Horrible showers, $2.50 for 5 minutes with only 1 minute of hot water.
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Sunrise or sunset to pair with Mather Point views
Open
Daily, ~30 min before sunrise – 30 min after sunset
Price Range
Free (included with park entry)
Parking
No dedicated parking; use Grand Canyon Visitor Center lots
One hour wait time because buses drive half empty.
Why Visit Mather Point Shuttle Stop
The Mather Point Shuttle Stop is the first westbound stop on the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, linking the Grand Canyon Visitor Center with Mather Point’s iconic overlook in minutes.
Highlights
Car‑free Canyon Views – Hop off and walk 0.2 mi to one of the South Rim’s most photographed vistas.
Frequent Service – Buses arrive every 10–15 minutes in peak season, so you rarely wait long.
Free & Accessible – The shuttle is included with your entrance fee and every bus kneels for wheelchairs and strollers.
Description
Positioned just west of the main Mather Point overlook, this stop lets visitors step off the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route and follow a paved, ADA‑compliant path straight to the rim. The loop takes about 50 minutes end‑to‑end and connects the Visitor Center with Yavapai Geology Museum, Pipe Creek Vista and Yaki Point. Using the shuttle eliminates parking headaches at the overcrowded overlook and reduces traffic along Desert View Drive. Service is free, operates from dawn to dusk year‑round, and buses are equipped with bicycle racks and wheelchair lifts.
History
1997
Grand Canyon’s first shuttle routes introduced to cut rim traffic.
2009
Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route created; Mather Point Stop opened.
2012
Low‑floor, compressed‑natural‑gas buses added for accessibility.
2020
Real‑time bus arrival displays installed at the stop.
Features
Covered waiting shelter
Benches & railings
Route map & real‑time arrival screen
ADA curb ramp
Bicycle racks on front of buses
Trash & recycle bins
Getting There
Arrive at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, park in Lots 1–4, then walk a few steps to the Shuttle Bus Terminal. Board the westbound Kaibab Rim bus; Mather Point is the very next stop (≈3 min ride). From the shelter a 0.2‑mile paved spur leads to the overlook and Rim Trail. Combine the stop with a walk to Yavapai Geology Museum and return by shuttle or on foot.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Sunrise buses are less crowded; arrive 10 minutes early in summer.
02Be prepared
Sit on the right side of the bus for canyon glimpses en route.
03Local tip
Bring water
there are no fountains at the stop.
04Save time
Use the Rim Trail to walk back to the Visitor Center and avoid re‑boarding lines.
05Stay connected
Download the NPS Grand Canyon app for live bus times.
Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket or reservation to board?
No. The shuttle is free with your park entrance pass.
How often do buses come?
Every 10–15 minutes in peak season and every 20–30 minutes in winter.
Can I take my bike?
Yes, each bus carries up to three bikes on the front rack.
