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Last updated: 17 June 2025

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VIEWPOINTGrand Canyon National Park, AZ

Shoshone Point

4.9 (157 Google reviews)

A quiet, lesser‑known overlook reached by a level one‑mile forest walk. Shoshone Point rewards visitors with sweeping north‑northeast vistas, a shaded picnic pavilion, and the rare chance to reserve a Grand Canyon rim site for private events.

Limited Access – 1 mi/1.6 km unpaved trail; pavilion area has packed dirt surface
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Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit
Sunrise & sunset for canyon colors; March‑May and Sept‑Oct for mild weather
Open
Open now · Open 24 hours
Price Range
Free (park entry fee applies)
Time Needed
1½–2 hours for the round‑trip walk, photography, and a relaxed stay at the point.
Parking
Small dirt lot at gated trailhead on Desert View Drive; free; ~20 spaces
Ideal For
Covered pavilion with picnic tables & benches, charcoal grills, vault toilet (no running water), trash & recycling receptacles, fenced rim overlook with stone seating, unpaved 1 mi/1.6 km trail (service road), event reservation area (permit required)
Reviews from Google
4.9

(157 reviews)

Write a review

Bridget Cramp2 years ago

Not shown on the Grand Canyon map, this 3.25km round trip view was spectacular, one of the best views in the Grand Canyon.It's an easy hike to the Shoshone Point but route is uneven to begin with. Once at the top, go past the restrooms and there is a path between trees, this takes you to the open view point – there is one big step to get down (and then up so will need some upper body strength), but the view is amazing.I was able to sit for 20 minutes and no-one else was there, just took in the breathtaking sight.

Ewa Rosander1 year ago

We attended a wedding here and the place is magical. You can book the place in advance. We were here in the middle of August and it got pitch black at 8pm. Be sure you are prepped and ready to leave.

Mike Baxter12 months ago

This is definitely a hidden gem in the park. Not many hikers here. A must see point!

Julie Safirstein3 years ago

Went here early November to watch the sunset over the canyon- so happy we chose this spot! There were only about 4-5 other couples/families there so we had the place basically to ourselves and the panoramic view once you got to the area jutting out past the picnic tables/outhouse was outstanding. Short 30-35 min flat walk from parking lot to viewpoint. Got to viewpoint 1 hr before sunset time to truly appreciate all the changing colors and phases. Bring a flashlight (or use phone flashlight) on way back to car but it was a flat wide path (old dirt park service road, so dirt path with a few rocks). Highly recommend for a view without the crowds

Joe B12 months ago

Hidden gem if you like to avoid crowds and don't mind a simple hike. The hike from the trailhead along the road is easy and pretty quick. The hike along the mule trail that follows the rim is quite a bit longer but it's really awesome. Don't listen to the complaints about smelling the mule poop. Sure there is some but it's all natural lol.

Why Visit Shoshone Point

A quiet, lesser‑known overlook reached by a level one‑mile forest walk. Shoshone Point rewards visitors with sweeping north‑northeast vistas, a shaded picnic pavilion, and the rare chance to reserve a Grand Canyon rim site for private events.

Highlights

Secluded Vistas – Far from shuttle stops, crowds are minimal even in peak season.
Event‑Ready Pavilion – The only South Rim site reservable for weddings, reunions, and ceremonies.
Easy, Family‑Friendly Walk – Gently graded dirt road through ponderosa pine forest (2 mi/3.2 km round‑trip).

Description

Shoshone Point sits on a narrow peninsula of the South Rim, offering unobstructed views toward Desert View Watchtower, Vishnu Temple, and the distant North Rim. The overlook is named for the Shoshone people, whose ancestral homelands once stretched across the Intermountain West. Because access is via an unsigned service road, many visitors pass it by, making this one of the canyon’s most peaceful spots. A covered pavilion with picnic tables, grills, and a vault toilet makes the area ideal for gatherings; a National Park Service Special Use Permit is required for private events.

History

Pre‑Contact Era
Ancestral Puebloan peoples inhabit and traverse the canyon region.
1932
Desert View Drive completed, creating vehicular access to the future trailhead.
1960s
Area informally known to rangers as a quiet picnic spot.
1980s
Pavilion and vault toilet constructed; site designated “Shoshone Point.”
2000
NPS begins issuing Special Use Permits for private events here.
2019
Trailhead parking area improved and informational signage installed.

Features

Covered pavilion with picnic tables & benches
Charcoal grills
Vault toilet (no running water)
Trash & recycling receptacles
Fenced rim overlook with stone seating
Unpaved 1 mi/1.6 km trail (service road)
Event reservation area (permit required)

Getting There

Car: 4.5 mi/7.2 km east of Grand Canyon Visitor Center on Desert View Drive; look for an unmarked dirt lot on the north side. Bicycle/Foot: Desert View Drive has a paved greenway from the Visitor Center to Yaki Point; cyclists must walk bikes on the unpaved trail. Shuttle: No park shuttle service stops here. Tours: Some private hiking and photography tours include Shoshone Point.

Insider Tips

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

01Good to know

Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes; there is no shade on the rim itself and no water along the trail.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

Photography Opportunities

  • East‑facing views capture first light on canyon walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the trail suitable for strollers?

The dirt road is mostly level but bumpy; jogging strollers with large wheels fare best.

Can I drive to the overlook?

No. A locked gate blocks vehicles; only permit holders may unlock it.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, on leash, but keep them back from cliff edges.

Is there drinking water at the point?

No. Fill bottles before leaving the Visitor Center or Market Plaza.

How long is the hike?

Approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) each way; 20–30 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Is it good for sunrise photography?

Yes. East‑facing views capture first light on canyon walls.

Can I reserve the pavilion for a wedding?

Yes. Apply for a Special Use Permit at least four months in advance.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The unpaved trail and pavilion area are not ADA‑compliant.

Is there cell service?

Very limited; do not rely on it for emergencies.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park.

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 VisitSunrise & sunset for canyon colors; March‑May and Sept‑Oct for mild weather

Recommended Duration1½–2 hours for the round‑trip walk, photography, and a relaxed stay at the point.

ParkingSmall dirt lot at gated trailhead on Desert View Drive; free; ~20 spaces

FacilitiesCovered pavilion with picnic tables & benches, charcoal grills, vault toilet (no running water), trash & recycling receptacles, fenced rim overlook with stone seating, unpaved 1 mi/1.6 km trail (service road), event reservation area (permit required)

What to BringWater, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.

Get Directions

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Contact Information
Desert View Drive (AZ‑64), Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Guidelines & Rules

  • A National Park Service Special Use Permit is required for private events.
  • Drones are prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park.

Emergency Information

Very limited cell service; do not rely on it for emergencies.

References

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/shoshone-point-parking-area.htmhttps://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/GRCAmap2.pdfhttps://www.nps.gov/grca/getinvolved/sup.htm

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