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.