Day Hike - Rim Trail National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Grand Canyon National Park
Trail Condition: Inclines to flat. Well defined. Shade along trail. Most of the trail is paved and
some sections are accessible. Excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for
visitors who desire an easy hike with minimal elevation change. In winter surfaces may be
slippery or icy when snowy. Beware of lightning during summer thunderstorms. Leashed pets
are permitted on the trail but not on park shuttle buses.
Directions to Trailhead: Begin from any viewpoint in Grand Canyon Village or along Hermit
Road. Can access the trail from many of the shuttle bus stops.
Trailhead Elevation: 6,820 feet, varies approximately 200 feet.
Note: NO water along trail. Water in Grand Canyon Village area and at Hermits Rest.
The Rim Trail stretches from the South Kaibab Trailhead west to Hermits Rest, a distance of
approximately thirteen miles (21 km), most of the trail is paved. Between Pipe Creek Vista and
Bright Angel Lodge only a few short sections of the trail have grades that exceed accessibility
standards. West of Bright Angel Lodge, the Rim Trail narrows and climbs the Bright Angel
Fault to viewpoints along Hermit Road. Between Powell Point and Monument Creek Vista the
trail is a three foot wide dirt trail. The section of the Rim Trail between Monument Creek Vista
and Hermits Rest is also known as the Hermit Road Greenway Trail. For shuttle bus schedules
and stops visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm
Services:
Distance
Destination W = Water
(in miles) to Notes
(heading west) T = Toilet
next point
W T
South Kaibab Trailhead .8 X X Shuttle bus stop.
Pipe Creek Vista 1.4 Shuttle bus stop.
Mather Point .7 X Closest overlook to Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Glass observation area with canyon information. Shuttle
Yavapai Point .7 X X
bus stop.
Park Headquarters The trail between this point and the next passes historic
1.2
junction buildings, restrooms, and water.
Village Route Transfer .7 Shuttle bus stop.
Trailview Overlook .7 Good views of the Bright Angel Trail. Shuttle bus stop.
Maricopa Point .5 Shuttle bus stop.
Pavement ends and trail becomes 3 foot wide dirt trail.
Powell Point .3
Shuttle bus stop.
Hopi Point .8 X Great spot for viewing the sunset. Shuttle bus stop.
Mohave Point 1.1 Shuttle bus stop.
The Abyss .9 Shuttle bus stop.
Dirt trail ends and trail becomes a 9 foot wide paved
Monument Creek Vista 1.7
trail. Shuttle bus stop.
Pima Point 1.1 Shuttle bus stop.
Hermits Rest X X Small gift shop and snack bar. Shuttle bus stop.
Everyone needs to carry water! Even though you will be hiking on the rim, you still need to
carry water. Always remember to eat as well as drink while hiking.
Avoid trouble by Hiking Smart
• Plan your hike before you start.
• Balance your food and water intake. Eat salty snacks and drink water or
sports drinks.
• Go slowly, rest often, stay cool. Allow the weakest hiker to set the pace.
• During the summer, hike during the cooler, shadier times of the day.

Shuttle Bus Information for

Hermits Rest Route - This route
operates from March 1 to
November 30. Buses provide
transportation between the
Village Route Transfer and
Hermits Rest with stops at nine
canyon overlooks. During the
return trip, buses stop only at
Hermits Rest, Pima, Mohave,
and Powell Points.

Weather dependent, Hermit

Road is open to private vehicles
December 1 to February 28. Be
aware that in wintertime
inclement weather can cause
Hermit Road to close
temporarily with little notice as
storms move through the area.

Hermit Road Greenway Trail Map