Powell Point
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Powell Point

4.9
·855 reviews·Grand Canyon Village, United States

Experience the Grand Canyon's vastness by walking along a ridge, with a memorial offering stunning, unobstructed panoramic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Spectacular light and colors

CrowdHigh
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Powell Point

Powell Point

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Spectacular light and colors

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the Grand Canyon's vastness by walking along a ridge, with a memorial offering stunning, unobstructed panoramic views.

4.9
(855 reviews)

"Walk out along the top of a ridge to feel the Grand Canyon surround you from all sides."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Parking is scarce; arrive early for sunrise/sunset or use the convenient shuttle bus service.

🚶‍♀️ Walk the South Rim Trail

Enjoy the natural beauty by walking from other viewpoints; it's a great way to experience the canyon.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Powell Point Memorial

Powell Point Memorial

End of the overlook

A commemorative monument offering elevated, unobstructed views of the Grand Canyon's vast expanse.

Ridge Walk Vista

Ridge Walk Vista

Along the overlook

Walk along the ridge to feel surrounded by the canyon's immensity, offering a 360-degree perspective.

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Powell Point overlook

Witness the sky transform into a rainbow of colors after the sun dips below the horizon.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Powell Point

Powell Point offers stunning Grand Canyon vistas, but parking is limited. Arrive early, especially for sunrise or sunset, as bus access is convenient but can get crowded. Consider walking the South Rim Trail for a more immersive experience.

Capturing the Grand Canyon's Majesty

Powell Point provides unique photo opportunities with unobstructed views and a commemorative memorial. Be mindful of the lack of railings near the edge for safety. The memorial area offers elevated vantage points for dramatic shots.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Spectacular light and colors
Crowd
High
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Less than a day stay at Grand Canyon

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Parking is scarce; arrive early for sunrise/sunset or use the convenient shuttle bus service. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk the South Rim Trail

Enjoy the natural beauty by walking from other viewpoints; it's a great way to experience the canyon. Reddit

reddit.com

Full day at Grand Canyon

reddit.com

South Rim: Places to rest along trails? 2 days with older parents who have mobility issues

📸 Unobstructed Photos

The memorial area offers fantastic photo ops with no railings, but exercise caution near the edge. Reddit

🌈 Post-Sunset Magic

Stay after sunset; the sky can put on a spectacular rainbow-colored show. Reddit

reddit.com

1 Day Itinerary at Grand Canyon (feedback request)

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Parking is scarce; arrive early for sunrise/sunset or use the convenient shuttle bus service. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk the South Rim Trail

Enjoy the natural beauty by walking from other viewpoints; it's a great way to experience the canyon. Reddit

📸 Unobstructed Photos

The memorial area offers fantastic photo ops with no railings, but exercise caution near the edge. Reddit

🌈 Post-Sunset Magic

Stay after sunset; the sky can put on a spectacular rainbow-colored show. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(855 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Powell Point's immersive views and the unique sensation of walking along the canyon ridge. The memorial offers a great spot for photos, and the sunset views are spectacular. However, parking is extremely limited, and the lack of railings requires constant vigilance.

"I liked the way this one lets you walk out along the top of a ridge to feel the Grand Canyon surround you from all sides. It was a convenient spot from the bus and a special view."

Kyle Matthews

"Beautiful view of Powell Point and the Grand Canyon! Short enough walk to the vista and monument. Sad to say, but all the views of the Grand Canyon look so similar, it's hard to differentiate one view from another."

Adam Webb

"Really great vantage point at the end by the memorial. There's no railings, just a short rock wall, so be careful. It makes for some outstanding photos of just you with the Grand Canyon in the background. I went here for the sunset and the sky turned rainbow colored after the sun went down.

The memorial is nice and elevated so gives you some good vantage points. And there is also a view of the projected hotel that was supposed to be built in the sixties, but they scrapped that idea.

There is not very much room to park. park. There's two big spots where it's for buses only so get here early to take in the sunset or sunrise."

Jesse Mueller

What People Like

Immersive ridge walk
Spectacular sunset colors
Memorial photo ops

What People Dislike

Very limited parking
No safety railings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Powell Point is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It's accessible via the free park shuttle bus system (Hermit Road Route) or by car, though parking is very limited. Walking along the South Rim Trail from nearby viewpoints is also a popular option. Reddit

Yes, Powell Point is accessible by car, but parking is extremely limited, especially during peak hours and for sunrise/sunset. It's often recommended to use the park shuttle. Reddit

Powell Point is a designated stop on the Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle bus. This route operates seasonally and is the primary way to access many viewpoints along this scenic road. Reddit

While Mather Point is a popular starting point, Powell Point is further west along the South Rim Trail. You can walk the trail, but it's a significant distance. It's more common to take the shuttle or drive to a closer point and walk from there. Reddit

Powell Point is located west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road. While not directly in the village, it's easily reachable from the village via the shuttle system. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Powell Point is within Grand Canyon National Park, so you will need a valid park entrance pass to enter the park. The viewpoint itself does not require a separate ticket. Reddit

Powell Point is an outdoor viewpoint and is accessible whenever Grand Canyon National Park is open, typically 24 hours a day. However, access via Hermit Road may be restricted to shuttle buses during certain seasons. Reddit

There is no separate fee for Powell Point. The standard Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee applies, which covers access to all viewpoints and facilities within the park. Reddit

No, tickets are not required for Powell Point as it's a natural viewpoint within the national park. You only need your park entrance pass. Reddit

The main restriction is limited parking. During peak seasons, Hermit Road is often closed to private vehicles, requiring the use of the park shuttle. Always be mindful of safety near the canyon edge. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at Powell Point, with the canyon walls glowing in warm hues. The post-sunset twilight can also yield stunning, colorful skies. Reddit

No, there are no railings directly at the edge of the overlook at Powell Point. There is a short rock wall in the memorial area, but visitors can get very close to the edge for photos. Exercise extreme caution. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific formations. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions during sunrise and sunset. Reddit

Drone usage is strictly prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park, including at Powell Point, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Reddit

The memorial at Powell Point provides a unique foreground element, and the ridge walk allows for a feeling of being enveloped by the canyon, creating dramatic perspectives not found at all viewpoints. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Powell Point offers a visually stunning experience for families, but supervision is key due to the lack of railings at the canyon's edge. The short walk to the memorial is manageable for most children, and the expansive views can spark wonder. Consider visiting during daylight hours when visibility is best and the terrain is easier to navigate. Reddit

Utilizing the park shuttle is a practical way to reach Powell Point with kids, avoiding the stress of limited parking. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are minimal at the viewpoint itself. The memorial offers a safe spot for photos, but always keep a close eye on children near any drop-offs. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Powell Point is an excellent free attraction within Grand Canyon National Park, requiring only your park entrance fee. The ability to access it via the free park shuttle makes it an even more budget-friendly option, saving on gas and parking hassles. Reddit

Pack your own food and drinks to avoid expensive concessions. Walking the South Rim Trail to Powell Point from other viewpoints is a fantastic way to experience the park's grandeur without additional costs. It's a prime example of the incredible natural beauty accessible to everyone.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Powell Point's Unique Vistas

Powell Point stands out on the Grand Canyon's South Rim for its distinctive viewing experience. Unlike some overlooks that offer a single, broad panorama, Powell Point allows visitors to walk along a ridge, creating a sensation of being surrounded by the immense canyon. This immersive perspective is a key reason many travelers seek it out. The commemorative memorial at the end of the overlook adds a historical layer and provides an elevated vantage point, perfect for capturing striking photographs with the vast canyon as a backdrop. Reddit

Access to Powell Point is convenient, being a stop on the Hermit Road shuttle route. This makes it an easy addition to a day exploring the South Rim. However, the limited parking means that arriving early, especially for sunrise or sunset, is crucial if you plan to drive. The lack of railings at the very edge of the overlook, while offering unobstructed views, also necessitates a heightened sense of caution for all visitors, particularly those with children. Reddit

The views from Powell Point are often described as breathtaking, with the canyon unfolding in layers of color and shadow. While some visitors note that many Grand Canyon views can appear similar, the feeling of being enveloped by the landscape at Powell Point is frequently highlighted as a unique and memorable aspect of the experience. Reddit

Photography Tips for Powell Point

Powell Point is a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The way the light plays on the canyon walls creates a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. Many visitors recommend staying after the sun has set, as the sky can erupt in vibrant, rainbow-like colors, offering a magical photographic opportunity. Reddit

When composing your shots, consider using the Powell Point memorial as a foreground element to add depth and scale to your images. The ridge walk also provides opportunities for unique perspectives, making you feel like you're standing on the edge of the world. Remember that there are no railings at the immediate edge, so while you can get close for dramatic shots, safety is paramount. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the immense scale, while a telephoto lens can help isolate interesting geological features. Reddit

For those looking to capture the best possible images, a tripod is essential for low-light photography during dawn and dusk. Be prepared for crowds during these popular times, and consider visiting during the early morning to avoid the busiest periods and secure the best spots for your photography. Reddit

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