Hopi Point - The Sunset Stage

A stop on Grand Canyon South Rim, a free self-guided tour.

Hermit Road runs about seven miles west from the Village to Hermits Rest, and for most of the year it is open only to the free shuttle, cyclists and walkers, which keeps the overlooks calm. Check nps.gov for the season dates and the last bus of the day.

Hopi Point juts far out into the canyon, giving you a wide sweep east and west, with glimpses of the Colorado River far below. The big flat-topped buttes carry names like Isis Temple and Osiris Temple, part of a naming habit started by geologist Clarence Dutton in the 1880s, who borrowed from ancient mythologies.

This is one of the South Rim's favorite sunset spots, so expect company in the evening. Just east is Powell Point, with a memorial to John Wesley Powell, who led the first known expedition through the canyon by river in 1869.

The point honors the Hopi. As the light drops, watch the Redwall cliffs glow and the shadows pour into the side canyons.

Getting here: Walk a few minutes west to the Hermits Rest shuttle stop at the west end of the Village and ride the Hermits Rest (Red) Route to Hopi Point.

Did you know?: John Wesley Powell led his 1869 river expedition even though he had lost most of his right arm at the Civil War battle of Shiloh.

Photo op: Arrive an hour before sunset, stand at the tip of the point behind the railing, and frame the buttes to the east as they catch the last light.

Nearby: Restrooms here are the only ones on Hermit Road before Hermits Rest; no food, so bring water.

More on Wikipedia: Hermit Road · John Wesley Powell · Clarence Dutton

Hopi Point - The Sunset Stage

Stops on this tour