An alternative to the highly strenuous Hermit Trail, the Waldron Trail splits off from the Hermit Trail 1.2 miles in and is one of the shorter trails in the canyon at only 2 miles long. Open year-round, this intermediate-level trail begins at the Hermit Trail junction and is packed with great views and opportunities for adventure. Plenty of wildlife can be found along this trail, but interacting with them is highly discouraged and, in most cases, prohibited entirely. Water availability is extremely limited along this trail and, despite being an extremely short path, it’s recommended that hikers come prepared for hazards like dehydration, unpredictable and severe weather including flash flooding, and overexertion. Water treatment kits are a popular alternative to bringing bottled water, and if you plan on hiking all the way to the Colorado River, you’ll need that water treatment kit to drink from it.
Photo © Courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park and used under the Creative Commons.
