Love
VIEWPOINTSouth Rim, Grand Canyon National Park

Great Mohave Wall Viewpoint

4.7 (14 Google reviews)

Perched along Hermit Road’s Rim Trail, Great Mohave Wall Viewpoint delivers sweeping west‑facing vistas of the Colorado River, the 3,000‑ft‑high Great Mohave Wall, and the plunging chasm known as the Abyss—making it a favorite stop for sunset photographers.

Partially Accessible (paved Rim Trail; slight grade)

View Story

Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon & sunset; March‑May and Sep‑Nov offer mild weather
Open
Daily 00:00 – 24:00
Price Range
$ (free; park entry fee applies)
Parking
No dedicated lot; use Village parking & Hermit Road shuttle (Red Route)
Reviews from Google
4.7

(14 reviews)

Write a review

Why Visit Great Mohave Wall Viewpoint

Perched along Hermit Road’s Rim Trail, Great Mohave Wall Viewpoint delivers sweeping west‑facing vistas of the Colorado River, the 3,000‑ft‑high Great Mohave Wall, and the plunging chasm known as the Abyss—making it a favorite stop for sunset photographers.

Highlights

Panoramic Canyon & River Views – Unobstructed sightlines to the Colorado River, Granite Rapids, and layered red‑rock cliffs.
Prime Sunset Spot – West orientation lights up the Great Mohave Wall in golden and crimson hues each evening.
Easy Shuttle Access – Reachable via the free Hermits Rest (Red) shuttle or a level 0.3‑mi walk from Hopi Point.

Description

Great Mohave Wall Viewpoint sits between Hopi Point and the Abyss on the South Rim’s historic Hermit Road. The overlook takes its name from the towering cliff—over 3,000 feet high—that forms the canyon’s south wall opposite Granite Gorge. Visitors stand atop Kaibab Limestone, gazing down to Precambrian Vishnu Schist nearly a mile below. The paved Rim Trail links the viewpoint to seven other overlooks, allowing walkers and cyclists to sample ever‑changing perspectives without descending into the canyon. Because private vehicles are restricted on Hermit Road from March 1 to November 30, most guests ride the park’s accessible shuttle, hop‑off for photographs, then continue west toward Hermits Rest.

History

1934
Hermit Road (then “Hermit Rim Road”) completed, opening western rim vistas.
1930s
Civilian Conservation Corps improves Rim Trail and installs stone safety walls.
2008
Hermit Road reconstruction adds wider paths, new railings, and updated interpretive panels at overlooks, including Great Mohave Wall Viewpoint.

Features

Paved Rim Trail segment with guard‑rail overlook
Interpretive signage on canyon geology
Benches & low stone seating
Red Route shuttle stops nearby (Hopi Point & The Abyss)
Trash & recycle receptacles (at Hopi Point)
Cellular reception (spotty)

Getting There

Board the free Hermits Rest Route (Red) shuttle at the Village Route Transfer. Exit at Hopi Point or The Abyss and walk 0.3–0.4 mi along the Rim Trail.

Insider Tips

Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.

01Good to know

Allocate 15

30 minutes for photos, or linger for sunset.

02Be prepared

Combine the stop with a 2‑mile walk between Powell Point and Mohave Point for diverse canyon angles without major elevation change.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the viewpoint good for sunrise?

Sunrise is quieter, but the cliff faces are in shadow; sunset provides warmer light on the Great Mohave Wall.

Are there railings?

Yes—stone walls and metal railings line the rim for safety, but always supervise children.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?

The paved trail is stroller‑friendly; wheelchairs are possible with assistance due to mild slopes.

Are pets allowed?

Pets on leashes are permitted on the Rim Trail but not on shuttle buses.

Is there cell service?

Intermittent. Expect spotty coverage; download offline maps beforehand.

Quick Information

HoursDaily 00:00 – 24:00

Best Time to VisitLate afternoon & sunset; March‑May and Sep‑Nov offer mild weather

ParkingNo dedicated lot; use Village parking & Hermit Road shuttle (Red Route)
Contact Information
Hermit Road, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

Visitor Guidelines

  • Sunset (one hour before through civil twilight) draws the largest crowds.
  • Visit just after sunrise for solitude and soft side‑lighting on the Great Mohave Wall.
You are hereSouth Rim, Grand Canyon National Park

Open full map

Explore Nearby

Discover attractions, viewpoints, restaurants and experiences within a short distance.

Centered on Great Mohave Wall Viewpoint · showing places within 1.9 mi

Mohave PointViewpoint0.6 mi

Mohave Point

Named for the Mojave people, Mohave Point sits 6.6 mi/10.6 km west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road. Guard‑railed overlooks perch at ~7,000 ft (2,130 m),…

4.9 (1,839)30–45 minutes before sunset

Pima PointViewpoint1.5 mi

Pima Point

Named for the Pima people, this overlook sits at 6,600 ft / 2,012 m on the South Rim. A short spur from the Rim Trail leads…

4.6 (35)20–40 minutes for the overlook itself, longer if walking the Rim Trail.

Lookout StudioViewpoint1.6 mi

Lookout Studio

Perched on the very edge of Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Lookout Studio functions as a hybrid: part observation station, part retail shop.…

4.7 (365)15–30 minutes for a quick look and shopping; 45–60 minutes if you plan to photograph sunrise/sunset or watch condors.

Victor HallEstablishment1.6 mi

Victor Hall

Victor Hall provides basic, affordable housing for Xanterra employees working on the South Rim. The three‑story brick structure contains roughly 100 double…

3.0 (16)Residents typically stay an entire work season (3–9 months).

Bright Angel LodgeLodging1.7 mi

Bright Angel Lodge

Steps from the Bright Angel Trailhead, it offers budget‑friendly rooms, historic log cabins, multiple dining venues, and unmatched canyon views—all within walking…

4.3 (4,313)2-3 days to fully enjoy the lodge and nearby attractions.

Kachina LodgeHotel1.8 mi

Kachina Lodge

Kachina Lodge features 49 contemporary guest rooms arranged in a long, low profile that mirrors the canyon’s horizontal layers. All rooms include…

4.0 (505)1–3 nights provide ample time to explore rim viewpoints, hike part of Bright Angel Trail, and catch sunrise/sunset without rushing.

El Tovar HotelHotel1.9 mi

El Tovar Hotel

El Tovar blends early 20th‑century luxury with National‑Park‑Service rustic architecture. Cedar‑shingled roofs, Oregon pine beams, and Navajo‑inspired décor create an atmosphere that…

4.4 (3,913)

Check out other touring options

  • North Canyon Tour

    North Canyon Tour

    This Grand Canyon helicopter tour over the North Canyon sets off from the South Rim. Soar over the Grand Canyon National Park’s most astonishing rock formations and…

    Tour Duration:

    25-30 minutes

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon National Park

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon
    Booked 38 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: North Canyon Tour
  • Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours

    Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours

    Go Buck Wild over a Grand Canyon Sunset with our evening tour. This experience builds upon the 2 hour Signature Tour by adding more exposure to the Grand…

    Tour Duration:

    3 Hours

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon
    Booked 62 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours
  • Grand Discovery Air Tour

    Grand Discovery Air Tour

    The Grand Discovery Air Tour is one of the best ways to see the natural wonders Grand Canyon has to offer with a scenic flight starting from…

    Tour Duration:

    40-45 minutes

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon National Park

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon

    Activities:

    • Airplane Tour
    • Multilingual narration
    Booked 55 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: Grand Discovery Air Tour