Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is a perennial spring on the South Rim, reached by a side trail off the Hermit Trail west of Hermit's Rest. Water seeps from an overhanging alcove beneath tall Coconino sandstone cliffs, one of the more reliable water sources below the rim — though anything collected here still needs to be treated or filtered before drinking. The setting is the draw: a shaded, dripping rock overhang tucked into the cliff band, a contrast to the open, sun-exposed switchbacks most hikers cross to get there.

Getting there

• Start at Hermit's Rest and follow the Hermit Trail roughly 1.5 miles before branching onto the Dripping Springs Trail
• The side trail continues about a half-mile to a mile further, descending through Hermit Shale and Coconino Sandstone to reach the spring
• Rated moderate to strenuous, with a few hundred feet of elevation loss on the return climb
• Hermit Road is shuttle-only from March through November; only backpackers with a valid Hermit or Boucher Trail permit may drive it during that period

This is a below-the-rim trail with no shade for much of the approach and no reliable services once past the trailhead — carry your own water and expect exposed, rocky footing typical of Grand Canyon corridor trails.