Beautiful view of the canyon and very close to the El Tovar Hotel. The rock is located along the Rim Trail on the south side of the Grand Canyon.
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Sunrise & late-afternoon “golden hour” for soft light and fewer crowds
Open
Open now · Open 24 hours
Price Range
Free (included with park entrance fee)
Time Needed
10–20 minutes (longer if you stroll additional Rim Trail segments).
Parking
Village Loop Drive lots near El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House & Verkamp’s Visitor Center
Ideal For
Restrooms, water, dining & lodging within Grand Canyon Village
Gorgeous view of the Grand Canyon. We parked right next to El Tovar in a small parking lot. Tricky to find parking in this area but we lucked out.There were a couple of big gift shops, an ice cream shop, and restrooms along the walk. Lots of see along the way. You can walk along the rim for miles if you want.
Simply, this is a heart-shaped rock embedded inside a stone wall along the rim trail. I happened upon this only because I was looking on Google Maps this day. As of October 2023, this was an unmarked attraction.
Only a heartless individual would tell you not to see the Matrimony Rock and hear its story. On this train ride from Williams to the Canyon our stewardess (?), Jennifer, told us the story of this heart shaped rock. As the story goes the Harvey Girls were bound by a one year contract that prevented them getting married while under contract. If they didn’t complete the contract they forfeited a portion of their base pay. In 1934 (continuing the story) a young man was working for the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) building the existing walkway border wall. As happens, he met and fell in love with his own Harvey Girl. Problem was she was still under contract and he was being transferred. So, to show his love for her, he fashioned the rock and inserted it into the wall just outside her dorm room window so she would remember him always. They apparently did go off together after her contract expired, but we don’t know if they lived happily ever after. Great story, though.
This is one of the most breath-taking location I have ever seen live in person….No photo would ever do it justice ❤️❤️❤️
Why Visit Matrimony “Heart” Rock
Matrimony “Heart” Rock is a small but beloved stop along the South Rim’s historic stone wall. A naturally heart‑shaped limestone was set into the wall in the 1930s, creating a romantic photo spot with sweeping canyon views just steps from Grand Canyon Village.
Highlights
Heart‑shaped stone embedded in 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) wall
Legendary love story between a CCC worker and a Harvey Girl
Easy, level access on the paved Rim Trail
Iconic selfie location with canyon backdrop
Description
Nestled between El Tovar Hotel and Kachina Lodge, this section of the Rim Trail features a low sandstone wall built by CCC crews. One stone stands out: a perfect heart, placed at eye level where a young worker could see the dormitory window of his sweetheart. Today the “Heart” Rock symbolizes enduring love and offers visitors a charming, quick stop amid world‑class scenery.
History
1934 – CCC crews rebuild portions of the South Rim wall.
A CCC laborer secretly sets a heart‑shaped rock into the masonry as a tribute to a Harvey Girl whose employment contract forbade marriage.
Local lore says the couple eventually wed, giving rise to the nickname “Matrimony Rock.”
Features
Paved, wheelchair‑friendly Rim Trail segment
Historic sandstone safety wall
Benches and shade trees nearby
Close proximity to restrooms, food, lodging, and shuttle stops
Getting There
By Car: Enter Grand Canyon National Park via South Entrance. Follow South Entrance Rd ➜ Village Loop Dr. Park in lot C near El Tovar or Hopi House. By Shuttle: Take the free Village (Blue) Route to Verkamp’s Visitor Center stop. Walk west ~2 minutes. Look for the stone wall section between El Tovar Hotel and Kachina Lodge; the heart is set at knee level.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
The heart sits slightly left of center in the wall
scan carefully.
02Be prepared
Early morning offers solitude before tour buses arrive.
03Local tip
Keep feet behind the wall; do not climb or remove stones.
04Save time
Bring a telephoto lens for framing both the heart and canyon.
05Stay connected
In summer, carry water; shade is limited.
Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the heart rock?
It is embedded in the low stone wall on the Rim Trail between El Tovar Hotel and Kachina Lodge, about 150 ft/45 m west of Verkamp’s Visitor Center.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Rim Trail is paved and mostly level here, and the viewing area has no steps.
Do I need a special ticket or reservation?
No. The spot is free once you have entered Grand Canyon National Park.
Can I visit after dark?
The Rim Trail is open 24 hours. Bring a flashlight and stay behind the wall for safety.
Is parking available nearby?
Yes. Use Village Loop Drive lots near El Tovar or Hopi House, a 2‑ to 4‑minute walk away.
What’s the story behind the heart‑shaped stone?
Legend says a CCC worker placed it in 1934 so the Harvey Girl he loved could see it from her dorm window. They later married, inspiring the name “Matrimony Rock.”
May I touch or remove the stone?
Touching is allowed, but removing, carving, or defacing any park feature is illegal.
Are restrooms close?
Yes. The nearest restrooms are inside the El Tovar, roughly 0.1 mi/150 m east. And the nearest wheelchair accessible restroom is at Verkamps.
