Hermits Rest is located on the western edge of the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. During the busy season, it’s only accessible by shuttle. (Note: The park service does not use apostrophes in place names for some reason, so it uses Hermits instead of Hermit’s)
IMPORTANT: The North Rim of the Grand Canyon recently experienced extensive damage due to a forest fire and will remain closed throughout the 2025 travel season. Visit the NPS Site for more up-to-date information.
Hermits Rest is a nice way to see more of the Grand Canyon along the South Rim. The ride out there provides some of the best viewpoints of the canyon, and the best part is you don’t have to drive! Just relax in the shuttle while looking over the edge of the canyon.
Get our done‑for‑you, 2-7 day route with exact drives, maps, and must‑see stops so you don’t waste time in traffic or miss the best views.
Inside the guide:
*Step-by-step plan for the South Rim, North Rim, Page, AZ, and Grand Canyon West + a the most efficient driving routes to connect them
*Exact time frames and star ratings so you can make the best use of your time and money
*Includes audio stories to listen to as you drive
*Best Friend Guarantee: Love it or get your money back
*Visiting more in the West? Save big $ and get guides for Utah’s parks, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon with our Grand Circle Bundle.
During the busy season, you must access Hermits Rest via the Red Line shuttle. Shuttle access begins in the Grand Canyon Village, right where the Blue Line ends.
There are some great viewpoints along the Hermits Rest road. You can easily get off the shuttle, check out the viewpoint, and be ready in time for the next shuttle.
Powell Point is my favorite, as it provides views in both directions. A monument to John Wesley Powell, the first man to raft through the Grand Canyon, is located here.
Hopi Point and Mohave Point provide views of the Colorado River below.
The inspiration for this building was based on a man named Louis Boucher, who used to live in the area as a hermit.
The story goes that this building was designed by Mary Colter. In fact, it was probably designed by someone else and decorated by Colter.
The Hermits Rest arch is a popular photo op. Walk inside the building for a snack shop, and gift shop, and to see the impressive fireplace and decorations.
See South Rim, North Rim, West Rim, and Page side‑by‑side so you instantly know which one fits YOUR dates, driving route, and priorities.
Inside the guide:
*Clear maps + realistic driving times so you know how long it actually takes to reach each area and the main viewpoints
*What to see and do in each area so you don’t stress about “missing the good stuff”
*Where to stay nearby so you pick the right town and spend less time in the car
*Time‑ and crowd‑saving tips so you get more hours at the rim and fewer stuck in traffic or shuttle lines
One of the four hikes originating on the South Rim, this is an unmaintained trail that is very steep and difficult. Experienced hikers find it enjoyable to go to Dripping Springs and back – nearly an all-day hike.
Beware: Hiking in the Grand Canyon is brutal!
Planning a vacation shouldn’t be stressful. We created a step-by-step itinerary for the Grand Canyon so you can visit the best places at the right times.
Not only that, but we’ll tell you about the park while you drive with our audio guide! Stop planning and start having the vacation of your dreams now!
GRAND CANYON GUIDE: To read or watch all of our content about the Grand Canyon, check out our Grand Canyon Homepage
AREAS: The Grand Canyon is divided into 4 areas: The South Rim, North Rim, Grand Canyon West, and the East Side of the Grand Canyon (Page, AZ). Learn about the 4 areas of the Grand Canyon with our Free Printable
THINGS TO DO: There is much more to do than hike and look at viewpoints. Explore Antelope Canyon, ride a mule, or take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway
WHERE TO STAY: Learn all about where to camp or stay when visiting the Grand Canyon.
WHERE TO EAT: Check out the best places to eat and get groceries at the South Rim
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Discover the best and worst times to visit the Grand Canyon
WATCH: Enjoy videos of the beautiful Grand Canyon while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Grand Canyon YouTube Playlist
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