Beautiful viewpoints, shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon to sunset; March–May & Sept–Nov for mild weather
Open
Daily 00:00–24:00 (Hermit Road shuttle access Mar–Nov; private vehicles Dec–Feb)
Price Range
$ (included with park entrance fee)
Time Needed
20–40 minutes for the overlook itself, longer if walking the Rim Trail.
Parking
Small pull‑out available Dec–Feb; otherwise use free Hermit Road “Red Route” shuttle
Ideal For
Paved, railed viewing platform, interpretive geology panels, benches, Rim Trail & Greenway Trail connections, Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle stop, bike racks, trash & recycling bins
Beautiful locations. Definitely advise. Shuttle timetables doesn’t match at all. Expect to wait for bus each time.
This is an excellent trail for the ebikes you can hire. At some point, there is a dedicated bike trail. Otherwise, you share the road with the bus. In summer there are no cars. We also were never overtaken by a bus. If you stop at all lookouts and also take a break at Hermits Point, a half day rental is a bit tight. Our family of 5 road back on Turbo mode.
This is a road to some of the most popular overlooks in the South Rim/ Grand Canyon Village area. Note – during high season the rode is closed to private vehicles and you can only access these sites via the park shuttle buses. These buses will not run in bad weather when there is lightning risk. The buses run from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
A great way to the South Rim on an e-bike without having to worry about cars….the busses are another story
Why Visit Pima Point
Perched near the western end of Hermit Road, Pima Point offers sweeping 270‑degree views of the Grand Canyon and, on quiet days, the distant roar of Granite Rapids 1,400 m below.
Highlights
Panoramic sightlines stretching 40 mi / 64 km along the Colorado River.
Rare chance to hear Granite Rapids echoing up the canyon walls.
Unobstructed sunset vistas with lighter crowds than Hopi Point.
Description
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 to a broad, railed platform that looks west across the “Cataract Plains” and down to the Inner Gorge. Pima Point marks mile 7.8 of the Hermit Road Scenic Drive and is the last major overlook before Hermits Rest. Visitors arrive by the free Red Route shuttle most of the year or by car during the winter vehicle‑access period. Interpretive panels explain the geologic layers visible from the point, and a paved Greenway path links the overlook to adjacent viewpoints for cyclists and wheelchair users.
History
1912
Hermit Road completed, connecting Grand Canyon Village with Hermits Rest.
1934
Overlook officially designated “Pima Point” by the National Park Service.
1970s
Interpretive signs installed explaining visible rock strata and rapids.
2008
Hermit Road rehabilitation adds accessible Greenway Trail segment to Pima Point.
2019
Solar‑powered lighting and new guardrails installed on the viewing platform.
Features
Paved, railed viewing platform
Interpretive geology panels
Benches
Rim Trail & Greenway Trail connections
Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle stop
Bike racks
Trash & recycling bins
Getting There
Shuttle Bus: Free Red Route from Grand Canyon Village; buses every 10–15 min (Mar–Nov). Car: Private vehicles allowed on Hermit Road Dec–Feb; small parking pull‑out at the point. Foot/Bike: Follow the Rim/Greenway Trail 7.8 mi / 12.6 km west of the Village.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Bring binoculars to spot rafters navigating Granite Rapids below.
02Be prepared
Arrive 30 min before sunset for best colors and to secure rail space.
03Local tip
Pack water; no services on Hermit Road except at Hermits Rest.
04Save time
Winter visits offer solitude but dress for icy winds at 6,600 ft.
05Stay connected
Combine with a Rim Trail walk; the section to Hermits Rest is paved and mostly level.
06Good to know
Lightning is common in summer storms
retreat to the shuttle if thunder is heard.
