Rim Trail to Mohave Point

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildlife

This 3-mile section of the Rim Trail is one of the most fantastic hikes you can find along the Grand Canyon's South Rim. It is perhaps the best way to get huge and uncrowded views of the canyon without tackling a strenuous hike into the gorge. You can even make it a one-way run by taking the free shuttle bus. Consider timing it to reach Mohave Point by sunset, then riding the bus back as it's getting dark.

Dogs ARE allowed on the Rim Trail, as long as they're on a leash no longer than 6 feet and if they are cleaned up after. Pets are not allowed on park shuttle buses, however. So if you bring your dog you'll have to run it out-and-back instead of catching the bus back. The Hermit Road shuttle bus runs March-November, when the road is closed to private vehicles. During the winter the bus does not run, but you can drive your own vehicle on the road instead (parking is limited). Toilets are available at most of the overlook shuttle stops, but drinking water is not.

Rim Trail makes a great run, especially this western portion along Hermit's Rest Road. Though it's quite crowded around the main viewpoints, you'll find relatively light traffic in between. If you get out very early in the day, you might find it pretty much all to yourself.

Thanks to the free and frequent shuttle bus service along Hermit's Rest Road (March-November), there are many ways you can complete a run along the western portion of the Rim Trail. The route shown here is a one-way run from Bright Angel trailhead to Mohave Point -- one of the best places to see sunset from the canyon rim.

From the start you'll have amazing views of the Bright Angel Trail as it switchbacks down into the canyon. At this point the Rim Trail is paved, and has just a few steep but short sections. You can easily step off the pavement for better views through the trees. Whether at a named overlook or not, the views are always incredible.

The first named overlook you'll come to is Maricopa Point, about 2 miles from the start. It grants a 180-degree panorama over Grand Canyon, and you can even spot a sliver of the Colorado River far below. Keep running westward from here, and you might notice relics of a mining operation on the canyon rim. Copper and later uranium were once extracted here.

The next named overlook is Powell Point, which commemorates John Wesley Powell -- Civil War hero and geologist who led the first successful expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. At Powell Point there is a two-way shuttle stop, so you could decide to catch the bus back from here.

West of Powell Point, the Rim Trail's pavement ends and it becomes a 3-foot wide dirt trail, making an even better running experience. Just half a mile farther is Hopi Point, an ideal location for sunrise or sunset. From this overlook you can clearly see the Colorado River in multiple stretches as it flows through the bottom of the canyon.

About one mile beyond Hopi Point is Mohave Point, another spectacular place for watching sunset. This point also offers excellent views of the Colorado River. With a keen eye you can spot the Salt Creek, Granite, and Hermit rapids. Mohave Point is another two-way shuttle stop, so after watching the sunset you can catch the bus back to your start.

Rim Trail keeps going west of Mohave Point, however, to even more overlooks and less crowded trail. Consider leaving time to explore The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, or Pima Point farther on.

Mule deer and elk are commonly seen along the rim trail. With luck you may even come across bighorn sheep. Squirrels and chipmunks are everywhere begging for food, but don't feed them!