The Abyss

Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit

Sunrise and late afternoon–sunset; March–May & Sept–Nov for mild weather

Open

Open now · Open 24 hours

Price Range

Free with park entry

Time Needed

20–30 minutes

Parking

Small pull‑out Dec–Feb; otherwise use Hermits Rest (Red) Route shuttle stop #5

Reviews from Google

4.8

(448 reviews)

Write a review

Thomas B12 months ago

This is one of our favorite stops not necessarily for the views, but it seems not to be as crowded as some of the larger viewing areas. Also, you are right at the edge of a steep canyon wall, which you need to be careful not to slip. You will also have direct access to the Rim Trail that follows the canyon’s edge all the way out to Hermit Rest. From March to November, this viewpoint is accessible using the Park’s Shuttle Bus Service via Desert View Drive, which runs along the South Rim. There are no restrooms at this stop.

J1 year ago

Great if your coming from Vegas or going to Vegas to stop and take pictures at the rim. I did the hike last time so we just enjoyed the view and took pictures the second visit. They have an ice cream shop at the rim and gift shop,and bathrooms. If you are going to do activities on the canyon it's like a week stay lol maybe more and at the bottom have a guide it's rough down there. That's all by reservation rafting on the river and camping.

Jaco7 years ago

A must see stop on the Red Route for Hermits Rest. Take the Red Route Bus and make sure to get off at The Abyss. Most people make the mistake of not exploring the area to the left and right of the bus stop. Do not do this the best views are to the right and left of the bus stop location. Get off the bus take some time to absorb all the beauty here. Great views, flora and fauna abound. Great place to watch the White Throated Swift's dancing in the wind.

Gunnar Caya5 years ago

Another great vantage point from which to see the Grand Canyon. This (along with Monument Creek Vista) was one of the least crowded viewpoints along the Hermit's Rest route, which was a nice change of pace. As the name suggests, you definitely get a feeling of the height and size of the canyons from here. The views aren't as nice here as some of the other viewpoints in the park, but they are still pretty incredible.

Rochell Bonamy3 years ago

At this point, they all look kinda similar.What sets The Abyss apart seems to be the ravens. Oh. And the Abyss looks steeper than the other stops.

Why Visit The Abyss

The Abyss is a dramatic overlook on Hermit Road where the South Rim plunges almost 3,000 ft / 914 m straight down to the Tonto Plateau. Sweeping views of Monument Creek, Granite Rapids, and the Colorado River—plus lighter crowds—make it a must‑see stop on Grand Canyon’s West Rim Drive.

Highlights

3,000‑Foot Vertical Drop – The South Rim’s longest unbroken cliff drops directly below the railing.

Monument Creek & Granite Rapids Views – Spot the Colorado River carving through Granite Gorge.

Rim Trail Access – A paved trail links The Abyss with Mohave Point (1 mi) and Pima Point (1.1 mi).

Description

Perched at 6,600 ft / 2,012 m, The Abyss sits on a fault line that allowed erosion to carve a vast amphitheater devoid of the usual stair‑step ledges. Named in 1902 by explorer George Wharton James, it remains one of Hermit Road’s quietest stops because the shuttle serves it in the outbound direction only. Photographers prize the late‑day glow on the inner canyon, while geologists study the exposed Redwall Limestone. No services are provided at the viewpoint—bring water, sun protection, and your camera.

History

1902

George Wharton James coins the name “The Abyss.”

1912

West Rim Drive (now Hermit Road) opens to early automobiles.

1934

Civilian Conservation Corps improves the Rim Trail segment linking nearby points.

2008

Hermit Road rebuilt; shuttle‑only access instituted Mar–Nov to cut congestion.

Features

Paved shuttle stop with bench seating

0.1 mi / 160 m paved path to the rim

Low stone safety wall at main overlook

Interpretive sign panels

Connection to the Rim Trail(No restrooms, water, or food service on‑site)

Getting There

Ride the free Red Route shuttle and combine The Abyss with other Hermit Road overlooks. Allow 20–30 minutes for the stop, or longer if you walk the Rim Trail between viewpoints.

Insider Tips

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

01Good to know

Sit on the left side of the shuttle for the best first glimpse of the drop.

02Be prepared

Arrive 30 minutes before sunset; the last outbound shuttle leaves the Village about one hour before sunset.

03Local tip

Morning light highlights the vertical wall; afternoons paint the inner buttes in warm hues.

04Save time

Carry plenty of water

there is none between the Village and Hermits Rest except at the latter.

05Stay connected

Watch your footing; several edges beyond the low wall are unguarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the Colorado River from The Abyss?

Yes—look west toward Monument Creek; the river is visible about 3,000 ft below, especially in late‑day light.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are allowed on the Rim Trail if leashed but are not permitted on shuttle buses.

Is the overlook crowded?

It is usually quieter than Hopi or Pima Points because the shuttle stops here only in the outbound direction.

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 and late afternoon–sunset; March–May & Sept–Nov for mild weather

Recommended Duration20–30 minutes

ParkingSmall pull‑out Dec–Feb; otherwise use Hermits Rest (Red) Route shuttle stop #5

What to BringWater, sun protection, and your camera.

Get Directions

Drive Now Walk Now

Contact Information

Hermit Road, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

References

National Park Service – “The Abyss Bus Stop (Hermits Rest Route).” https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-road.htm Google Maps – “The Abyss.” https://maps.app.goo.gl/4H763CFzrCfFq5Xo8 Digital‑Desert – “Abyss Lookout, Grand Canyon.” https://digital-desert.com/grand-canyon/abyss/

Photo Gallery

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