Waldron Trailhead
A quieter old route down into Hermit Basin
About
Waldron Trailhead sits west of Grand Canyon Village, reached by driving out Rowe Well Road and continuing on dirt forest roads toward Horsethief Tank, an old dirt-dam reservoir built by prospectors in the 1890s. From a parking area near the tank, a stretch of walking across a wooded plateau leads to the actual trailhead gate, where the Waldron Trail drops off the rim and switchbacks down into Hermit Basin to meet the Hermit Trail.
What to know
- Before the Hermit Trail was built in 1912, this was the main route into Waldron Basin, and it's still used today as a quieter, less-graded alternative into the same country.
- The trail sees far less traffic than the maintained corridor trails, so the tread can be faint in places — know how to navigate before you go.
- Like other inner-canyon routes here, there's no reliable water along the way, so carry everything you'll need for the descent and the climb back out.
It's a good pick for hikers who want Hermit Basin's scenery without the crowds on the main Hermit Trail, provided you're comfortable with routefinding on an unmaintained, backcountry-style trail.
Best Time to Hike From Here
Since there's no reliable water along the way, cooler months make both the descent and the climb back out considerably safer.
Trail Tips
- Before the Hermit Trail was built in 1912, this was the main route into Waldron Basin, and it's still used today as a quieter, less-graded alternative.
- The trail sees far less traffic than the maintained corridor trails, so the tread can be faint in places — know how to navigate before you go.
- Carry everything you'll need for the descent and the climb back out, since there's no reliable water anywhere on the route.
Getting to Waldron Trailhead
Drive out Rowe Well Road and continue on dirt forest roads toward Horsethief Tank, then walk across the wooded plateau to the trailhead gate.
What to Expect at Waldron Trailhead
Waldron Trailhead sits west of Grand Canyon Village, reached by driving out Rowe Well Road and continuing on dirt forest roads toward Horsethief Tank, an old dirt-dam reservoir built by prospectors in the 1890s. From a parking area near the tank, a stretch of walking across a wooded plateau leads to the actual trailhead gate, where the Waldron Trail drops off the rim and switchbacks down into Hermit Basin.
Reviews
See all on GoogleNo reviews yet for this listing.