciplinary fact fest, the class will ascend the historic Bright Angel Trail for classroom wrap-up and farewells.