Hermits Rest

★5.0
Hermit's Rest, Grand Canyon

Hermit's Rest, Grand Canyon
NPS Photo by Michael Quinn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Historic stone shelter and scenic overlook marking the end of a rimside road, offering sweeping canyon views and access to a rugged backcountry trail.

General Information
Hours:
Daily: 9am to 5pm (gift shop and snack bar)
Outdoor viewpoints accessible year-round
Fees:
$35 per vehicle (7-day national park pass)
$20 per individual (walk-in, bike, or shuttle passengers)
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed on trails below the rim; allowed only in rim areas on leash
Closest cities with hotels:
Tusayan, AZ (8 mi)
Seasons:
Open year-round; best visited spring through fall for shuttle access and mild weather
Location:
Hermits Rest, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Website:
nps.gov

How to Get There

From Tusayan (8 mi): Follow AZ-64 N into the park to Grand Canyon Village, then take the Hermit Road shuttle (or drive in winter months) west along the scenic route for 7 miles to the final stop at the overlook.

Overview

The Hermits Rest stands as one of the most iconic viewpoints along the canyon’s rim, where rustic architecture and sweeping natural beauty converge at the edge of a vast landscape. Designed in 1914 by architect Mary Colter, the structure blends seamlessly into its surroundings with native stonework, timber accents, and a massive fireplace that evokes the feel of an old miner’s hideaway. Visitors step out from its shaded porch to encounter expansive west-facing views, where shifting light transforms the canyon walls into layers of shadow and color, particularly striking at sunset.

Beyond its architectural charm, the site serves as both a destination and a gateway, marking the end of a scenic road and the beginning of a more rugged journey into the canyon via nearby backcountry trails. The surrounding area offers a quieter atmosphere compared to busier overlooks, allowing travelers to linger and absorb the immense scale of the landscape. Whether arriving by shuttle, bicycle, or on foot, this historic rest stop delivers a blend of cultural history and natural wonder, making it a memorable conclusion to a journey along the rim.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Hermits Rest, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted
Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted