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TRAILHEADGrand Canyon National Park, AZ

Shoshone Point Trailhead

4.9 (131 Google reviews)

A quiet, little‑known South Rim trailhead leading one mile through pine forest to Shoshone Point, an uncrowded overlook with sweeping north‑northeast views of the canyon.

Limited Access – unpaved dirt road, no wheelchair facilities

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Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit
April–October • sunrise & sunset for soft light
Open
Open now · Open 24 hours
Price Range
$ (free access)
Parking
Small unsigned dirt lot on Desert View Drive (≈20 spaces)
Ideal For
Dirt parking area, picnic tables & grills, covered pavilion (at overlook), vault toilet (pit), trash receptacles, shade from tall ponderosa pines, event reservation gate
Reviews from Google
4.9

(131 reviews)

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Why Visit Shoshone Point Trailhead

A quiet, little‑known South Rim trailhead leading one mile through pine forest to Shoshone Point, an uncrowded overlook with sweeping north‑northeast views of the canyon.

Highlights

Easy 1‑mile (2 mi RT) forest walk on old service road
Picnic area with tables, grills & vault toilet near the rim
Reservable site for small weddings and private events

Description

Shoshone Point Trailhead sits along Desert View Drive, 1.2 mi east of Yaki Point Road. From the dirt lot, an old service road meanders gently through ponderosa pine and pinyon‑juniper woodland to a dramatic overlook 1,000 ft above the inner canyon. Because the gate is usually closed to vehicles, foot traffic is light, making this one of the South Rim’s most peaceful spots. The point is the only South Rim location that the National Park Service allows to be reserved for private gatherings; when reserved, a locked gate may restrict public access. The overlook faces north‑northeast toward Desert View Watchtower, Newton Butte and the distant North Rim. No water or electricity is available, and winter snows can make the road muddy.

History

1900s
Area mapped during early South Rim surveys.
1930s
Old fire road built, later becoming today’s trail.
1990
NPS designates Shoshone Point as a reservable event site.
2023
Trailhead receives 4.9‑star average on Google Maps (127+ reviews).

Features

Dirt parking area
Picnic tables & grills
Covered pavilion (at overlook)
Vault toilet (pit)
Trash receptacles
Shade from tall ponderosa pines
Event reservation gate

Getting There

Car: 8‑min drive east of Grand Canyon Visitor Center on Desert View Drive; look for unsigned pull‑out on left. Bicycle: Paved shoulder on Desert View Drive; bikes allowed on dirt road. Taxi/Rideshare: Limited service inside park. Shuttle Bus: No park shuttle stop; nearest is Yaki Point (seasonal).

Insider Tips

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

01Good to know

Carry at least 1 qt water.

02Be prepared

Wear sturdy shoes.

03Local tip

Watch children near rim.

04Save time

No guardrails at overlook.

05Stay connected

Respect closed gate if event.

06Good to know

Pack out trash.

07Be prepared

Arrive before sunrise for parking.

08Local tip

Check weather; road gets muddy.

09Save time

Tripod useful for photos.

10Stay connected

Cell service is spotty.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike?

About 1 mi each way (2 mi round‑trip).

Is the trail steep?

No, only ~130 ft total elevation gain.

Can I drive to the overlook?

Only with an NPS event permit; the gate is normally locked.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, on leash; clean up after them.

Is there water at the trailhead?

No. Bring your own.

Are restrooms available?

A single vault toilet is near the overlook.

Is the site good for sunrise?

Yes—eastern light paints the canyon beautifully.

Do I need a backcountry permit?

Not for day use. Only events require a Special Use Permit.

Quick Information

Hours

OpenOpen 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours

Hours may change. Please call ahead to confirm before you visit.

Best Time to VisitApril–October • sunrise & sunset for soft light

ParkingSmall unsigned dirt lot on Desert View Drive (≈20 spaces)

FacilitiesDirt parking area, picnic tables & grills, covered pavilion (at overlook), vault toilet (pit), trash receptacles, shade from tall ponderosa pines, event reservation gate

What to BringWater, snacks, and sun protection; there is no potable water on site.

What to WearSturdy shoes.
Contact Information
Desert View Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
You are hereSouth Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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