Hermit Road (West Rim Drive)

The famed Hermit Road, also known as West Rim Drive, runs from Grand Canyon Village to Hermit’s Rest. This road is closed to private vehicles during all but the winter months. Mandatory shuttles provide the only motorized access to this scenic drive.

Mile 0 – Hermit’s Rest Transfer

The road begins at the Hermit’s Rest shuttle stop. Gates block private access to this road in all but the winter months. The shuttles are very convenient however, stopping at each named viewpoint on the way out, and just a few on the way back to the road’s start. The Hermits Rest Route, or Red Route, is the shuttle operating on the Hermit Road.

Mile 1.1 – Trailview Overlook

The Trailview Overlook is on the right (as are all Hermit Road viewpoints). This is a small overlook area that provides good views of the Bright Angel Trail descending from the South Rim, hence the name.

Mile 1.7 – Maricopa Point

The next viewpoint, and shuttle stop, is Maricopa Point. In a park filled with superlative vista points, Maricopa Point is one of the best and should not be missed.

Mile 2.1 – Powell Point

Powell Point is the next stop on the road. Along with superb scenic views, this area also features the Powell Memorial. It recognizes the 1869 and 1871-72 trips down the Colorado River by Major John Wesley Powell and crew.

Mile 2.3 – Hopi Point

A short distance up the road from Powell Point is Hopi Point. This is one of the more popular viewpoints along Hermit Road, and provides especially good views for sunset and sunrise.

Mile 3.0 – Mohave Point

Mohave Point is up next. As well as spectacular sunset and sunrise views, Mohave Point also offers views of the Colorado River deep in the canyon below.

Mile 4.0 – The Abyss

The road arrives at a viewpoint known as the Abyss. The views are nearly straight down into the canyon at this point, making for a dramatic scene.

Mile 4.9 – Monument Creek Vista

Monument Creek Vista, predictably, provides views of Monument Creek within the overall setting of the Grand Canyon. Also of note, the Greenway Trail begins here, running to the end of the road at Hermit’s Rest.

Mile 6.1 – Pima Point

The last named viewpoint and shuttle stop before the road’s end is Pima Point. This is one of the better places on the South Rim to see the Colorado River.

Mile 6.9 – Hermit’s Rest

The road ends at the parking area for Hermit’s Rest. The views from here are not quite as grand as earlier along the road, but Hermit’s Rest itself is here, a historic building now housing a small gift shop and snack bar.