The Boucher Trail is one of the few Canyon trails that starts below the rim.  Most people get to it by coming down the Hermit Trail and going west on the Dripping Springs Trail a total of 2.5 miles to the trailhead.  It is possible to reach the trailhead by coming down the Dripping Springs Trail. 

     The trail is easy walking at the start.  As you make your way north down the Hermit Gorge, there are numerous drainages to traverse.  This requires a fair amount of scrambling over rock slides and in several places, the trail is narrow, slanted toward the canyon, and a little exposed.  As you approach Yuma Point, the trail again becomes relatively flat and easy walking.  There is a fine camping spot at Yuma Point.  As you pass Yuma Point, you begin the traverse of upper Travertine Canyon.  At the southern end of Travertine Canyon, the trail plummets about 1000'.  This descent requires some hand to toe climbing and some people rope their packs down in places.  At the base of this descent, the trail levels out and is easy walking until Whites Butte.  There is a flat spot suitable for camping on the plateau by Whites Butte.  Past Whites Butte the trail begins a brutal descent of 1700'.  The upper portion of this descent is mainly boulders while the lower part is dirt and fine talus.  Both parts are extremely steep.

     The National Park Service considers the Boucher Trail the most difficult and demanding of the south side trails.

     The views from Whites Butte and Yuma Point are some of the best in the Canyon. 

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