Mohave Point

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 1st and November 30th.
  • 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.

 

 

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