Powell Point
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Perched on a rocky peninsula on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Powell Point is a scenic vista point along Hermit Road. In addition to fantastic sunrise and sunset views, the overlook is home to the park’s largest monument, an ode to Major John Wesley Powell and his team’s early expeditions down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
The basics
It’s easy to visit Powell Point, at a 2-way shuttle stop along Hermit Road at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Walk along a paved, narrow spur to the overlook and enjoy the Grand Canyon views, especially around sunrise or sunset. Don’t miss the stone memorial to John Wesley Powell, who led expeditions down the Colorado River in 1869 and 1871–1872. Powell Point is where Grand Canyon National Park was formally dedicated in 1920.
Things to know before you go
- Powell Point is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and history buffs.
- Don’t expect to see the Colorado River from Powell Point.
- Powell Point has a wheelchair-accessible paved pathway to see the canyon, but the path to Powell Memorial is not accessible.
- When the free shuttle runs from March to November, private vehicles are prohibited from driving along Hermit Road.
How to get there
Powell Point is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, along Hermit Road between Maricopa Point and Hopi Point, around 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from Grand Canyon Village. It’s a 2-way stop on the Hermits Rest (Red) Route shuttle, which runs between March and November when private vehicles are prohibited. You can also ride a bike or walk from a nearby scenic overlook.
When to get there
Plan to visit Powell Point in spring and fall for the best weather and smaller crowds. Summer temperatures can soar, along with crowd sizes. Powell Point is an excellent spot for watching the sunset and is generally less crowded than nearby overlooks. The first shuttle bus is usually around 8am, while the last return bus is one hour after sunset.
Major Powell’s expeditions
In May 1869, Major John Wesley Powell, a Civil War veteran and geologist, led a team down the Green River from Wyoming. Three months later, he made it to the Virgin River in Nevada, having barely survived a harrowing stretch of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. In 1871, he set off on a better-funded expedition staffed with photographers, mapped the area in detail, and collected valuation data on the Grand Canyon.
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