The sun brings out fabulous colors
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Maricopa Point Grand Canyon

4.9
·373 reviews·Grand Canyon Village, United States

A serene South Rim viewpoint offering breathtaking, unobstructed canyon and river vistas, plus a glimpse into mining history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Golden hour light paints the canyon

CrowdLow
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The sun brings out fabulous colors

Maricopa Point Grand Canyon

Best Time

Early morning

Golden hour light paints the canyon

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene South Rim viewpoint offering breathtaking, unobstructed canyon and river vistas, plus a glimpse into mining history.

4.9
(373 reviews)

"A hidden gem with stunning views and fewer crowds, offering a peaceful and immersive Grand Canyon experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Shuttle Bus Savvy

Utilize the free shuttle for easy access to Maricopa Point, especially during peak season. Check NPS website for operating dates!

💧 Stay Hydrated!

Carry ample water; the desert sun is strong. Sunscreen and a hat are essential for comfort.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Canyon Vistas

Panoramic Canyon Vistas

Maricopa Point

Experience breathtaking, unobstructed views deep into the Grand Canyon and of the Colorado River below.

Historic Orphan Mine

Historic Orphan Mine

West side of Maricopa Point

Discover the remnants of a once-rich uranium mine, adding a unique historical layer to the stunning natural scenery.

Peaceful & Uncrowded

Peaceful & Uncrowded

Maricopa Point

Enjoy a serene and immersive perspective of the canyon without the overwhelming crowds of more famous viewpoints.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit Maricopa Point early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The free shuttle bus operates seasonally, so check schedules beforehand to plan your visit efficiently.

Essential Gear for Your Visit

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the Rim Trail and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. The sun can be intense, and staying hydrated is crucial for enjoying the expansive views.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Golden hour light paints the canyon
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Dramatic shadows and colors emerge
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

(South rim) Help on planning

🎯 Shuttle Bus Savvy

Utilize the free shuttle for easy access to Maricopa Point, especially during peak season. Check NPS website for operating dates! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated!

Carry ample water; the desert sun is strong. Sunscreen and a hat are essential for comfort. Reddit

reddit.com

First Timers at GC- Itinerary Tips?

reddit.com

What side of the Grand Canyon is better to visit?

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear good walking shoes for exploring the Rim Trail and enjoying the views without discomfort. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture stunning canyon shots from a safe platform with no fences, offering great angles. Reddit

reddit.com

How to get the best experience out of the grand canyon?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Shuttle Bus Savvy

Utilize the free shuttle for easy access to Maricopa Point, especially during peak season. Check NPS website for operating dates! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated!

Carry ample water; the desert sun is strong. Sunscreen and a hat are essential for comfort. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear good walking shoes for exploring the Rim Trail and enjoying the views without discomfort. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture stunning canyon shots from a safe platform with no fences, offering great angles. Reddit

🤫 Seek Serenity

Maricopa Point offers a quieter, more personal experience compared to busier viewpoints. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(373 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Maricopa Point for its stunning, unobstructed canyon and river views, often highlighting its peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds compared to more famous overlooks. It's praised as a hidden gem offering a serene and immersive experience, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation of the Grand Canyon's grandeur.

"From this viewpoint, the scenery is stunning and the views of the canyon, the Colorado River and the old Orphan mine are fantastic. Access to this viewpoint via hiking along the Rim Trail or taking the free shuttle bus service, which operates daily from March till the end of November. Check the Park Services’ website for up-to-date operating schedules. And before you leave, make sure to locate the Orphan Mine on the west side of the viewpoint. The Orphan Mine was one of the richest uranium mines in the United States. This viewpoint does not have any restrooms."

Thomas B

"Maricopa Point is a hidden gem along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
It’s one of the first viewpoints along Hermit Road, and while it may not be as famous as Hopi or Mohave Point, it offers absolutely stunning views with far fewer crowds. From here, you get a sweeping view deep into the canyon, and on a clear day, you can even spot parts of the Colorado River below.

What makes Maricopa Point special is how quiet and peaceful it feels. The point juts out into the canyon, giving you a more immersive perspective without being blocked by trees or other ridgelines. It’s a great place for sunrise or mid-day views, with the changing light revealing the layers and colors of the canyon walls beautifully.

The walk from the shuttle stop is short and easy, and the paved path makes it accessible for most people. It’s also a great spot for taking photos without large crowds in the background.

If you’re exploring the South Rim, don’t skip Maricopa Point — it’s a calm, beautiful stop with views that rival the more popular locations. A perfect spot for a quiet moment and unforgettable scenery."

Huynh Khuong Nguyen

"Nice viewpoint with a really small walk to out, you get to walk out to a nice little platform!"

Josh Pease

What People Like

Stunning canyon views
Peaceful atmosphere
Fewer crowds

What People Dislike

No restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Maricopa Point is accessible via the free shuttle bus service along Hermit Road, which operates daily from March through November. You can also hike to it along the Rim Trail. Reddit

Maricopa Point is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, along the scenic Hermit Road. Reddit

Private vehicle access to Hermit Road, including Maricopa Point, is restricted during the shuttle bus operating season (March-November). You'll need to use the shuttle or hike. Reddit

From Grand Canyon Village, take the Village (Blue) Route shuttle to the Hermits Rest (Red) Route transfer point, then board the Hermits Rest (Red) Route shuttle. Maricopa Point is one of the early stops. Reddit

Parking is available at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and in Grand Canyon Village, from where you can catch the shuttle buses to Hermit Road. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Maricopa Point is a viewpoint within Grand Canyon National Park. You will need a park entrance pass to enter the park, but there is no separate ticket for the viewpoint itself. Reddit

Maricopa Point is accessible during park hours. The shuttle bus service to Hermit Road operates seasonally, typically from March through November. Always check the official NPS website for current operating schedules. Reddit

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park. The fee is per vehicle and is valid for seven days. Reddit

While the viewpoint is always accessible, the shuttle bus service to Hermit Road is seasonal. Outside of the shuttle season, you can access it by hiking or biking the Rim Trail. Reddit

Yes, Grand Canyon National Park accepts various passes such as the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees for national parks and federal recreation lands. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

From Maricopa Point, you'll get stunning, sweeping views deep into the canyon, including glimpses of the Colorado River and the historic Orphan Mine. Reddit

Compared to more famous viewpoints, Maricopa Point is often described as a hidden gem with far fewer crowds, offering a more peaceful experience. Reddit

No, there are no restrooms directly at Maricopa Point. The nearest facilities are typically found at the Hermits Rest or at shuttle stops further along Hermit Road. Reddit

The walk from the shuttle stop to the viewpoint is short and along a paved path, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

The Orphan Mine was one of the richest uranium mines in the United States. Its remnants are visible on the west side of the viewpoint, adding a historical element to the scenery. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hour casting beautiful colors and shadows across the canyon. Reddit

Yes, Maricopa Point offers a nice platform for photos with great canyon views in the background, often without fences directly obstructing the shot. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details within the canyon. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. Reddit

The main viewpoint offers excellent panoramic shots. Exploring slightly along the paved Rim Trail can reveal different angles and perspectives of the canyon. Reddit

Both sunrise and sunset are spectacular at Maricopa Point, providing incredible light and color changes that enhance the canyon's grandeur. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Maricopa Point is a great stop for families visiting the Grand Canyon. The short, paved walk from the shuttle stop makes it easily accessible for strollers and young children. The expansive views are captivating for all ages, offering a chance to point out the river and the vastness of the canyon. Remember to bring plenty of snacks and water, as amenities are limited at this viewpoint. Reddit

Encourage kids to look for the remnants of the Orphan Mine, sparking their imagination about the history of the area. The relatively fewer crowds here compared to other popular spots can also make for a more relaxed experience for families. Ensure children stay a safe distance from the canyon edge and always supervise them closely. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Walkers

For those who enjoy walking, Maricopa Point is a perfect starting point or stop along the Rim Trail. The paved path offers a comfortable walking surface with continuous, stunning canyon views. You can easily combine a visit to Maricopa Point with a longer hike along the Rim Trail, either east towards Grand Canyon Village or west towards other Hermit Road viewpoints. Reddit

Wear comfortable hiking shoes and carry water, as the trail can be exposed to the sun. The accessibility of the viewpoint via the shuttle makes it easy to incorporate into a longer walking itinerary without needing to worry about parking. Enjoy the fresh air and the ever-changing perspectives of the canyon as you explore. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Hermit Road

Hermit Road is a 7-mile scenic route along the Grand Canyon's South Rim, offering some of the most spectacular viewpoints. During the peak season (typically March 1st to November 30th), the road is closed to private vehicles and accessible only by the free park shuttle bus. This restriction helps preserve the natural environment and reduce congestion, allowing visitors to enjoy the vistas more peacefully. Maricopa Point is one of the first major viewpoints encountered when heading west from the Village on the Hermit Road shuttle. Reddit

The shuttle system is efficient and frequent, making it easy to hop on and off at various points of interest. Each stop provides unique perspectives of the canyon's immense scale and geological history. While Maricopa Point is often overlooked for its more famous neighbors, its strategic location and fewer crowds make it a worthwhile stop for those seeking a more tranquil experience. Reddit

Beyond Maricopa Point, Hermit Road continues to offer stunning overlooks like Hopi Point, Mohave Point, and The Abyss. Planning your shuttle journey to include several of these stops can provide a comprehensive appreciation of the South Rim's grandeur. Remember to check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date shuttle schedules and road closure information. Reddit

The History of the Orphan Mine

The Orphan Mine, visible from Maricopa Point, is a significant historical landmark within the Grand Canyon. It was one of the most productive uranium mines in the United States, operating from the early 20th century until the 1960s. The mine's discovery and operation are intertwined with the geological richness of the region, which holds vast mineral deposits. The remnants of the mine serve as a tangible link to the human endeavor to extract resources from this formidable landscape. Reddit

Exploring the area around Maricopa Point allows visitors to contemplate the history of mining in the Grand Canyon, a stark contrast to its natural beauty. While the mine itself is not accessible for tours, its presence adds a layer of human history to the ancient geological formations. It's a reminder that the Grand Canyon has been a site of human activity for centuries, from indigenous peoples to modern-day prospectors. Reddit

Understanding the context of the Orphan Mine enhances the visitor experience at Maricopa Point. It encourages reflection on the different ways humans have interacted with and utilized this iconic landscape over time. The juxtaposition of the mine's industrial past with the timeless grandeur of the canyon creates a unique and thought-provoking perspective. Reddit

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