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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 6 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.
2Pima 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.
3The 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.
4Mohave 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.
5Hopi 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.
6Powell 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.
