Located two miles southeast of Yaki Point, Shoshone Point offers visitors a beautiful and moving set of views in three directions. The journey to this secluded spot is perfect for those adventurers who want to make the trek to somewhere that feels more private and remote, yet do not want to hike for hours and hours. A relatively straightforward one-mile trail meanders through a mixture of local vegetation before arriving at a picturesque vista. Shoshone Point is a perfect place to partake in a picnic lunch after a pleasant hike.
Shoshone Point History and Background
It is no surprise that portions of Grand Canyon National Park can get really busy throughout the year. That’s why Shoshone Point is such a consistently pleasant surprise to visitors: it is a location offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon that is not even mentioned on the official National Park Service map of Grand Canyon National Park! As a result, this hidden gem makes for a splendid outing. A slightly uphill, one-mile hike takes you through a mixture of regional plant life, past an attractive picnic spot, all the way to a red-rock promontory that yields to some of the most serene vantage points you are likely to encounter in the area.
What’s at Shoshone Point
The trailhead to Shoshone Point is unmarked at Desert View Drive, and most times of the year access beyond via vehicles is prohibited. However, there is a parking area nearby, and you of course may proceed along Shoshone Point Trail to Shoshone Point itself on foot. From the main road/trail, it is one mile out to Shoshone Point. There you will encounter striking views to both the east and the west. To the west, the rim of nearby Yaki Point is visible, while to the east you can observe the various forks and off-shoots of Grapevine Creek. To the north you can just glimpse Tanner Canyon and a small portion of the Colorado River.
For those visitors specifically interested in hiking, Shoshone Point Trail is a good option. This unpaved path is appropriate for hikers of all ages and abilities, and often features significantly less foot-traffic than many other trails near the Grand Canyon. The walk out (from Desert View Drive) to Shoshone Point is quiet and peaceful, passing through Ponderosa pines and (in season) a selection of lovely wildflowers. At Shoshone Point the view opens up out over the Canyon, and it is spectacular!
A very special set of amenities are available at Shoshone Point. Here you can reserve a space to host your very own memorable group activity. At this activity site, located a short distance from the Point itself, you will find a covered picnic table, several grills, multiple trash cans, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. These facilities are available May 15th to October 15th, and are the perfect place to hold a birthday party, host a family reunion, conduct a memorial service, or even plan a wedding!
Tips for Visiting Shoshone Point
- Shoshone Point Trail—a mile-long unpaved stretch of road that runs from the East Rim’s primary road, Desert View Drive, to Shoshone Point itself—is accessible. However, those with mobility issues or concerns will likely require assistance, as the path is unpaved and often unimproved.
- Grand Canyon National Park begins accepting reservations for group-events at Shoshone Point one year in-advance of the desired date, so it is almost never too early to plan ahead if you think you’re interested in hosting this type of unique activity.
- Permits for group events held at Shoshone Point are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There is no water or electricity available at Shoshone Point, so if your outing requires these elements, you will need to make your own arrangements ahead of time.