Hermit Road is one of the Grand Canyon's most scenic routes, connecting visitors with spectacular overlooks, dramatic Colorado River viewpoints, and the historic Hermits Rest. Unlike Desert View Drive, Hermit Road is closed to most private vehicles for much of the year, allowing visitors to experience the South Rim by shuttle bus, bicycle, or on foot.
Whether you're searching for the park's best sunset, hoping to photograph the Colorado River, or simply looking for a quieter section of the South Rim, Hermit Road delivers some of Grand Canyon National Park's most memorable scenery.
Hermit Road at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 7 miles |
| Drive Time | 20 minutes without stops |
| Recommended Visit | Half day |
| Private Vehicles | Seasonal restrictions apply |
| Shuttle Service | Yes (Red Route) |
| Walking & Biking | Excellent |
| Best For | Sunset, overlooks, Colorado River views, walking |
| Historic Destination | Hermits Rest |
Why Visit Hermit Road?
Hermit Road offers a completely different experience from the eastern South Rim. Instead of driving from overlook to overlook, visitors can step on and off the free shuttle, walk between viewpoints, or cycle the scenic road while enjoying uninterrupted canyon views.
Many of the South Rim's finest overlooks lie along Hermit Road, including Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, and Hermits Rest. Each stop offers a distinct perspective of the canyon, making the journey itself just as rewarding as the destinations.
The Best Stops Along Hermit Road
| Stop | Signature Experience | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|
| Trailview Overlook | First panoramic view and Bright Angel Trail. | 10 minutes |
| Maricopa Point | Historic mining views and canyon vistas. | 15 minutes |
| Powell Point | Historic monument honoring John Wesley Powell. | 20 minutes |
| Hopi Point | The South Rim's premier sunset overlook. | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Mohave Point | Outstanding Colorado River views. | 30 minutes |
| The Abyss | Dramatic vertical drop into the canyon. | 20 minutes |
| Hermits Rest | Historic Mary Colter landmark and western terminus. | 45 to 60 minutes |
The GrandCanyon.net Recommended Route
- Board the Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle.
- Visit Trailview Overlook.
- Continue to Powell Point.
- Spend sunset at Hopi Point if timing allows.
- Continue to Mohave Point.
- Visit The Abyss.
- Finish at Hermits Rest before returning by shuttle.
What Makes Each Stop Different?
| Stop | Signature Experience |
|---|---|
| Trailview Overlook | Bright Angel Trail and canyon orientation. |
| Maricopa Point | Historic mining history. |
| Powell Point | Historic monument and panoramic scenery. |
| Hopi Point | Best sunset. |
| Mohave Point | Best Colorado River views on Hermit Road. |
| The Abyss | Most dramatic vertical drop. |
| Hermits Rest | Historic architecture and trail destination. |
How Long Does Hermit Road Take?
Although Hermit Road is only about seven miles long, the experience is meant to be enjoyed slowly. Most visitors spend three to five hours exploring overlooks, walking short sections of the Rim Trail, riding the shuttle, and visiting Hermits Rest.
| Available Time | Suggested Experience |
|---|---|
| 1 Hour | Ride the shuttle to Hopi Point and Hermits Rest before returning. |
| 2 to 3 Hours | Visit Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, and Hermits Rest. |
| Half Day | Explore the major overlooks, enjoy short walks, and spend time at Hermits Rest. |
| Full Day | Combine the shuttle with walking or bicycling between overlooks for a relaxed exploration of the western South Rim. |
Using the Hermit Road Shuttle
For much of the year, Hermit Road is accessible by the free National Park Service Red Route shuttle. Visitors can board at Grand Canyon Village and ride to any overlook along the route before returning on another shuttle.
Unlike a guided tour, the shuttle allows you to spend as much or as little time at each stop as you like. Many visitors hop off at one overlook, walk to the next, then continue by shuttle.
Walking Hermit Road
One of the best ways to experience Hermit Road is on foot. The Rim Trail and adjacent pathways connect many overlooks, allowing visitors to enjoy changing canyon perspectives without repeatedly boarding the shuttle.
Popular walks include Powell Point to Hopi Point, Hopi Point to Mohave Point, and Mohave Point to The Abyss. These relatively easy walks offer continuous canyon scenery and excellent photography opportunities.
Bicycling Hermit Road
Hermit Road is also one of the South Rim's premier cycling routes. Because private vehicle traffic is limited for much of the year, cyclists can enjoy a quieter ride while stopping at overlooks along the way.
Visitors without bicycles can rent them in Grand Canyon Village. Cyclists should remain alert for shuttle buses, pedestrians, and changing weather conditions.
Photography Along Hermit Road
Every stop along Hermit Road offers a different photographic perspective of the canyon. Rather than repeating similar views, the overlooks emphasize sunsets, the Colorado River, dramatic cliffs, historic monuments, and deep side canyons.
| Location | Photography Highlight |
|---|---|
| Trailview Overlook | Bright Angel Trail and canyon orientation. |
| Powell Point | Historic monument framed by canyon scenery. |
| Hopi Point | The South Rim's premier sunset compositions. |
| Mohave Point | Colorado River and layered canyon views. |
| The Abyss | Dramatic vertical cliffs. |
| Hermits Rest | Historic architecture surrounded by forest and canyon. |
Visitor Tips
- Ride the shuttle early during busy seasons to avoid long lines.
- Carry water because some overlooks have few visitor amenities.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, even if you plan to use the shuttle.
- Stay for sunset if your schedule allows. Hermit Road contains several of the park's best evening viewpoints.
- Bring binoculars to appreciate distant canyon formations and sections of the Colorado River.
- Expect cooler temperatures after sunset and carry an extra layer.
Accessibility
The Hermit Road shuttle is designed to accommodate many visitors with mobility needs, and several overlooks are accessible by paved walkways from nearby shuttle stops.
Accessibility varies between overlooks, but Hopi Point, Powell Point, and Hermits Rest are among the easiest destinations to reach. The historic building at Hermits Rest also provides visitor amenities and restrooms.
Choose Your Stops Based on Your Interests
You do not need to visit every overlook to enjoy Hermit Road. Choose the stops that best match your available time, mobility, and sightseeing priorities.
| If You Want... | Best Stop |
|---|---|
| Views of Bright Angel Trail | Trailview Overlook |
| Mining history and a quieter overlook | Maricopa Point |
| History and panoramic scenery | Powell Point |
| The classic sunset experience | Hopi Point |
| Colorado River views | Mohave Point or Pima Point |
| A dramatic vertical canyon wall | The Abyss |
| Historic architecture and visitor facilities | Hermits Rest |
Best Way to Experience Hermit Road
Best for first-time visitors:
Ride the shuttle and choose three or four major overlooks.
Best for photographers:
Walk selected sections between Powell Point, Hopi Point, and Mohave Point.
Best for active visitors:
Bicycle the route and stop at overlooks along the way.
Best time:
Late afternoon through sunset, with enough time to return before shuttle service ends.
Private Vehicle Access
Hermit Road is closed to most private vehicles during the primary shuttle season. Visitors generally explore the route by shuttle bus, bicycle, on foot, or through an authorized commercial tour.
Private vehicles may be permitted during portions of the winter when shuttle service is not operating. Access rules can change because of weather, maintenance, or park operations, so confirm current conditions before relying on winter vehicle access.
Facilities Along Hermit Road
Most overlooks provide limited services. Hermits Rest is the primary developed destination at the western end of the route and offers the best opportunity for restrooms, refreshments, and a longer break.
| Facility | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | Hermits Rest and selected locations near the route |
| Food and Refreshments | Hermits Rest when available |
| Gift Shop | Hermits Rest |
| Water | Carry your own and confirm current refill availability |
| Visitor Information | Grand Canyon Village before boarding the shuttle |
Carry water, snacks, sun protection, and an extra layer rather than assuming every overlook will provide visitor services.
Common Hermit Road Mistakes
| Mistake | Better Approach |
|---|---|
| Trying to stop at every overlook | Choose three or four stops that match your interests. |
| Waiting until sunset to board the shuttle | Begin exploring earlier and reach your sunset viewpoint well in advance. |
| Assuming return buses stop everywhere | Review the current route map before leaving each overlook. |
| Not carrying water | Bring water even when planning a shuttle-based visit. |
| Leaving immediately after sunset | Stay for the afterglow, then use a flashlight while returning to the shuttle stop. |
| Underestimating walking distances | Check distances before walking between overlooks. |
| Depending on mobile service | Download the shuttle map and route information before your visit. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hermit Road worth visiting?
Yes. Hermit Road includes several of the South Rim's most celebrated overlooks, excellent sunset locations, Colorado River views, scenic walking sections, and the historic Hermits Rest.
How long is Hermit Road?
Hermit Road extends approximately seven miles west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest.
How long should I allow?
Plan at least two to three hours for several major overlooks. A half day provides a more relaxed experience with time for walking, photography, and Hermits Rest.
Can I drive my own vehicle?
Private vehicles are restricted during much of the year. Most visitors use the free Red Route shuttle, walk, bicycle, or join an authorized tour. Winter vehicle access varies with current park operations.
Is the shuttle free?
Yes. The National Park Service shuttle is free and does not require a reservation.
Which viewpoint is best for sunset?
Hopi Point is the best-known sunset overlook along Hermit Road. Mohave Point and Pima Point are strong alternatives that may provide excellent evening light and somewhat different views.
Which viewpoint has the best Colorado River view?
Mohave Point and Pima Point provide some of the route's strongest views toward the Colorado River.
Can I walk between viewpoints?
Yes. The Rim Trail and connecting paths make it possible to walk between several overlooks. Review distances and shuttle stops before beginning a longer section.
Can I bicycle Hermit Road?
Yes. Bicycling is a popular way to explore the route, but cyclists must remain alert for shuttle buses, pedestrians, changing weather, and exposed sections near the rim.
Are restrooms available?
Facilities are limited along much of the route. Hermits Rest offers the primary visitor facilities at the western end.
The GrandCanyon.net Scenic Route Scorecard
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Scenic Views | ★★★★★ |
| Sunset | ★★★★★ |
| Photography | ★★★★★ |
| Walking Opportunities | ★★★★★ |
| Bicycling | ★★★★★ |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of Exploration | ★★★★☆ |
| Recommended Time | 3 to 5 Hours |
| Overall Experience | ★★★★★ |
Explore Hermit Road
Use these guides to plan individual stops, compare viewpoints, and choose the best places for sunset, river views, history, and photography.
