Waldron Trail
A quieter old road into Hermit Basin
About
Waldron Trail is a quiet connector route on the South Rim, reached by dirt forest roads off Rowe Well Road rather than a paved trailhead lot. It's the old approach into Waldron Basin, used before the Hermit Trail was built in 1912, and it still sees a fraction of the foot traffic of its more famous neighbor.
What to expect
The trail starts across a wooded plateau, then descends gently toward Horsethief Tank before dropping through steep switchbacks cut through the Coconino and Toroweap rock layers. That descent levels out on the flatter ground of Hermit Basin, where the trail ends at a junction with the Hermit Trail above Hermit Creek. Grades along the way run moderate to steep, with some sections considerably steeper than the average.
- No reliable water sources along the route
- Limited shade, especially on the switchback sections
- Connects to the Hermit and Dripping Springs trails at its lower end
It's a good option for hikers who want the solitude and terrain of Hermit Basin without the crowds at the Hermit's Rest trailhead itself.
Best Time to Hike Waldron Trail
No reliable water sources along the route and limited shade, especially on the switchback sections, make cooler months significantly more comfortable.
Trail Tips
- Connects to the Hermit and Dripping Springs trails at its lower end.
- Grades along the way run moderate to steep, with some sections considerably steeper than the average.
- A good option for hikers who want the solitude and terrain of Hermit Basin without the crowds at the Hermit's Rest trailhead itself.
Getting to Waldron Trail
The trail starts across a wooded plateau, then descends gently toward Horsethief Tank before dropping through steep switchbacks cut through the Coconino and Toroweap rock layers, leveling out on the flatter ground of Hermit Basin, where it ends at a junction with the Hermit Trail.
What to Expect on Waldron Trail
Waldron Trail is a quiet connector route on the South Rim, reached by dirt forest roads off Rowe Well Road rather than a paved trailhead lot. It's the old approach into Waldron Basin, used before the Hermit Trail was built in 1912, and it still sees a fraction of the foot traffic of its more famous neighbor.
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