Located 2.5 miles from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, between Mather Point and Grandview Point, Yaki Point offers some of the most distinctive views of the Grand Canyon available along the East Rim. Here you will be able to see portions of the Grand Canyon that simply are not available from other, even-more popular stops like Yavapai Point. The views on display from Yaki Point include such landmarks as Bright Angel Trail, Cremation Creek, Tonto Trail, and O’Neill Butte. The sunsets and sunrises here are also quite memorable.

Yaki Point History and Background

The modern history of Yaki Point is inseparable from the history of the South Kaibab Trail. In the wake of the creation (and commercial success) of the popular Bright Angel Trail, the National Park Service decided to construct another trail leading out from the Rim into the canyon. In 1925 they built just such a route near Yaki Point, initially calling it Yaki Trail, before eventually changing its name to the South Kaibab Trail. For years this trail was used by the members of the Civilian Conservation Corps that were housed at Yaki Point. When the East Rim Drive—known today as Desert View Drive—was built in 1931, it brought even more attention and accessibility to the area around Yaki Point. Today Yaki Point remains a notable attraction along the East Rim of the Grand Canyon.

What’s at Yaki Point 

Compared to its neighboring viewing stations of Yavapai Point and Mather Point, Yaki Point offers visitors a unique vantage point. This is because Yaki Point occupies a different promontory than its surrounding stops along the East Rim. These special views include several striking landmarks. To the west, you can see portions of the Tonto Trail, as well as the final sections of the Bright Angel Trail. To the east, you can glimpse Cremation Creek, while across the canyon to the North Rim you will see a variety of stunning red mesas near Clear Creek.

Yaki Point is also part of the outstanding Desert View Drive. This scenic stretch of road begins at Grand Canyon Village and goes 25 miles east along the rim of the Canyon all the way to the Desert View Watchtower. This beautiful route through the Park goes by Yaki Point, and features a number of picnic areas, dedicated viewing stations, and assorted amenities.

Yaki Point is not accessible by private vehicle. However, visitors can still reach this site for free by utilizing the Kaibab Rim Route Shuttle Bus—also known as the “Orange Route.” There are public restrooms available at Yaki Point. For those visitors seeking additional amenities, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is approximately 2.5 miles west from Yaki Point. There you will find all sorts of food and drink options, as well as multiple different picnic areas and souvenir shops.

Tips for Visiting Yaki Point

• Due to concerns about pollution and overcrowding, private vehicles are no longer allowed access to Yaki Point. However, the Park’s shuttle-bus system does service the spot. Between 6:00am and sunset, these shuttles run every fifteen minutes.
• If you are interested in a unique way of touring a small stretch of trail near Yaki Point, consider taking a guided bike tour. These tours are informative and scenic, offering visitors a pleasant and low-key way to enjoy this beautiful part of the park.
• There are dedicated picnic areas near where Yaki Point Road shoots off from Desert View Drive, so pack your lunch and enjoy it before or after making the one-mile journey to or from Yaki Point.

Located just two miles from the famous Bright Angel Trailhead, Hopi Point is routinely one of the most visited stops along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This popularity with visitors stems from the fact that Hopi Point has remarkably clear views of the canyon in several directions. Hopi Point is the first spot on the South Rim Trail where much of the western portion of the Grand Canyon becomes visible. Here you will be able to see numerous iconic rock formations in the distance, as well as a variety of bodies of water rushing on the floor of the canyon below. The sunsets at Hopi Point are not to be missed!

Hopi Point History and Background

For visitors traveling westward along Hermit Road on the park’s free shuttle bus route—known as the “Red Route”—Hopi Point is the fourth stop you will encounter. Significant portions of the viewing area here are surrounded by a safety fence. As a result, you can feel as secure as possible while soaking in the spectacular surroundings.

Hopi Point has had a long and important role in the history of Grand Canyon National Park. In the early years of the 20^th Century, one of the first camps for visiting tourists was established here. In 1909, the U.S. Forest Service constructed a crow’s nest at Hopi Point, so as to have a facility from which to keep an eye out for forest fires. The National Park Service removed this groundbreaking structure in 1927 and replaced it with a steel tower that still stands. Today it holds a place on the National Historic Lookout Register for its historic role in conservation efforts.

What’s at Hopi Point

Along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, no portion of the trail juts out so far to the north as that portion found near Hopi Point. This provides it with a unique series of views. It is the initial place along the South Rim where significant portions of the western Grand Canyon become visible, including such attractions as Havasupai Point and the Great Scenic Divide. Hopi Point also has terrific views to the canyon below. From here you can observe a variety of Colorado River rapids, as well as partake in outstanding sightlines of Dana Butte, a mesa found some 2,000 feet below the fenced viewing area.

Hopi Point also has clear views of several landmarks found across the canyon on the North Rim. Interestingly enough, many of these natural formations were given names that reference figures from Ancient Egypt: Horus Temple, Osiris Temple, and Isis Temple. These sizable mesas were given their striking names by the prominent geologist Clarence Dutton, when he traveled through the region in the late-19^th Century.

Hikers following the trail west from Grand Canyon Village will definitely want to stop at Hopi Point. When traveling along the South Rim, there are many great viewpoints from which to see the sun set over the Grand Canyon. However, if you get right down to it, most people believe that Hopi Point is the absolute best place to watch a canyon sunset.

Tips for Visiting Hopi Point

• Given how legendary the beautiful the sunsets are here, Hopi Point can draw quite a crowd in the evening. The earlier you arrive at Hopi Point, the more likely you are to be able to grab a prime spot from which to view the proceedings.
• Given the panoramic views available here, it is an especially appealing place to stop and have lunch. So pack yourself a meal, find your favorite viewpoint, spread out your food, and get comfortable!
• This spot can get particularly windy at times, so keep a tight grip on your hat—and any other belongings you are carrying.
• If you are visiting Grand Canyon National Park during the winter months (December 1^st-February 28^th), you can drive straight to Hopi Point—there is plenty of parking nearby.

The first viewing station found along Hermit Road after the Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point is located just over a mile away from the Bright Angel Trailhead and all the attractions that Grand Canyon Village has to offer. Maricopa Point provides tremendous views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River in three directions. Nearby visitors will also note the shell of the historic Orphan Lode Mine.

Maricopa Point History and Background

Moving westward, Maricopa Point is the second stop on the Hermit Road along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Given its proximity to Grand Canyon Village—it is just 1.2 miles from here to Bright Angel Trailhead, which stands at the eastern end of the Village—Maricopa Point can at times get a little crowded. However, its wide-ranging views, providing stunning sightlines of the canyon (and Colorado River) in a number of directions, are not to be missed. One of the more historically significant manmade structures along the South Rim is also visible from Maricopa Point. The Orphan Lode Mine, site of a claim that was first staked in 1891, can best be viewed from here. The long history of operations on this location have included mining projects for copper and uranium ore. Today the Grand Canyon National Park owns the property and is overseeing efforts to restore the site.

What’s at Maricopa Point

At Maricopa Point a tremendous range of views are available. The vantagepoints here extend uninterrupted for some distance in three directions. In the canyon below, it is possible to see the Colorado River, as well as a series of mesas appearing between Horn Creek and Garden Creek. Bright Angel and Dana Butte are also visible from this spot, as well as the famous, unique natural formation that goes by the name of the Battleship.

Those visitors interested in walking options will want to stop at Maricopa Point, as multiple trails pass around/near this spot. The path between Maricopa Point and its neighboring attraction to the east, Trailview Overlook, is paved—making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Likewise, to the west Maricopa Point connects easily with Powell Point. There you will find not only more breathtaking views of various canyon formations, but you can explore the Powell Memorial. This unique stone structure, dedicated in 1920, honors Major John Wesley Powell for his work in exploring the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon during the late-19^th Century.

Maricopa Point is quite close to Grand Canyon Village and its core amenities. Just 1.2 miles separate the two locations. In Grand Canyon Village you will encounter a wide variety of essential services, as well as several different kinds of offerings involving food, drink, restrooms, lodging, and of course, souvenirs. Other popular attractions here include the Grand Canyon Train Depot, Lookout Studio, and Hopi House.

Tips for Visiting Maricopa Point

• Maricopa Point is the best place in Grand Canyon National Park from which to glimpse Orphan Lode Mine—so if you want pictures of this famous mining operation, make certain to stop here with your camera ready!
• The 0.7-mile path between Maricopa Point and Trailview Overlook is entirely paved and slightly downhill, making it a pleasant, accessible stretch of the Rim Trail for those with mobility issues.
• From Maricopa Point it is only 0.5 miles to Powell Point. Consider skipping the shuttle bus for this half-mile in order to enjoy the stroll to one of the Park’s most beloved spots for sunset viewings.

Mohave Point is one of the better places to watch the sun rise or set along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, making it an essential location to stop at when traveling through Grand Canyon National Park. From Mohave Point you can look to the west to witness the breathtaking sight of The Abyss—one of the primary places along the Rim where the view into the Canyon is nearly vertical, with the mighty red cliffs rising nearly 3,00 feet straight up-and-down. You can also catch a good glimpse of the Colorado River below from here.

Mohave Point History and Background

Mohave Point is one of the major viewing points along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and is routinely a favorite spot for visitors to watch a gorgeous sunrise or catch a stunning sunset. Unlike some of the other viewing points along the South Rim that feature a single actual overlook, Mohave Point has a number of specific overlooks, making it a great—and often somewhat less crowded!—spot for pictures. Along with Pima Point and Powell Point, Mohave Point is one of only three stopping places along the eastbound return shuttle bus “red route.” It is located just off the popular Hermit Road—widely considered one of the best stretches for cyclists across the entire Grand Canyon National Park!

What’s at Mohave Point

Mohave Point occupies a fairly unique vantage point along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Located on an angular outcropping of the southern wall of the Canyon, Mohave Point’s special position provides not only stunning views of the expansive red rock formations ahead in the distance, but also of the other South Rim stopping-point attractions. Thus, you can look to the west and see the jaw-dropping cliffs of The Abyss—one of the steepest cliffsides in Grand Canyon National Park—while to the East you will witness the gorgeous red ridges of Hopi Point.

Hikers will particularly enjoy the stretch of the Rim Trail that runs near and through Mohave Point. From the vantage point of the trail at Mohave Point, you’ll have an exceptional view down below to the famous jagged mesa called “The Alligator” by locals.

Those really interested in hiking will likely want to consider going west 1.1 miles along the Rim Trail from Mohave Point to The Abyss. There you can get a remarkably vertical view straight down into canyon, where you’ll glimpse Monument Creek and its small beachfront camping area. If you want to be even more ambitious, hike on another mile, from The Abyss to Monument Creek Vista, where you’ll find the start of the lovely Greenway Trail. The Greenway Trail is a paved path able to accommodate bicyclists, hikers, strollers, and visitors requiring wheelchairs.

Tips for Visiting Mohave Point

• For planning purposes, keep in mind that Mohave Point is located along the Hermit Road—which is closed to private traffic between March 1^st and November 30^th.
• Most of the year, your access to this stretch of the South Rim will need to be via either a commercial tour bus, or one of the Park’s free shuttle buses. The shuttle buses, in particular, are a great way to get around the area.
• Mohave Point is one of the best places along the Grand Canyon from which to watch the sun rise or set; as a result, don’t forget to bring along your camera!
• Mohave Point is one of only three shuttle-bus stops along the eastbound “Red Route.” Therefore, if you are looking to spread out your stops when traveling westbound along the South Rim, you could always save Mohave Point for the return leg of the trip.

Located only 1.5 miles east of Hermits Rest along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Pima Point is a wonderful spot that provides sweeping views of stunning landscapes in a number of directions. From the overlooks here you can on a clear day see as far as 40 miles, a remarkable series of sightlines that includes such landmarks as Bright Angel Canyon, Powell Plateau, and Cope Butte. It’s also considered the best place along the South Rim to hear the thunderous crashing of the Colorado River as it makes its way through the canyon below.

Pima Point History and Background

For those visitors moving westward along the South Rim, Pima Point is the last stop on the Hermit Road before Hermits Rest. Formerly known as the West Rim Drive, the Hermit Road was originally built in 1934 through a collaboration between the National Park Service and the Bureau of Public Roads. A major renovation—which involved the widening of local roads, as well as the construction of accessible pedestrian paths and new bus-shuttle stops—was finished in 2008.

Pima Point is consistently considered one of the more appealing stops along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is acclaimed for its unimpeded views of nearly 40 miles, providing visitors with a breathtaking vantage point from which to take in Hermit Creek, Ninetyfour Mile Creek, and the Great Scenic Divide—just to name a few beloved attractions visible from this great spot!

What’s at Pima Point

If you are traveling westward along the South Rim, Pima Point is the last great viewpoint along the Hermit Road before you arrive at the park landmark of Hermits Rest—which offers a lot in the way of amenities, but not much in terms of actual views of the surrounding scenery. Here you will find what many consider to be the best spot from which to observe the Colorado River. It’s said that on a sufficiently peaceful day, you can even hear the rapids below racing along! The views are pretty great, too: among the major landmarks you can glimpse from Pima Point include Powell Plateau, Cope Butte, Great Scenic Divide, and even parts of Bright Angel Canyon.

Hikers will love the views available here from the Rim Trail. However, Pima Point is also a terrific spot at which to join up for a bit with the scenic Greenway Trail. This paved path, designed for cyclists, hikers, and pedestrians, runs in either direction from Pima Point. It continues 1.7 miles to the east toward Monument Creek Vista, as well as 1.1 miles toward Hermits Rest in the west. Along Greenway Trail visitors will get terrific glimpses of the striking natural mixture of the surrounding canyons, flowing waters, and occasional stretches of vegetation.

As the last overlook-stop along Hermit Road, Pima Point is only 1.5 miles southeast of Hermits Rest. Hermits Rest is where the Shuttle Bus Transfer Station for “Red Route” buses is located, and there you will also find a number of useful amenities, including bathroom facilities, picnic areas, fresh water, a café/snack bar, and even a gift shop.

Tips for Visiting Pima Point

• Pima Point is considered one of the better spots along the South Rim from which to watch the sun rise or set. Even if you don’t intend to begin or end your day here, consider using the shuttle buses to try and catch one of these spectacular moments. And don’t forget your camera!
• If you do choose to watch the sunset from this glorious location, remember: the temperature at the Grand Canyon can really plummet in the minutes right after the sun goes down. Layering clothes is always a great idea.
• The path between Pima Point and Hermits Rest tends to be steep in places, so keep that in mind as you consider which stretches of the Rim trail you want to hike/walk.