Boucher Trail
The Boucher Trail offers access to a charming and secluded part of the Grand Canyon, but the beauty has its price. The Boucher challenges even experienced Canyon hikers with tough, tedious traverses, linked together with knee destroying descents, and a section of exposed hand and toe climbing thrown in for good measure. On the other hand, the Canyon always seems to compensate physical effort with spiritual rewards, and opportunities abound to explore sidecanyons, encounter wildlife, examine ancient geology, and touch the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Vital Statistics
Mileage
Hermit Trailhead to Boucher Rapid: 10.5 miles (17km)
Hermit Trailhead to Boucher Trail Intersection: 2.5 miles (4km)
Boucher Tail junction to Boucher Rapid: 8 miles (13 km)
Boucher Creek to Hermit Creek via Tonto Trail: 5 miles (8.2 km)
Maps
Grand Canyon 7.5’ USGS
Elevation
Hermit Trailhead: 6640’ (2024 m)
Boucher Trail Junction: 5280’ (1609 m)
Boucher Creek: 2760’ (841 m)
Colorado River: 2400’ (732 m)
Trailhead Access
The Boucher Trail is usually accessed from Hermit’s Rest at the west end of the Hermit Road. The Hermit Road is a restricted area, but backpackers with a valid backcountry permit for the Boucher Trail can drive private vehicles to the Hermit Trailhead. #1965 is the numerical code required to open the gate giving access at the Hermit Transfer. Use the keypad mounted on the steel post that supports the gate to enter this code. Continue beyond the end of the pavement on the dirt road 1/4 mile to the trailhead. During the winter the Hermit Road is open to private vehicles and no special access is required. Two old, seldom used trails also intersect the Boucher Trail below the rim. The Waldron Trail comes down the slopes at the head of Hermit Creek and Louis Boucher’s Silver Bell Trail leaves the rim above Dripping Spring. Vehicle access to these remote trailheads is restricted.
Trail Description
The Boucher Trail is usually accessed via the Hermit Trail. Hike the Hermit about two miles to the top of the Supai Formation and the Dripping Springs Trail junction. Turn left (west) and follow the
Dripping Springs Trail to the Boucher Trail intersection. The Dripping Springs Trail continues left and climbs toward the rim while the Boucher heads right and starts a long traverse at the top of the Supai. THe route is across the slope, crossing numerous small, steep, washed out drainages complicated by rockslides from the Coconino cliff above. The route isn’t always obvious, especially east of Yuma Point, so pay attention to the way ahead.
The trail is still at the top of the Supai as it rounds the corner below Yuma Point into Travertine Canyon. Contour at this level a few minutes, then start looking for the place the route drops abruptly down the slope toward the bed of Travertine Canyon. A break in the upper cliff requires intimidating hand and toe climbing, and it is tough going throughout the Supai. The trail is being slowly reclaimed by erosion-steep, narrow, and covered in a layer of ball bearing-like pebbles. Take your time.
The route drops to the Redwall rim of Travertine Canyon, crosses to the west side of the drainage and wanders across the open saddle between Cocoa Point and Whites Butte to the top of the gully that plummets through the Redwall Limestone southwest of Whites Butte. The descent to the Tonto Trail is nothing less than brutal, a physical beating in classic Grand Canyon style. The Tonto Trail intersection is marked by a large cairn (no sign) Go right (north and east) along the Tonto Platform toward Hermit Creek or turn left (west) and continue down through the Tapeats Sandstone to Boucher Creek and permanent water. If time allows it is an easy walk down the creek to the Colorado Ricer.
The Tonto Trail could be used to complete a loop hike from Hermits Rest down the Boucher and up the Hermit Trail (or visa versa) It is about 6.5 waterless miles between Boucher and Hermits creeks, and the trail is well defined. Great Canyon views and spectacular travertine deposits near the bed of Travertine Canyon provide diversion en route.
Water Availability: The only reliable water along the Boucher Trail is Boucher Creek and the Colorado River. The Colorado is often sediment-laden and may be difficult to purify. Water may be available at Santa Maria or Dripping Spring, but neither is considered permanent and both involve considerable detours away from the Boucher Trail. Potholes at the top of the Supai north of Yuma Point may hold water for a few days after precipitation, but dry up quickly and are often frozen solid in winter.
Campsites: The Boucher Trail is contained within “at large” use areas. Nice (but dry) sites can be found where the trail rounds below Yuma Point and on Whites Butte right off the trail. Camping near water is possible along Boucher Creek near the Tonto Trail crossing and at the Colorado River. Camping in the Hermit Creek use area is restricted to the designated campsites at Hermit Creek or Hermit Rapid.
Notes The Boucher Trail is a difficult hike. The overall condition of the trail, especially in the Supai and Redwall Formations, presents an obvious hazard. The trail through the Supai is hard to follow when covered with fresh snow. Map reading skills are essential. The Boucher is best left to experienced Canyon hikers.
|
