Hermit Road runs for seven miles west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest, a stone rest house designed by Mary Colter in 1914. Along the way are nine viewpoints, each with a different angle on the canyon: Trailview, Maricopa, Powell, Hopi, Mohave, The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima and finally Hermits Rest.
For most of the year (roughly March to November) the road is closed to private vehicles and served by the free red-route shuttle, which stops at each viewpoint. That makes it quieter than the rest of the South Rim, and perfect for combining bus and foot: the Rim Trail follows the edge the whole way, so you can walk a stretch between viewpoints and hop back on the bus.
What to see and do: Hermit Road
Sunset at Hopi Point
Hopi Point juts far out into the canyon and has views both east and west — it is the most famous sunset spot in the park. The shuttle runs extra buses around sunset in the busy season; queues for the return bus can be long, so be patient.
See the river from Mohave and Pima Points
At Mohave Point you can see — and sometimes hear — the Colorado River and Hermit Rapid below. Pima Point offers long views west and of the old Hermit Camp area.
Walk a section of the Rim Trail
The stretch from Powell Point to Hopi Point, or from Monument Creek Vista to Pima Point, makes a lovely walk of a mile or two. West of Monument Creek the trail becomes the Greenway, shared with cyclists.
Hermits Rest
The end of the road has a snack bar and gift shop in Colter’s rustic stone building, and the start of the steep, unmaintained Hermit Trail — for experienced canyon hikers only.
How to get to Hermit Road
- Take the free red-route shuttle from the Village Route Transfer stop at the western end of Grand Canyon Village. Allow about 80 minutes for the round trip without getting off, and half a day with stops.
- In winter (roughly December to February) private vehicles may drive the road. Tour vehicles and permitted vehicles for visitors with disabilities can use it year round.
Insider tips
- The shuttle runs westbound to all stops, but eastbound only to some — plan your walk accordingly.
- Bring water: there is no water source between the village and Hermits Rest except at a few stops in season.
- A bike is a great way to see Hermit Road; rentals are available near the visitor center in season.
Best tours & tickets for Hermit Road
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Hermit Road:
Guided sunset tour from US$182 Grand Canyon National Park: Guided Sunset Hummer Tour
Sunset is the best show at the Grand Canyon, and this tour takes care of the logistics: a guide drives you between lookouts as the light changes, so you are not hunting for a parking space at the busiest hour of the day. Bring a warm layer — the rim cools quickly once the sun has gone.
- Stops at popular South Rim lookouts
- Timed for the colour changes at sunset
- Open-air vehicle with a local guide
Guided open-air vehicle tour from US$139 Grand Canyon National Park: 2-Hour Small-Group Hummer Tour
A two-hour guided drive to South Rim viewpoints in an open-air Hummer, with a guide who explains the rock layers, the wildlife and the people of the canyon. A good option if you have half a day, do not want to deal with parking, or are travelling with people who cannot walk far.
- Small group in an open Hummer
- Rim viewpoints with a guide explaining geology and history
- Easy way to see a lot in a short time
Guided sunset tour from US$185 From Tusayan: Grand Canyon Desert View Sunset Tour
An evening tour in an open-air jeep that heads out along the rim to watch the sun go down from sought-after viewpoints. Smaller and more personal than the coach tours, and a relaxing end to a day of hiking or driving.
- Open-air Jeep Wrangler
- Sunset from well-known viewpoints on the South Rim
- Guide helps with photo stops
Guided day tour from US$191 Grand Canyon Classic Sightseeing Tour Departing Flagstaff
A well-rated full-day tour from Flagstaff, about an hour and a half from the South Rim. The guide handles the driving and explains the geology as you work along the rim from viewpoint to viewpoint.
- Full day at the South Rim with a professional guide
- Explanations of how the canyon formed
- Several viewpoints along the rim
