The Dripping Springs Trail is one of those Hermit-Waldron trails that most people access by coming down the Hermit Trail.  The actual trailhead is 1.2 miles west of Dripping Springs.  The easiest way to reach the actual trailhead is to drive southwest from Grand Canyon Village on Rowe Well Road and turn west (right) at the Rowe Well Picnic Area, where you will see a rundown picnic pavilion.  This road quickly turns into Horsethief Trail, which you are allowed to drive on, but you are not allowed to drive on Old Pasture Wash Road.  Park at the Waldron Trailhead.  A high clearance vehicle is required, but it is not necessary to have four wheel drive unless it is wet.  Be sure you have a detailed map or GPS with topo software.  Total time from the Village to the Waldron Trailhead is anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour, depending on road conditions.  You will then be required to walk the 3.5 miles on old roads over to the actual trailhead.

     The trail descends gently to the east at first and then begins to go downhill at a more rapid pace.  The trail moves from the south side of the gorge to the north side and eventually begins a series of wide, sweeping switchbacks down to Dripping Springs, a perennial water source.  The trail heads east out of Dripping Springs and remains almost level past the Boucher Trailhead and eventually reaches the Hermit Trail.  A favorite day hike for many people is to come down the Hermit Trail, proceed west on the Dripping Springs Trail until reaching Dripping Springs, and then backtrack to Hermits Rest.

     Click here for a trip report on this trail.

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