A hike down the Hermit Trail has been described as "the best little hike in the canyon." Along this route there are fossilized shells and trackways, hidden pools and graceful waterfalls, narrow canyons and sweeping vistas. After an initial day discussing wilderness backpacking skills, the class descends the Hermit Trail to Hermit Creek, enjoying the unfolding beauty of Hermit Basin and practicing with map and compass. The next day is spent exploring the wonders of Hermit Creek and visiting the Colorado River's thundering Hermit Rapids.

The "narrows" (a sinuous passage through water-smoothed rocks found in the Monument Creek drainage) are a canyoneer's dream. Utilizing this slickrock narrows, participants learn basic scrambling techniques as they squeeze, contort, and splash their way toward the Colorado River and Granite Rapids.

In stark contrast to the intimacy of the narrows, the next day's hike along the Tonto Trail affords incredible views of the North Rim temples. An evening's hike to Plateau Point for one of its famed sunsets serves as a fitting climax to a superb hike. A final night at Indian Garden Campground precedes an ascent of the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim.

Prerequisite: Prior recent backpacking experience, preferably in the Grand Canyon.