Are you traveling to America’s Grand Canyon soon? If you’re hoping to take in the best views of this natural wonder, you should know that there are many different viewpoints from which to choose. Indeed, there are numerous viewpoints just along the South Rim alone and it’s difficult to determine which ones to visit. Thus, in order to assist you in organizing your itinerary, we now present the 15 best Grand Canyon viewpoints on the South Rim.

The 15 Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints on the South Rim

The Hermit Road Viewpoints via the Red Route Shuttle

1. The Hermit’s Rest Point

The edge of this famous Arizona canyon at this specific overlook is generally densely forested. Thus, the view can be a wee bit obstructed. On the other hand, this rest point includes not only restrooms, but also a café, and even a gift shop.

The nigh-famous structure was constructed in 1914. The trail itself runs from the rest point to the mighty Colorado River. The rest point was named after the lone Canadian prospector named Louis Boucher.  

Boucher reportedly carved this trail into the famous canyon and built his home in the nearby town of Dripping Springs. This rest point is the westernmost spot on the southern rim and is easily accessible by vehicle. It’s just a few feet from the rim.

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Pima Point

Pima Point provides a pretty panoramic vista that runs 40 miles along the South Rim’s northernmost corner. Visitors’ views include Hermit Creek’s red canyons and the green, verdant vegetation near Hermit Creek’s lower end. Interestingly, the creek’s water flows all year long.

Veteran visitors say that “the eastern view from” here is exceptional as it includes The Alligator, the Granite Rapids, and Monument Creek. It is just 1.5 miles away from Hermit’s Rest too so hikers can easily check out the views from both of these viewpoints on the same day. Plus, as previously mentioned, Hermit’s Rest has restrooms and more.

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The Abyss

No, this Grand Canyon viewpoint was not named after the 1989 sci-fi film of the same name. Those in the know confirm this place to be unique. While most of the other spots generally thrust out into the Grand Canyon, the Abyss is actually a significantly steep notch in this striking canyon.

There’s a vertical drop of 3,000 feet down to the rugged Redwall formation. You can take the popular Hermit Road Shuttle which stops at nine different places along the hiking trail. In fact, the Abyss is one of the stopping points. 

You may wish to take your own vehicle there if you visit during the off-season. This deep drop provides people with impressive views of the Tonto Plateau, Granite Rapids, and Colorado River. You can also see The Monument and Monument Creek.

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Mohave Point

This Grand Canyon viewpoint will give you great views of Pima Point, and The Abyss. Indeed, those who look to the West should also be able to spot Cocopa, Havasupai, and Yuma Points as well. Those who look down from this viewing area should see Granite Rapids and Boucher Rapids too.

Mind you, some say that the previously mentioned Abyss and the surrounding 3,000-foot towering cliffs steal the show here. If you like to avoid crowds, then you have another reason for visiting Mohave Point. This is one of the viewpoints that is generally less visited and there are a number of lookout points that help to further disperse those travelers who do take the trek here. It can actually be a very peaceful place.

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Hopi Point 

Some travel writers claim Hopi Point is the best Grand Canyon viewpoint. This viewpoint is the southern rim’s northernmost spot. It features a fenced-in viewing area and the impressive vista upon Dana Butte over the canyon.

On one side of this viewing area, you will find Salt Creek. The creek empties into the Colorado River and results in rather impressive rapids. On the other side of this lookout is well-known Monument Creek which eventually empties into the Colorado River and results in the great Granite Rapids. Hopi Point offers visitors some memorable unobstructed views and is said by some travel journalists to be the best place on the rim to see some truly awe-spiring, impressive sunsets as well.

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Powell Point

Popular Powell Point is found on West Rim Drive and is a notably narrow spur. Here you will be able to see a striking memorial to a pair of historic explorations of the famous Colorado River conducted by American geologist and explorer John Wesley Powell. This viewpoint is maybe a 10-minute hike beyond the well-known Orphan Mine. So if you’re going to the mine, you can visit here as well.

For travelers who prefer not to wait for tour buses, this short walk will allow you to stretch your legs and also check out the attractive pine woods along the way. It is important to remember though that the previously-mentioned Hopi Point blocks some views here at Powell Point. Plus the Colorado River runs through a granite gouge so it is also obstructed from visitors’ views here. On the plus side, it is another great place to see the sunset and avoid large groups of tourists.  

Grand Canyon Village Viewpoints via the Blue and Orange Route Shuttle 

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Yavapai Point 

If you’re already stopping at Mather Point, Yavapai Point is a nice, easy walk from there. If you prefer to do the road trip thing, you should note that Mather Point offers easily accessible parking. In fact, vehicles that are more than 22 feet in length are not allowed at the surprisingly little parking lot near this viewpoint.

While there, be sure to wander over to the nearby Yavapai Observation Station too. It’s a modest little visitor center complete with numerous books and additional geographical info concerning the Grand Canyon. Those in the know claim that out of the trio of areas that make up the Grand Canyon’s southern rim, Yavapai Point provides people with the most memorable panoramic views.  

It is believed that this is due to the fact that it is the northernmost point and is also closest to the Colorado River. Hikers should note that the hike here will probably take twice as long to get back as it does to reach this viewpoint because of the inclines. This is especially important if you are going to be hiking later that day.

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Mather Point

Mather Point is reported to be “the most popular” viewpoint on the South Rim. This is due in part to how accessible it is. In fact, it is the viewpoint that is closest to the parking lot and entrance station and not far from the visitor’s center either.

Mather Point offers travelers extensive, impressive views. It features a pair of railed overlooks that are a bit narrow yet they are situated on huge, projecting rocks providing memorable views to the west. From there you can see the famous Bright Angel Trail and Pipe Creek. You should also be able to see a section of the Tonto Trail too. There is available parking close to this viewpoint.

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Ooh Aah Point

Ooh Aah Point is a highlight of the heavily traveled South Kaibab Trail. This beautiful hiking trail is only 1.8 miles. Before reaching this outstanding outlook you will discover that this is a great place for year-round birdwatching and other wildlife viewings as well. Naturally, once you actually do get to the Ooh Aah viewpoint, you will be amazed at the perfect panoramic views of the outstanding eastern area of the canyon.

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Yaki Point

You will find Yaki Point at the easternmost part of the Kaibab Trail. It used to be accessible to personal vehicles. Unfortunately, for those who prefer driving to hiking, the parking lot eventually became inadequate to handle the amount of regular traffic it was receiving.

Now if you want to drive your own vehicle there you will probably have to park along the nearby streets close to the picnic areas and hoof it the rest of the way. Still, the views of Clear Creek and Cremation Creek make your walk in well worth it. The views here are distinct in that this viewpoint provides the best view of the South Kaibab Trail and encompasses the western vista.  

The Desert View Road Viewpoints via your own vehicle 

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Desert View Point 

The aptly named Desert View Point is found on Desert View Road. It’s said to be the most popular viewpoint along this road too. If you are driving from the East Entrance, this is the first stop.

Desert View Point is popular with travelers for a couple of reasons. It’s the first place you can stop and see the stunning Grand Canyon, plus you can also check out the Colorado River and the Desert View Watchtower. This tourist attraction is an interesting tower that was designed by American architect Mary Colter.  

It was designed and built in 1932. Made from stone, it is similar in style to the ancient Pueblo towers. You must climb a flight of 85 steps in order to reach the observation deck.

There you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views. This olden tower stands almost 70 feet high and can get crowded. You will also find a campground, a gas station, a restaurant, and even a shop here too.

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Navajo Point

You’ll find this viewpoint right down the road from Desert View Point. It’s possible to park right next to the canyon’s rim. It’s a quieter place because it’s as popular with tourists.

Some say it may be less popular because it offers visitors views much like those at Desert Point. From here you can see the popular Desert View Watchtower from a distance and even have a picnic lunch. It’s 7,498 feet high which means it’s the South Rim’s highest point.   

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Papago Point

If you’re looking for amazing views and don’t mind putting in some effort, Papago Point is the best place to see the Colorado River and unsurprisingly attracts few tourists. The trail here is quite narrow and there are steep drops on either side of it. Papago’s less than one mile from the road and you’ll have to park on the shoulder. If this all sounds a tad too adventurous for you, fret not. Shoshone Point is more easily accessible.

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Grandview Point

The south rim’s southernmost point is Grandview Point. The actual official viewpoint here is a wee bit obstructed by some trees. Nevertheless, if you walk a bit on the Grandview Trail you will be able to enjoy totally unobstructed views that others have referred to as “amazing.” This was the first spot developed for tourism. The Grandview Hotel was erected in 1908. Grandview Point is the south rim’s second-highest point with a height of 7,400 feet.

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Shoshone Point

Some say this spot off Desert View Road is one of the Grand Canyon’s best-kept secrets. You need to drive a good mile down an unpaved road and then hike roughly half an hour to reach this viewpoint. The hike is an easy one though it just takes time. 

Mind you, if you’re not careful going there, you might miss it. Tech-loving travelers suggest putting on Google Maps prior to heading out. You park your vehicle in the clear dirt area there.

Check online or in your local paper and plan to arrive there before sunset. You may find you have the place all to yourself. The views are reportedly amazing and you can sit and watch as the sky turns colors as the sun slowly sets.  

See the best viewpoints via shuttle or personal vehicle

There are a number of shuttles visitors can use in the Grand Canyon. They run roughly every half hour. Check the shuttle schedules online.  

There are three different routes. In the summer you have to take the shuttle to visit some viewpoints. If you really would rather drive your own vehicle, the best place to do it is in the easternmost section of the canyon.

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