Another nice viewing point of the canyon, pretty much was stopping at all of them.
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Sunrise–10 AM & 4 PM–sunset | Mar–May & Sep–Oct for mild weather
Open
Open now · Open 24 hours
Price Range
$ (park entrance fee only)
Parking
No dedicated lot; served by Monument Creek Vista shuttle stop (#4) on Hermit Road. Private vehicles allowed Dec–Feb only.
If you are ready for some family friendly hiking in the grand canyon south rim then this could be your starting point.We parked our car at Grand canyon visitor center and took the Village route bus (Blue bus) to the bright angel trailhead point.At the bright angel trailhead, you can ride the red bus to Monument creek vista point.Monument creek vista to the Abyss is a 1 mile trail and offers good views of the canyons.Restrooms : NoMobile coverage : NoNote : there might be a longer wait when boarding the Hermits rest route (red) during peak season.
So you're probably exhausted by this stop.You'll like this one cause it has a shaded bench facing a great view!
Another great vantage point from which to see the Grand Canyon. This (along with the Abyss) was one of the least crowded viewpoints along the Hermit's Rest route, which was a nice change of pace. The views aren't as nice here as some of the other viewpoints in the park, but they are still pretty incredible
Great views of the grand canyon.
Why Visit Monument Creek Vista
Paved overlook on Hermit Road with sweeping views of Monument Creek, Granite Rapid, and colorful canyon buttes. Serviced by the free Red Route shuttle and marking the eastern trailhead of the Hermit Road Greenway Trail.
Highlights
Direct sightline to the Colorado River’s Granite Rapid 3,000 ft below
Trailhead for the 3‑mi paved Greenway Trail to Hermits Rest (bike‑ and wheelchair‑friendly)
Interpretive panels explaining canyon geology and the historic 1912 carriage road
Description
Monument Creek Vista sits 3 mi (4.8 km) west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road. The paved overlook extends over Kaibab limestone, offering a dramatic perch above Monument Creek’s deep side canyon and the thundering Granite Rapid on the Colorado River. Low stone walls, benches, and railings provide safe, unobstructed views of prominent formations such as Isis Temple, Cheops Pyramid, and the Tower of Set. The viewpoint doubles as the eastern terminus of the Hermit Road Greenway Trail, a multi‑use path following the alignment of the park’s early 20th‑century carriage road. From March through November, the overlook is reached by the free Red Route shuttle; in winter, private vehicles may drive to the site.
History
1903
Santa Fe Railroad surveys scenic carriage road alignment along the South Rim.
1912
Hermit Road opens, with Monument Creek Vista established as a popular carriage stop.
1930s
Civilian Conservation Corps installs stone guardrails and benches.
2008
Hermit Road Rehabilitation Project repaves roadway and constructs the ADA‑compliant Greenway Trail.
2011
Interpretive exhibits on canyon geology and river rapids added at the overlook.
Features
Paved, wheelchair‑friendly viewpoint
Benches & low stone seating walls
Interpretive information panels
Bicycle racks
Shuttle stop (#4, Red Route)
Trash & recycling receptacles(No restrooms or water; nearest facilities at Hermits Rest or Hopi Point)
Getting There
Ride the free Red Route shuttle from Grand Canyon Village (15 min) or cycle the Rim Trail to reach the overlook. Allow 20–30 minutes for photos, or budget 2–3 hours to walk or bike the Greenway Trail between Monument Creek Vista and Hermits Rest.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Bring binoculars to spot rafts running Granite Rapid.
02Be prepared
Carry water; nearest refill station is 1.1 mi east at Hopi Point.
03Local tip
Winter visits allow private car access but watch for icy pavement.
04Save time
Combine with a bike ride to Hermits Rest for multiple overlooks in one trip.
05Stay connected
Sunset is beautiful but buses fill quickly
arrive early.
